Edwin Chin Jr.

1932 - 2016

Edwin Chin, Jr.
Jun. 8, 1932 - Apr. 8, 2016
Santa Clara
We knew him as our father. As kids, he played with us constantly, building models, mounting butterflies, painting, camping, and skiing. He never instructed us, but his excitement was infectious. By his example, he taught us how to learn on our own and to love learning.
Each weekend we sought out obscure beaches along the California coast. We explored tide pools together, collected sand dollars, and climbed rocks. He brought tools and spray bottles to make fantastical sand sculptures. We would arrive at sunrise and stay past sunset, warmed by glowing embers, laughter, and good conversation.
We didn't appreciate what an exceptional man he was until later in our lives. He grew up in Stockton at a time when Chinese people weren't allowed in public pools. At age 15 or 16, one summer, he dug his own pool with rebar, concrete, plumbing, and diving board. Then he invited friends over to swim, regardless of skin color.
He loved music. His childhood instrument was the trumpet. He performed jazz in traditional Chinese costume. Later, his love was classical guitar. He was always singing old-time songs or whistling.
He enjoyed a long career as a Professor of Anatomy at San Jose State University. His lectures were performance art, the chalkboard his canvas. Auditoriums filled to capacity as Dr. Chin dazzled students with his fast-paced presentation, fluid writing, and full-color drawings. When he drew dotted lines, it sounded like a machine gun; after the cloud of chalk cleared, you saw the lengths and spaces were perfect! At the end of each lecture, boards across the room were filled with detailed anatomical pictures.
He was a charismatic performer, teacher, artist, photographer, scientist, musician, athlete – the very definition of a renaissance man. He had an unbounded zest for knowledge and creating beauty. He lived and loved life with all the gusto he could muster.
We called him Ed, you may know him as Dr. Chin, Edo, or Eddy. He was loved by students and friends, coworkers and family. We will all miss him.


View the online memorial for Edwin Chin, Jr.