Edmund Wu
September 6, 1946 - March 15, 2013
Obituary
Edmund Wu
Edmund Wu was born on September 6, 1946 in China, where his parents met and married. Sadly, before Ed was born his father died of an acute illness while serving in Army. His mother, Lau Yuk Wan, wanting Ed to have better educational opportunity, sent him to live with an uncle and aunt in Mississippi where he completed high school in 1968. According to Ed, a consequence of learning to speak English in Mississippi was a permanent Southern accent. During the post-graduation summer, he stayed with Uncle Bill (his mother’s brother) and Aunt Evelyn and their two sons at their home in Seattle. Many hours were spent playing soccer with their sons and other friends in the backyard, where four trees served as the goalposts. In a memorable story retold by Ed many times, several errant soccer balls landed in the neighbor’s garden ruining her flower bed and shrubs. Ed feared for his life as he received the wrath of the neighbor despite his apologies that it was unintentional. Finding Seattle to his liking, he made it his permanent home.
Eddie (as many friends called him) found his calling in the restaurant industry as a host, waiter and bartender. His outgoing personality and engaging conversational skills added to customer enjoyment of happy hours and meals. Over the years, Eddie worked at many well known restaurants inside and outside the International District – including Sun Ya, Benjamin’s and Peking House. Relaxation activities with friends in those early times included playing soccer and disco dancing. Friends valued his easy-going manner and prolific stories, often enhanced for their entertainment. After the passing of Uncle Bill, Ed stayed connected to his Aunt Evelyn seeing her regularly. Each year around Christmas, he visited the family bringing their favored takeout foods – roast duck and pork. These dishes were delivered with Ed’s cheerful proclamation that they were the “best quality in Seattle!” Edmund Wu will be missed by his brother William Tom, Aunt Evelyn, Cousins Brad (Janice) and Jeff and numerous relatives and friends.
Eddie was a good friend and he will be missed.
I was privileged to work with Eddie for several years at the old Benjamins in Bellevue. He would often bring in goodies from the restaurant he worked at in the International district. He was funny and generous of spirit. I remember one time, when there had been a small fire in the open cooking kitchen. The fire alarm went off and everyone had to be evacuated. This had happened before, but the customers did not come back up to pay, let alone tip. This time, Eddie set up at the front desk, and before the customers from his section could go down the stairwell, Eddie stated, “First you pay, then you go”. Eddie was the only one who balanced his til that night. He would tell this story with gusto and a laugh. Rest well sweet Eddie. You will be missed.
“Fast Eddie” was our favorite waiter at our favorite restaurant Benjamin’s in Bellevue.. Thanks to mutual friends, we had the privilege of staying in touch over the years. It’s been a few years since we last saw Eddie but we have fond memories. Rest in peace Eddie. ~ Bill & Monica & family.
Rest in Peace, Eddie