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Benjamin "Choy Buck-Tone" Choy

Benjamin Choy Obituary

CHOY, Benjamin (AKA Choy Buck-Tone) - Age 87, died on February 7, 2005, in San Jose, CA. Born June 6, 1917, Ben came to the United States at the age of 13, from a small village near Canton, China. He was a devoted husband, father, uncle and friend. His determination led him to many careers throughout his long life, including occupations in real estate, insurance, radio/ television, law and as an electrical engineer for Bechtel Corp. Ben was also a published playwright. His play "I Caught a Chinese Yankee" was produced and performed in San Francisco and up until he fell ill in January, he was seeking to produce his other plays. This extraordinary man is survived by his two sons, Eugene and Steven Choy. A small memorial to celebrate Ben's life will be held at the Parkview Senior Residence Community Hall, 355 Race St., on Monday, Feb. 21, 2005 at 2pm. The family would prefer donations be made to the Ben Choy Memorial Fund, c/o Steven Choy, P.O. Box 111772, Campbell, CA 95011.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Feb. 19 to Feb. 20, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Choy

Sponsored by Steven Choy.

11 Entries

Steve

February 7, 2020

15 years... its been 15 years since my dad passed away. It still stings like it was yesterday. I miss the laughter, the food, the unconditional love. I think I miss the most his words of encouragement. Im sure I took it for granted. The little things like reminding me that Im getting smarter each day. I used to think thats just what dads say to their kids. But having gone 15 years without him, I appreciate how lucky I was to have had him in my life.

I wish he could be here to see how far Ive gotten in life. He came to this country alone at age 13 to work and send home back to his parents. He built a life from the ground up and made sure he always showed his gratitude to those who lent a helping hand. He achieved the American Dream and eventually received degrees in engineering and a law degree and bought a home.

Im still playing catch up but I hope whatever I accomplish in life, that he would proud of the legacy Im carrying forward.

Miss you dad. Tell mom I miss her too.

Steven Choy

March 26, 2011

Dad,

The last six years have gone by so quickly. I was just recalling a memory of you. We were at a restaurant and you suggested I order a steak, my favorite, medium rare. I had never ordered it any other way than well-done. It was delicious, now I don't have steak any other way. This thought made me smile. It was just another memory of you teaching me; sharing with me.

I miss you terribly, as always. I am happy though. Like you, I try my best to overcome life's everyday struggles. I know it wasn't always easy for you, taking care of me and mom. When jobs were scarce, you washed dishes and telemarketed, despite the fact you had a law degree and was an experienced electrical engineer. I can honestly say, I have yet to meet another man so humble.

I hope that I continue to make you proud, Dad. I do try and yet, I know that I fall short of doing my very best at all times. I wish I had your work ethic, your perserverance and your unrelenting sense of hope.

I do believe though. I believe that one day I will accomplish great things and make every ounce of hard work you put forth worth it.

Send my love to Mom. I will see you both one day soon.

Love your Son,

Steven

Candace Walker

March 7, 2011

Hi Mr. Choy,

Just wanted to stop by and sign your guest book and let you know that Steve is doing well. You will be proud of him and all that he has accomplished here in Atlanta. Wish I had met you in person but if you are anything like Steve then I know you were a great man. Your son is truly a great man and a joy to know. God bless,
Candace

Steven Choy

March 1, 2010

Hi Dad,

I can't believe it's been 5 years now. I wish I could say it felt like yesterday when I last heard your laugh and smelled your cooking when I came home from work. But it feels longer than 5 years now, most of the good memories seem to live long in the past while the painful ones remain fresh.

Life is ever-changing for me. Regardless of what obstacles I face, I continue to look to your examples and how you've always managed to come through no matter how tough the situation. I want you to know how much I appreciate you for that. Regardless of our financial situation, I never once felt hopeless or frightened of the future. You were the epitome of a good father, tirelessly unselfish and always there to protect and support his family. We may not have always had much...but we seemed to have more than most.

As my journey goes on, I continue to make great friends, like Candace, who posted below. If there is one thing I know for sure you and Mom passed on to me, is the ability to seek and attract good-hearted people and make long lasting friendships.

Mom's cooking is terribly missed, as always. So is yours as a matter of fact. You'll be happy to know I keep in touch with Cindee. She's even given me the recipe to Yuk Bang.

