Tom Wing Chin

Tom Wing Chin, 96, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026.

Tom was a university graduate, businessman and restaurant owner. He immigrated to Seattle from Hong Kong in 1951, and worked in the kitchen at Trader Vic's before opening Gim Wah, a Chinese-American restaurant and lounge in the Magnolia neighborhood. He devoted much of his life to his work and community.

His son, Alan Chan, later immigrated to the Seattle area and took over the restaurant.

Tom and his wife, Mei Sezto Chin, shared a love of travel and spent many years sailing on cruises around the world. Tom was an avid photographer and artist. He filled the walls of his home with his photography, drawings and paintings, each piece reflecting the curiosity he found in the world around him, especially oceans, waterfalls and birds.

When he wasn’t exploring new places, Tom could be found on the tennis court, at the golf course, or at Luck Ngi Musical Club in Seattle’s Chinatown. At home, he enjoyed watching sports and kung fu movies, tending to his fish tanks, practicing tai chi, listening to Chinese opera, and playing his dulcimer and other traditional Chinese instruments. Tom delighted in sharing his hobbies and always hoped his grandkids and great‐grandkids would carry them forward.

Tom will be remembered for his creativity and dedication. His memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Tom leaves behind his wife, Mei; his son, Alan; his daughter-in-law, Yuk Yin Cheng; and Mei’s daughters, Kathy (Mark) Kinomoto and Connie (Bill Lee) Mah; as well as grandkids Wing Yu Chan, Yan Pui Chan, Sharon (KinFai Au) Chan, Shirley (Edwin Song) Chan, Kara (Mat) Brown, Kalyn Kinomoto, Andy Kinomoto, and Kristine (Johnny) Bushey; and great‐grandkids Augustine Chan and Koby Chan-Au; Addison and Carson Song; Serenity, Clark and Kent Brown; and Ezra and Evelyn Bushey.

Tom was preceded in death by his eldest son, Chi Bong Chan; daughter-in-law, Luanda Chan; grandson, James Chan; and Mei's son, Ricky Mah.

In accordance with Tom's wishes, there will be no public viewing or funeral. His family will gather privately to pay their respects, celebrate his life, and share a meal in his honor.