York Que Luke
October 6, 1923 - October 30, 2014
Obituary
York Que Luke passed peacefully on October 30, 2014, a few weeks after his 91st birthday. He was born on October 6, 1923 in Linshan Village, Toishan District, Kwangtung Province, China. In April 1935, at the age of 12, he came to Seattle with his father.
York was a WWII veteran. He served in the China-Burma-India theatre as a member of the U.S. Army 14th Air Service Group, 407th Air Service Squadron supporting the famous Flying Tigers. At the end of the war, having served 2-1/2 years, he was honorably discharged in December 1945 and returned to Seattle to work with his father in the family laundry business.
While visiting family in China with his father in 1947, York met his future wife, Arlene. They were married in a ceremony at the American Consulate in Canton, Kwangtung, China on June 20, 1947. York returned to Seattle in 1949. His wife and daughter joined him in Seattle in 1951. Over the years, York and Arlene raised four children.
York started Ding Ho Laundry and Cleaners on First Hill near Harborview Hospital on April 1, 1956. With his wife beside him, they built the business to become one of the city’s best known laundries and a clientele of Who’s Who of Seattle.
After 35 years, in December 1991, York sold Ding Ho Laundry and Cleaners and retired with the new year. During their retirement, York and Arlene enjoyed time with family and friends, and traveling and cruising in the United States, Canada, China, Southeast Asia, and Europe.
York is survived by his loving wife, Arlene, four children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.
Remembrances may be made in York’s name to Kin On Health Care Center or the American Red Cross.