I love you both and I miss you very much.

Love,

Steven

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Candace Walker

March 1, 2010

Steve...I will say it again...your mom and dad did a wonderful job raising you. You are a beautiful man and I am so blessed to have you as my friend.
God bless!

May 26, 2009

Hi Dad,

I'm late again this year. I hope you don't think it's because I've forgotten, because I haven't. There's actually not much time that goes by without thinking about you or mom.

Sometimes the thoughts are so sad that I'd rather not have them. But most of the time something triggers a great memory, like a similar laugh, or a piece of news. A few weeks ago, My Fair Lady came on TV. It made me remember when you took me to Stanford Theatre to see the movie. It was my first time there. I was so excited by the live music during the intermission.

I often think about the adventures we had. I remember how you tried to take me to places you enjoyed, how you tried to have me experience new things.

When I think back on some of most memorable trips, I remember you being there with me. Disney Land, Great America, Marine World, wherever. I could always count on you being there even when I had no one else to go with.

I wanted to let you know that I'm doing very well right now. I found a great new job at the end of last year and I believe I'm flourishing. I've been given some great compliments and I'm really enjoying it.

I'm trying to work more on my writing as well. I know exactly what you mean now when you told me stories about how your friends would try to diminish your writing accomplishments by saying they could write a book or a play too, if they wanted. You'd always tell me, 'if it were only that easy...'.

Please send mom my love. I think about her all the time as well, which I'm sure you both know. I continue to try and make you both proud of me, but I know you already are.

I love you both.

Steven

Candace Walker

April 18, 2008

Steve,

This is a beautiful guest book. Your father must have been a wonderful man because he raised such an awesome young man. I know he is smiling down on you right now...proud of the man you have become and looking forward to all the things you will accomplish in the future. It is a privilege to call you friend.

Steven Choy

March 5, 2008

Hi Dad,

Sorry I'm a bit late this year. I've had a dream with you in it last night. I woke up in tears but reflecting back on it, it was a good dream.

In it, you were organizing things to prepare me for your passing. You showed me where certain records were and told me where to find things. In the dream, you also parked your Buick!

Like I said, I woke up from it feeling very sad. However, this morning, I'm grateful to have been able to share a moment with you, even if it was only in a dream.

This past year has been full of changes. I moved to Atlanta back in June. It's not too bad out here, I think you'd like it. I even found a really good Chinese grocery.

I've also completed the first draft of my first screenplay!!! I know you'd be proud of me. I feel like I'm following in your footsteps in a completely incidental way. Thank you for passing down the writing bug to me.

Tell Mom I love her and miss her dearly. I've been bragging about her cooking to many of my friends and co-workers. What I wouldn't give to have some now.

I love you both and hope to see you someday. Take care of each other.

Love, your son,

Steven

Steven Choy

February 12, 2007

Hi Dad,

Another year has passed. As more time passes, I continue to be more amazed at your accomplisments.

Sometimes it's hard dealing with you being gone, but I continue to remember all that we shared while you were here. I still can see that constant smile and hear your joyous laughter.

I'm doing well. I'm moving forward with life and starting to realize my potential. I hope to make you and mom proud!

Please tell her I said hello. I miss her so. I can never find any decent home-cooked Chinese food anywhere. I miss talking and laughing with her as well.

Thanks for looking out for me, then and now.

I love you both.

Steven Choy

February 7, 2006

Hi Dad,

It's been a year now and I'm doing well.

I miss you so much and have been thinking of you often. Often times I think about how great of a man you were and how I took that for granted.

I just want you to know that things are fine and that I've been thinking of you and Mom.

As always, tell Mom I said hi and that I miss her so.

Love,

Steven

Steven Choy

March 11, 2005

I never quite knew how lucky I was. I could never fully comprehend all that you've meant to me, Dad. But I know now, and I hope you know how much I love you. You were everything a son could hope to have in a father, and more.

Thank you for making me into the man I am today. I hope that one day I can follow in your footsteps and become the man you were.

I'll never forget all that you've said and everything you've done. I will continue to learn from your lessons and hope to make you proud.

Say hello to Mom for me. Tell her I miss her dearly and that my love for her has yet to fade.

I love you both.

Your son,

Steven