Arnold S. Chew's Obituary
Arnold S. Chew, 73, of San Jose, California , passed away peacefully on April 20, 2019.
He was born in Oakland, CA, on July 25, 1945 to Randall and Rosabelle Chew, and was the eldest of three children, including Carolyn Chew Pon and Bradley Chew. He graduated from Oakland High and later from San Francisco State University. Arnold started his 32 year career with IBM Corp in San Jose in 1967.
On July 28, 1968, Arnold was married to Georgina Mew in Oakland. Together they raised two sons, Kyle and Ryan.
There were many challenges in Arnold’s life. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and then suddenly lost his vision and became legally blind in 2000. However, this never stopped him from doing what he loved. His motto was “you deal with the cards you are dealt.” He and Gina were very involved with the Santa Clara Valley Blind Center (now the Vista center for the Blind and Visually Impaired). They also enjoyed worship and activities with their friends from First Chinese Baptist Church in SF Chinatown, as well as weekly bible studies with their South Bay friends.
In 2015, they downsized and settled down in the Villages, a retirement community in the East foothills of San Jose. In 2018, on the exact day they married, they celebrated 50 years together!
After heart bypass surgery in Dec, 2018, recovery was challenging. Arnold will be remembered as an easy going guy with a quick wit, sense of humor, independence and a love for his family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday May 16, 2019, 10:30 am at Chapel of the Chimes Oakland, CA 94611.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the following would be appreciated:
First Chinese Baptist Church
15 Waverly Place, San Francisco, CA 94108
Vista Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired
101 North Bascom Avenue, San Jose, CA 95128
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