Yan Fong
August 5, 1929 - September 5, 2015
Obituary
Yan Fong passed away September 5, 2015 at the age of 86. Born August 5, 1929 in Canton, Kwangtung Province, China.
Yan graduated from Mapua Institute of Technology, Manila, Philippines with degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering. Upon moving to the United States, Yan began a career with Boeing in 1956 until his retirement in 2008. An accomplished and respected electrical engineer, his career with Boeing reflected his technical and professional abilities. Yan worked on projects that ranged from the development of the 747 to defense systems. A lifelong student, Yan earned a master’s degree in engineering from Central Washington University at the age of 74, in 2004.
As notable as his professional career was, Yan will be remembered by his family, friends, and colleagues for his dedication, compassion, and kindness. His greatest legacy is his family, and the love and support he bestowed. A firm believer in the importance of education, hard work, and a respect and appreciation for the outdoors, Yan led by example.
Yan is survived by his wife of 56 years, Thelma V. Fong, his five children, Cecilia (Barry), Beatrice (John), Anthony, Albert, and Patricia (David) and his grandchildren Lianne, Isabelle, Andrew, Kai, Keats, Annika, Caitlin, Patrick, and Matthew. He is also survived by his brother, Eddie. He was preceded in death by his brothers Gene and For, his father Fong Cheuk Kwun and his mother Tse Koon Wah.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Stephen the Martyr Church (ststephenslife.com) or Washington’s National Park Fund (wnpf.org).
Beau, John and family
We were very sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Craig and Lisa
Dear Beau, John and Family,
We were so sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that we are thinking of you. Beau, we always enjoyed hearing stories about your Dad, and his love for the outdoors and hiking. May your many wonderful memories help you through this difficult time.
Our condolences to the family…. Are thoughts and prayers are with you…
I am very sorry to hear of Yan’s passing. I worked with him for many years at Boeing in Renton and enjoyed listening to his stories. He was a kind, helpful and gentle man with a ready smile.
I worked with Yan for many years at Boeing. Yan was a dedicated, hardworking intelligent engineer whom we counted on for electrical engineering capabilities. Yan was respected by those of us who worked with him as much for his upbeat friendly personality as for his technical acumen.
May God’s peace be with you in your time of loss.
We are so glad we were able to see him in Feb when he came to my Dad’s celebration of life. He was one of my Dad’s closest friends and loved and respected him so much. Yan was a great Dad, and friend.
My heartfelt sympathy to Yan’s family. I spent my last few years at Boeing working near Yan. He was a treasure and his loss will be felt by many.
Our deepest sympathy to the Fong Family. Our thoughts are with you.
Dear A. Thelma and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have many fond memories of holidays with U.Yan and your family. Please know we are thinking of you. We pray for you and your family.
Diane (Oh) Yee and family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of dinners at the Fong home where Thelma and Yan were cooking a dish together and the daughters were each making other dishes. You all had a rhythm about the process..The meals were always spectacular and so much fun.
My heart is heavy for you now. Hugs to all.
Our prayers and love for your loving husband, father and grandfather. Berg/Fosnaugh family.
Dear Fong Family:
What a wonderful gentleman your Father was. I did not know him, but by reading is obituary, it is obvious that he was the kind of person that we should all aspire to be.
I am sorry for your loss.
Kind regards and God Bless,
Bradford M. Colyer
During the years while working with Thelma at Auburn Lea Hill Elementary school, we all admired both their amazing work effort and their unending dedication to their entire family. Truly a memorable examp!e for all of us.
Dear Beau, John, Lianne, Andrew, Caitlin, Patrick,
Matthew and Fong family,
We are saddened by your loss of Yan. Although, we didn’t know him well, we know you all loved him, which leaves us lacking of of what to say to make you all feel better. Rest assured that he is still with you in spirit and would be happy to know that you are celebrating his life. If we can do anything to make it easier, please call
Our love to you all
Dennis & Cheryl
My deepest sympathy to Thelma and the rest of the family for your loss. I was Yan’s engineering supervisor when I retired in 2003. Yan was a consummate gentleman and an electrical expert in our group. My thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time.
Though we knew Yan for such a short time he was a blessing in our lives. We enjoyed hearing his stories and about his children and grandchildren. We will miss his presence and he will always be in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Thelma and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Yan so suddenly. May you be comforted by God’s love and mercy and each other. What a wonderful picture you choose for his memorial, such a happy expression.
Thelma, Jing, Beau, Anthony, Albert and Trica,
We are sadden at hearing of the death of your husband and father. He was such a mild and kind man, always respectful to everyone. In the many years as our neighbor, we came to appreciate his quiet manner and his gentleness to all. We are sorry we could not be there to celebrate his life, but please do know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Love, Mary & Ray
Dear Thelma & children,
I am sorry to see that Yan has passed away – my father, Stan Grimes passed Sept 27th, 2014 and Phyllis has just left us Feb 12, 2017. They both died age 83. I have many fond memories of you all growing up. I pray for everyone’s well being. I am sending a note to Thelma as my mom did try to send a xmas card but it was returned.
Best regards, DeeAnn