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Steven Leong Obituary
March 14, 1919 - December 25, 2009
Steven was born in Watsonville, California, grew up in San Francisco, and resided in Los Angeles. He died peacefully from complications of Parkinson Disease in the home he hand built in 1950.
He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Ella; daughters Marsha (Shigeru), Lucinda (Perry); grandsons Ryan Jhono, Asher Nelson; brothers Dr. Edward Way, Dr. James Way; and many nieces and nephews.
During his youth in San Francisco, Steve made lifelong friends with whom he joined the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 3, and together participated in a variety of sports, an interest he maintained throughout adulthood. With a partner in the fifties, he was national tennis Chinese doubles champion. Golf became his top favorite in later years.
After graduating in 1941 with a B.S. in mechanical engineering from U.C.Berkeley, a government assignment took him to Luke Field in Arizona to train the first groups of Chinese Air Force Cadets in World War ll. Designing airplanes at Douglas Aircraft in Santa Monica followed, then 32 years at Bechtel Corporation, ending as Manager of International Operations.
In retirement, he volunteered in various civic projects, and mentored friends in golf.
Service is private. If desired, donations may be made to Friends of Chinatown Library, 639 No. Hill St., LA, CA 90012, or Portraits of Pride, Chinese Historical Society of Southern California, 415 Bernard St., LA, CA 90012, or Chinese American Museum, 425 N. Los Angeles St., LA, CA 90012.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Steven Leong
John Goodell
January 30, 2010
My name is John Goodell, I am the son of Jack H. Goodell, who worked with Steve for so many years with Bechtel, my Father died on June 30, 2009 at the age of 92 and he is also truly missed. I worked for Bechtel for 35+ years and my Father spoke of Steve many times throughout his life, I met Steve on more that one ocasion and believe the two of them were both very moral, ethetical and intellectual people, I am glad that they and I had the opportunity to meet. My father would not have spoken about Steve to me so often if he were not such a special person, my heat and thoughts are with you and your family during your time of grief. May God Bless you all.
Bill and Doris Bingham
January 13, 2010
Doris and I have shared many happy occasions with Steve and Ella and his laughter and sese of humor always were a pleasure. We hope you all will find comfort in many happy family memories. May God bless you all, Bill and Doris Bingham
Tony Syriotis
January 13, 2010
Dear Ella and Family,
My sincere condolensces and sympathies to you.
It took me some days to compose myself and be able to compose some words on the the loss of one of my beloved Mentors.
Some of us, remember him as the tough, unbending MANAGER, who would set his foot behind the entrance door in Vernon at 7:45 AM and would NOT permit any late arrivals; or, the Manager of Engineering, who, on a scale of 1 to 5, would rank all of us Chiefs at BEST a 2,and... when....needled by Bob Stubbins on a Grade for himself, would immediately state... " a 3, maybe 4 " !!!!
But, I, will ALWAYS REMEMBER HIM, as the mild, caring, passionate boss, who would always have strange words to praise you on some accomplishment and when, for any reason, I would not perform up to my capability and his expectations, he had diificulty find words to express his disappointment, but, would immediately start a process to find the causes for my "malfunction" and find ways to remedy and make me recover.
Being mostly a fisherman, I never encountered him on the golf course or the tennis court. I do remember however, that when I informed him of the formation of a Soccer Team, he "couldn't wait to see Pierre Charbonnier, Scotty Taylor, Fen Ku, Roy Norry, and me, GET KICKED AROUND. " He, secretly, came to watch us play at the nearby field in Norwalk.
Farewell, my dear friend, manager, and mentor. Have a good journey, say hi to Jack Goodell, and "asta la vista".
Tony Syriotis
Lupe Morrison Morrison
January 12, 2010
My condolences and sympathies to the Leong family during this difficult time. God bless you.
Rosita Morillo
January 12, 2010
My deepest sympathies go out to the entire Leong family. Although, a bit from a distance throughout my years working at Bechtel, I will always remember the professional man that I saw passing by representing our company. May God bless you ALL!
Ray Moore
January 11, 2010
January 11, 2010
I will always remember Steve as the man who hired me in Aug.1953. He was a true gentleman and a talented engineer.
He helped me get off to a good start with Bechtel and we were associated on several projects for over 31 years. He was a avid golfer and a great sport on the course. I extend my sincere condolences to Ella and the other members of Steve's family.
Hugh Carter
January 11, 2010
Steve and I were in he same car pool for over a year..all traveling to the Vernon office from the west side of Los Angeles.
He was always a good companion with his wit and friendship. It has ben almost 60 years sinch I made those trips, but Steve's charm remains in my memory. Hugh Carter
Bernie Kotkin
January 11, 2010
I have fond memories of the time in 1981 when Steve and I took Taiwanese officials on a tour of power plants to all four corners of the United States. Definitely a Prince among men.
Bob Cavazo
January 11, 2010
Our deepest sympathies go out to the Leong family. God bless your family in this time of mourning and loss.
Cynthia Stamberger
January 9, 2010
Steve was such a gentle soul. Kind and friendly always. He will be in our hearts and minds forever and ever.
George and Joyce Wong
January 9, 2010
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
January 8, 2010
My sincere sympathies to each of you for the loss of Steve. He was always such a gentleman. May he rest in Peace.
Fung Scholz
Janesville, WI
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