Philip Ping-Wah Chan

Philip Ping-Wah Chan (76) passed away peacefully at home in Plymouth, Michigan on March 20, 2024 after a well-fought five-year battle with lung cancer. Phil was born in Hong Kong, China on January 7, 1948 to his parents, the late Mok Han (née Ho) and Sik Kwan Chan. He is the beloved husband of 49 years to Anne (née Li) Chan, loving father of Rebecca (Christopher) Wieland, and proud grandfather of Oliver and Elliot. He is survived by his brother, Lawrence (Randi) Chan, and his sister, Cecilia Chan. He is dearly loved and will be greatly missed. 

Phil graduated summa cum laude from University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering in 1972 before he was recruited by Ford Motor Company to work in Sharonville, Ohio. While there, he earned his master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in EE.  In 1977, he was transferred to the transmission and chassis division in Livonia, Michigan. Later he was inducted into the consumer driven Lean 6-sigma methodology at Ford, and went on to achieve the highest certification of Master Black Belt (Certified Level II). His tenacity and discipline also earned him two patents for design and manufacturing improvements of the torque converter. Phil was also recognized with the Henry Ford Technology Award for designing and manufacturing a transmission torque converter cover that utilized spin and roll form technology. 

In his retirement, Phil served five years as treasurer for CAPA (Council of Asian Pacific Americans) in Metro Detroit. He also spent considerable time enjoying his hobbies of Chinese mahjong, golf, and table tennis. He told Becca that he was busier in retirement than when he was working! Meanwhile, Anne kept them even busier with world travel, ballroom dancing, and home maintenance. Later, they became “snow birds” with their new community of friends in The Villages, Florida. When Phil was home, he loved perfecting Chinese delicacies like steamed savory turnip cake (lo bak go), steamed sponge cake (ma lai go), and more savory dishes like braised chicken with chestnuts and braised pork spare ribs. Everyone knew to stay out of the kitchen to avoid interrupting his process-he took his cooking as seriously as he took his mahjong. The grandkids enjoyed sharing sweet treats with Gung Gung, and they brought out the playful and childlike nature held under his composed demeanor. 

Those who knew him benefited from his pragmatism, analytical mind, and self-taught knowledge. A man of few words, he enjoyed sitting back during conversations with friends, contributing a few humorous quips. He valued decisive action, getting to the point, and honoring one’s commitments. Phil’s absence and impact on his loved ones will be deeply felt.

There will be a Memorial Gathering at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home, 280 South Main Street, Plymouth, Michigan on Saturday, April 27, 2024 beginning at 2:00 P.M. until the start of the Memorial Service beginning at 4:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor the memory of Philip Ping-Wah Chan are invited to consider a contribution to Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor, 2010 Hogback Road #3, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105, or online at www.cancersupportannarbor.org  This organization has been of great support to the Chan family, and they are appreciative of their advocacy and services. 

Contribution envelopes will be available at the Funeral Home.