Henry (Hank) Chin

Henry (Hank) Chin passed away on June 24, 2024, at the age of 94, with family by his side.

Hank was born in 1930 and was raised in Seattle along with his sister Neta, and three brothers Herb, Jim, and Frank. He attended Garfield High School and Seattle University and was a proud member of the Garfield Golden Grads.

From 1947-1950, Hank served in the US Navy as an electronics technician. While stationed at Treasure Island in California, he met Loretta Gee through relatives. He returned to Seattle and in 1952, Hank and Loretta were married. Their first daughter, Cindy, was born the following year. Four years later came the birth of their second daughter, Marina (Cookie).

Hank worked for Boeing as a radar electronics technician and then became a service station business owner with his brothers. In his spare time, Hank enjoyed fishing and razor clamming.

Surrounded by three women at home for many years, Hank adopted “son” Max, his Doberman pinscher. Max went faithfully with Hank every day to the Mobil service station on Beacon Hill.

In retirement, Hank was happy sitting in his massage chair and watching TV, particularly CNBC so he could keep up with the stock market. Hank belonged to an investment group that met monthly for lunch where they exchanged stock tips and ideas. The club members also traveled together and golfed in cities around the United States.

In 2007, Hank traveled to China with Loretta, Cindy, son-in-law Robb, and two dear friends. For Hank, the highlight of the trip was a visit to the Chin family village near Toishan to tour the family’s ancestral home. During that visit, Hank honored his ancestors with traditional offerings. The trip also included seeing the famous terra cotta warriors in Xian, the Forbidden City in Beijing and the Great Wall at Mutianyu. After two weeks of travel, Hank was glad to be back home relaxing in his chair.

In the summer months, he spent many hours outdoors pruning and weeding the landscape of his Mercer Island home. He grew tomatoes, Asian pears, and plums, and harvested an occasional cherry if the birds and squirrels didn’t get to them first.

Hank enjoyed many hobbies including collecting scale model cars, tinkering in his work shop, tending to his aquariums and orchids, reading while snacking on Walkers shortbread cookies, to name a few. He lived a simple, hard-working, long life and his loving family will dearly miss him.

A private family service was held. Remembrances may be made to Wing Luke Museum or Kin On.

Please share memories and condolences on the Tribute Wall, located above.

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home - Lake View