Kai Haye Eng
March 9, 1932 - June 1, 2013
Obituary
Kai H. Eng
Kai Haye Eng, 81, was born in Taishan, China to Locktin and Sewquon Eng the second of three sons who were born in China: Kai Hong, Kai Haye, and Kai Bill. His father, Locktin Eng, immigrated to the United States in 1919 as a teenager. Like many men during that period, Locktin returned to China to marry and start a family but returned alone to Seattle for work. Two more boys, Peter and Raymond, and a girl, Marie, were born after Sewquon and the boys finally joined Locktin in Seattle in 1939. Kai Haye began his schooling at Pacific Elementary but graduated from Summit Elementary, Washington Jr. High, Garfield High and the University of Washington.
He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last December and passed away on June 1. The family thanks the many family members, friends and our childrens friends who brought gifts and lunches when they visited him during this period!
Kai and Mari Chan would have celebrated their 58th Anniversary on June 11. They have five children: Lorena, Clifford (Sandy), Doreen, Joanna and Brian (Pam), and six grandchildren: Darren, Kaitlyn, Timothy, David, Benjamin, and Joseph Eng. Also surviving him are siblings Kai Hong, Kai Bill, and Raymond Eng. His brother, Peter, and sister, Marie predeceased him.
Kai had served on many Seattle Chinese Community boards and committees, including Chong Wa, Kin On, Eng Association, Chinese Parents Service Association (Drill Team), and Seatte Chinese Athletic Association. He was also an active parent in his childrens activities. He drove the bus for the Seattle Chinese Community Girls Drill Team when his three daughters went through the ranks. His oldest son was one of the first members of the Seattle Chinese Athletic Assn. His youngest son joined ten years later and Kai served as SCAA President and boardmember for many years. He loved those years as an active parent but has often said that his 40+ years as a Boeing Engineer were very happy. He retired in June 1995 along with 7100 coworkers.
During their retirement, Kai and Mari enjoyed traveling to Asia, Europe, Hawaii and both coasts of the US and taking many cruises, often with their group of childhood friends. They also considered it a privilege to watch their grandchildren grow and see them often. Although he had made plans last year to see his oldest grandchild graduate from high school this May, Kai was truly sorry he was unable to do so.
When she saw him surrounded by family members who accompanied him for an appointment, another patient in the waiting area of his oncologist remarked to Kai, You are truly blessed because it is obvious you are loved. This is true; Kai is truly loved by his family and many, many friends.
A reception following this Celebration of Life will be held in the Chinese Baptist Churchs Fellowship Hall on Saturday, June 15 at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the Chinese Baptist Church, Kin On Health Care Center, Providence Hospice of Seattle or the charity of your choice.
How we will miss Kai. He was such a dedicated Garfieldite and alum but mostly a great guy. Loved his cute smile and giggle.
We always knew how important his family was to him and how he loved them, their trips together and especially his wife darling Mari. Cherish the memories.
Fondly,
Barb
Mari, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family. I remember Kai Haye’s ready smile and his sense of humor.
We will truly miss you both as our traveling buddies. No one to keep us on track now. We will miss your traveling expertise. We are happy you are no longer in pain. May The Lord watch over you and keep giving Mari the peace and support she will need.
Dearest Mary,
With sincere sympathy to you and all of your family with the loss of your beloved Kai Haye.
God bless you,
Connie and George Izumi
Kai will be greatly missed. He assisted in the driving of our daughters to and from parades.
With deepest sympathy for your loss, Mari and family.
Gordon and Sherry Kleiner
Dearest Mari,
On behalf of Cliff’s coworkers here in Los Angeles, please accept our heartfelt condolences.
God Bless you and your family.
Words can not express our sorrow in the lost of our dear friend Kai, We will miss him.
Cherish all the memories of the years of joy and happiness that you shared together.
May God bless and comfort you and your family.
Captain Kai has been the planner and leader for all the cruises we have enjoyed – Mexico, Panama Canal, Alaska and China. How grateful we are to have him and Mari in our lives to laugh, love and learn . May God bless you on your final journey, Kai and grant strength and comfort to Mari.
Frankie and Diane