Chin-Cheng Chao

In Loving Memory of
Chin Cheng Chao
April 26, 1937 – November 2, 2025
Chin Cheng Chao passed away on November 2, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on April 26, 1937, in Tianjin, China, he was the second of eight children. He studied mining engineering at the National Taipei Institute of Technology and completed one year of compulsory military service in Taiwan. Chin met and married his wife, Weina, in Taipei. They lived in Ivory Coast, West Africa, before settling in Utah, where they founded Chao's Trading Company in Provo. The store became a beloved part of the community until their retirement.
Chin was an avid gardener, hiker, and skier who also held a deep appreciation for Chinese poetry and calligraphy. His beautiful garden produced an abundance of fruit and vegetables that he shared generously with family, friends, and neighbors. He also had a remarkable love for the outdoors. He climbed Mount Whitney twice, summited King's Peak several times, and ascended Mount Timpanogos an extraordinary 51 times. He continued to hike and ski well into his 80s.
He embodied the traits of his Chinese zodiac sign, the Ox: honesty, diligence, patience, and quiet strength. His determination, integrity, and generosity touched all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the family he loved, the friends he cherished, and the community he helped shape.
Chin is survived by Weina, his wife of 54 years; his son, Victor; and his daughter, Wendy.
An open house celebration of life will take place on Saturday, November 15, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 E 800 N, Orem, UT. Guests are welcome to drop in at any time. Keeping with Chin's wishes, the family kindly requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to a charitable cause of your choosing.