Fred M. Gok

GOK, Fred M. - Born in San Francisco on November 23, 1915 to Leen J. Gok and Lan Choy Gok and passed away on Friday, April 22, 2005 in San Francisco at the age of 89 due to complications of pneumonia. He is survived by his devoted son, Forrest M. Gok, and preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Ethel Gunn Gok, nearly ten years ago. He was raised in San Francisco and attended Francisco Junior High School and Galileo High School where he was one of the first Chinese Americans to letter in basketball and tennis. He was an original member of the pioneer semi-pro Chinese American basketball team, the Hong Wah Kues, which barnstormed the nation in 1939-1940. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II as a Japanese interpreter in the Philippines. After his military service, he had a long and varied career as a co-owner of Sampan Restaurant in San Francisco's Ingleside district, waiter at Trader Vic's restaurant and finally as a machinist at the Hunters Point Naval Shipyard and Treasure Island Naval Base for 20 years. He will be missed for his wry sense of humor and straightforward manner. Private services will be held. Donations in the name of Fred M. Gok may be made to: Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation, P.O. Box 29237, San Francisco, CA 94129-0237 (415) 561.2160.