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Norman Lew Obituary
Nov. 11, 1937 - Oct. 7, 2020
Norman Lew was born on Hangah Alley in San Francisco's Chinatown at the height of the Great Depression, the second son of Jee and Ng Him Jeung Lew. His early years in a small multifamily unit with no running hot water mirrored the experiences of many other immigrants of that time, and set a moral compass to guide an exemplary life. His was a life well lived with deep roots in Chinatown: from playful Chinatown Flying Eagles kid to dedicated community social justice advocate to active member of the Golden Hill Golf Club. Norman was devoted to his family and friends, to his community, and shared a kindred spirit with myriad others. With his kindness and his generous energy Norman brightened the lives of so many others with a bit of sunshine and a ray of hope for a good life ahead. Norman was resolute, and always with bilingual humor and a twinkle at the ready. He was always the valiant look-you-in-the-eye optimist, even through these trying years with progressive supranuclear palsy.
Norman graduated from UC Berkeley and was a dedicated Cal Bears fan. He graduated from Hastings Law School in 1962, was a senior partner at Lew Fong Leung Lee and Chan APC, and was formerly: Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Chinese for Affirmative Action, Co-chairperson of the Chinese Culture Foundation, President and founding member of the Asian American Bar Association, Board member of San Francisco Association and of Gateway Bank, FSA. A special nod goes out to Norman's lifelong support for protecting the equal dignity of all races, orientations, and people at every stage in life.
Norman is dearly missed by his wife Irene, daughter Norene with Peter, son Michael, brother Weyman with Dana, sisters Jane, Shirley with Homer, Eileen with Gordon, grandchildren Jack and Olivia, and many extensive family members. The family thanks the dedicated caregivers.
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Memories and Condolences
for Norman Lew
Helen Y H Hui
October 11, 2022
What a brilliant smile and mind! We miss your generous and kind spirit. Thank you for being our friend through the years.
Helen
Alfred Kwong
November 24, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
As a Junior Flying Eagle by 4 years, Normal was always there to help in the Flying Eagle’s Sunday church service anniversaries in the 50’s at the United Chinese Methodist Church as the guest speaker. I was impressed by iNorman’s excellent basketball skills as I was growing up. I was proud to see him grow his law practice in SF Chinatown, and I would ask him for advice now and then. And I was always glad to see him at the annual Chinatown Y fund raising golf tournaments even during his bout with palsy.
He leaves behind a legacy of achievements that inspires many generations to come.
Richard V. Tong
October 29, 2020
Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences on the passing of our beloved Uncle Norman. His brilliance will forever be a hallmark in SF Chinatown and to all who have known him. Wishing our cherished Auntie Irene, Cousin Norene and her family, and Cousin Michael peace, faith, and healing.
Kindest Regards,
Richard V. Tong and Rick Swartzbaugh
Catherine Yee
October 18, 2020
I was one of the lucky ones who had the opportunity to work with Norman. He was a mentor to me and was so generous with his advice and time. Norman always had an answer to my questions or pointed me to the right direction. In addition to working hard at his profession, Norman devoted so much of his time for the community in his many roles, one of which was being a part of the Capital Campaign for St. Mary’s School in Chinatown. HIs contribution helped raised funds to build a new school at a new school site. We will greatly miss Norman, a rare treasure of the community.
Gail Barone
October 17, 2020
In 1971 I was introduced to Norman who would become my lawyer to get back child support. I was Caucasion and my boyfriend knew Norman. I remember walking into his fabulous office in Chinatown and I was 25 with two little girls to support. He took the case and won in the court in San Rafael. He took my case pro bono. I will never forget his regal performance for me and the ultimate win. I offer my sincere condolences to the family and remember Norman as a wonderful, intelligent and dedicated friend and lawyer. He helped when I could not find a lawyer to help me, I will never forget it. Rest in peace my dear friend and lawyer.
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