Walter Bo Chew's Obituary
Walter was born in Oakland, CA to Chew, Shew Yind and Lum, Foon Ho. He was number 5 of 7 siblings but the last to join the great mahjong game in heaven. He called out to each of them in his final days. He attended Lincoln elementary school, Oakland Tech High School and earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of California, Berkeley. He served in the Korean war as a radio operator in the US Army. He spent 35+ years in accounting, both on the job and volunteering for church, credit unions and personal businesses.
After 5 years of pen palling (that’s email without the “e”) between the US and the Philippines, a chance visit to her aunt in San Francisco, and many drives over the Oakland – San Francisco Bay bridge in the family produce truck, he married Leily Ma on October 8, 1961. Together they raised 2 sons. Stephen, married to Wendy with children Nicole and Jordan, and Jonathan married to Bobo with a son Nathaniel.
Giving best describes Walter. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he put the needs of his family before his own. As a brother (in-law) and uncle, he not only gave with time but also financially. He helped bring Leily’s family from the Philippines to the US and ensured that lack of funds would not be a determining factor. Minivans are a staple of family life these days, but in the early 70’s, vans were mainly used for commercial purposes. As another example of his giving nature, Walter purchased a full-sized Dodge van in order to transport the extended family together and explore the west coast. He was always ready to give a ride. Extended family journeyed with him as far north as Vancouver, Canada and down south to San Diego, CA. Beyond family he volunteered many hours to the church, credit unions and the community. Not once, did he ever complain when tasked with a duty.
Walter enjoyed reading. He subscribed to 2 newspapers, various magazines, and even tabloids. He would read while dining, waiting in the car, or almost any free moment he could find. He could read out loud for hours to his grandchildren, going through 2-foot tall stacks of children’s books. That habit extends as his grandchildren have become avid readers.
On Saturday, July 30, 2022, Walter Bo Chew, passed away at the age of 93. He passed away at home among family. He will be dearly missed by all.
The family prefers physical cards sent to Walter's home address. If you don't have that, you can send them to the Chapel of the Chimes c/o Walter Chew and they will ensure they get to the family. If you prefer to send flowers, you can use the link below or the family florist Ah Sam: https://www.ahsam.com/occasions/sympathy-flowers-plants/
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