Calvin Joseph Fung
November 5, 1924 - February 11, 2022
Obituary
On February 11, 2022, at the age of 97, Calvin Joseph Fung, with his daughters at his side, died peacefully to join his siblings, family members and numerous lifelong friends that had passed before him. He leaves behind his loving wife of 73 years (Jeni), his daughters Janine Chan (Brian) and Alicia Davis (Mark); grandchildren Natalie Rodgers (Blake), Jordan Davis (Kylie), Paul Davis and Carlyn Bisset (Denver); great grandchildren Reagan, Eleanor, Eli, Ava and Layla and his beloved nieces and nephews and their families in Washington, Oregon, California and British Columbia, Canada.
Born in San Francisco, Cal’s poor health as a child found him nurtured by two families. As an infant, the Walsh family who were strong Irish Catholics, raised and cared for Cal until he was well into grade school. His faith remained strong throughout his whole life and helped shaped him as a person and family man. At the age of 9, he returned to his parents and siblings in San Francisco’s Chinatown to be introduced to his Chinese American roots.
His teen and adult years were lived in Seattle, Washington where he married Jeni and they raised their family alongside many friends who were doing the same at the time. His life work was with The Boeing Airplane Company. He and Jeni found time during their working and retired lives to travel the world and play golf with their circle of friends while also supporting and strengthening the Seattle Chinese Community through various volunteer initiatives. Cal was one of several founding members of the Seattle Chinese Athletic Association. He and Jeni, along with numerous old and new friends, helped lay the ground work for the building of the Kin On Nursing Home. They were active supporters of the Wing Luke Museum and Cathay Post #186 with Cal serving as Post Commander in 1986-87.
Cal was a generous man with a good soul that cared about others and cared about giving to those in need. His intellect and compassion will be missed, but the legacy of service to his community and the passion and interest he tapped into in helping people were the issues that drove him and the ones he was most proud of.
As an Army Staff Sargent and General Clerk in WWII, he served with the 176th Ordnance Depot Company in the European Theatre of Operations. In 2021, Cal was one of hundreds of Chinese Veterans who received the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor recognizing his service during the war.
If Cal wasn’t manicuring his lawn, he could be found washing the finish off the paint of his cars or spending a Saturday afternoon with friends at Sun Ya Restaurant playing Liar’s Poker. In his later years, he continued to play bridge and exercise regularly with his friends at Aegis Living Mercer Island where he and Jeni lived the past few years. He embraced the good life he had been given until the end. He set a good example for all the generations he left behind. He held onto his humor even when he was hurting and was always gracious to others and ready to provide what support he could.
Our family would like to extend our arms in a warm thanks to all the care givers, staff, Chef Wayne and Phil at Aegis Mercer Island for the care provided to dad as a resident, especially in his last days, and to Tamar and the Providence Hospice Team who helped ease this family journey.
Our memories of life with you, Dad, are filled with your love for us, Mom and for others. Yours was a life well-lived.
Cal will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery. A private funeral and celebration of life will be planned for the future. For those who would like to honor his memory, in lieu of flowers, a donation to The Alzheimer’s Society or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
We were a large family living at 18th and Thomas street. Our older brother Bill and Cal were friends, both leaving home about the same time–Cal to the Army and Bill to the priesthood. Thank the Lord for strong people like Bill and Cal and God rest their souls.
Was a great privilege to know al, a man of many attributes and
accomplishments. I looked forward to the bridge games at
Aegis at which we both participated. Rest in peace Cal in the
garden of eden.
Janine,
I was sorry to learn about the passing of your father. It was so many years ago, but I still remember the friendliness and kindness of your parents. I hope that things are good with you and your family.
Jeff
Jeni, I am so sorry to hear about Cal. I have such fond memories of him and how he and my Dad worked at Al Mar’s market. He really helped my Dad and I appreciate all the kindness he showed him. In fact, thank you and Cal for helping us when we lived at the Abbotsford Apartments. That was a long time ago but I’ll never forget how you helped by Dad. Thank you. Sandra