Thomas Chin Obituary

Thomas G. Chin

After a very full and bountiful life, Thomas "Tom" G. Chin passed away peacefully one year ago in January 2021 at the age of 97. He is very fondly remembered by his four children, Andrea (Larry), Michael (Donna), Kim (John), and Douglas (Kathy), five grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and a multitude of relatives, as well as a wide community of friends.

Tom came from humble beginnings. He was born in Seattle to Chinese immigrant parents. He was the second youngest in a large family. After serving in the Army Air Corp during WWII, he received a Masters in Engineering at UC Berkeley. He and his wife Dorothy (Lew) settled in El Cerrito. Tom worked for Chevron in Richmond for his career. While the family was growing up, Tom was active as a Boy Scout leader and a tennis coach at the high school. From 1968-70 Tom and his family lived in India on a special work assignment for Chevron. The family's horizons expanded with that international experience, and in retirement Tom and Dor explored many countries around the world.

Tom was an avid tennis player, and was active in the El Cerrito Tennis Club. He volunteered for 30 years post-retirement at the English Action Center, where he helped teach English as a Second Language to immigrants. He used songs in his teaching. He shared this love of singing at every possible opportunity, at family gatherings, with senior singing and ukulele classes, and at a local memory care unit. These passions – for singing, staying physically fit, and enjoying the company of family & friends - seemed to be the three keys to his long and healthy life.

Tom fostered a critical mind and a can-do spirit, combined with a deep love for humanity. He was fascinated by how things work and by human behavior. He was a member of a Great Books group for years. In December 2020, he was honored and proud to receive the Congressional Gold Medal for Chinese Americans who served in WWII. A lifelong Democrat, Tom was glad to see Joe Biden inaugurated as President, before he died. In his last five years Tom was able to enjoy a vibrant and active life due to his excellent caregivers, Enrique and Gene. They became good friends, and went above and beyond to ensure Tom was healthy and happy.The family is most appreciative of their care.

Tom was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy; daughter-in-law, Janice; and all of his siblings. Tom was loved and admired by his friends and family. He left an enduring example of how to live with grace, gratitude and dignity.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jan. 26 to Jan. 30, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Chin

7 Entries

Dodie Setoda

January 31, 2022

Uncle Tom will always be remembered by our kids as the "Black Bird Man." When Kevin & Tracey were very young, Uncle told them the story of the black birds flying away. They were fascinated with his story telling and that was just one of his many talents. I treasure the B&W photo I have of Uncle Tom, Uncle Fred and my Dad (Jim Locke) posing together in our front yard. All three were young and handsome. Uncle Tom proudly wore his military uniform. I'll miss you, Uncle and all the funny stories you told; your singing and zest for life. Love, Dodie

Debra Liu & Hoover Chan

January 30, 2022

We will always remember Uncle Tom for his open heart and generous, accepting spirit. He saw the best in everyone. He made everyone he met feel welcome and valued. He could converse with anyone; it didn't matter if it were someone strolling past his home or a stranger sitting at an adjacent restaurant table. Uncle Tom had such a curious mind -- his conversations gave him countless opportunities to expand his horizons. He relished teaching English to newcomers as much as he enjoyed tackling the challenges of learning new languages. He wasn't the least bit shy about practicing his budding language skills whenever the opportunity arose. Uncle Tom and Aunty Dor were utterly devoted to each other and their whole family. We're so grateful to have been a part of their circle.

David M. Louie

Planted Trees

Tracey Gauthier

January 29, 2022

For as long as I can remember, family gatherings were always attended by "the Uncles". It took me a while to understand that some of them were truly my Uncles, but some were great Uncles and some were close family friends who treated us like their family. Great Uncle Tom was a favorite of mine because he always told the best stories and did tricks like the "blackbird" one when he was visiting. Generous and gregarious, he regaled us with tales of his international travels and played games with us. I'll never forget that he always had a smile on his face. Love and hugs to you, Uncle Tom. We miss you!

David

Planted Trees

David Chin

January 28, 2022

Some of my earliest and most impressionable memories comes from my Yeh-yeh. For over thirty years, my grandfather would watch and wave as my family drove away from each and every gathering. He would say to hello to nearly everyone he passed and was able to start up a conversation with anyone. Due to this ability, I was convinced he knew everyone in the world. He taught me the importance of family, kindness, compassion, and hard work. I am proud to be his grandson and will be forever grateful for the role he played in who I am today. I look forward to modeling and passing down these same lessons to my children and grandchildren.

Amari & Kaleo's daddy

January 27, 2022

To the best Tai Gung Gung who ever walked the Earth! Did you know that every time Amari sees a plane, to this day he says it is going to Tai Gung Gung's house?? Yup, as little as he remembers from his baby days, you made a huge impact on him beyond measure-- As you did on all of us. Miss you so much, love you so much, but I know you are always with me in my heart and head.

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