Ken Chan - Online Memorial Website

Passed away peacefully at home on the evening of October 25, surrounded by those he loved best, his family. Originally given only three to five months to live, Kenny courageously battled cancer for two and a half years. He lived those years with nary a complaint, guardedly optimistic, no regrets, appreciative of life's gifts and freely expressing his love of family and friends.

Kenny was born on October 10, 1943 in Highland Park, Michigan but relocated to San Francisco to attend Jean Parker Elementary, Francisco Middle School, Lowell, and then UC Berkeley and San Francisco State. After eloping with his wife Joyce in 1967, they set off to NYC to live in "The Village" but ended up in Jackson Heights, Queens while he worked at JFK as a ticket agent for Pan Am. During that time, they traveled the world on "five dollars a day." It was a wonderful time, great friends, beautiful memories.

In 1973, they made the move to Los Angeles so Kenny could attend Whittier Law School, and after passing the Bar they moved back to San Francisco where he set up his law practice. He was committed to his practice and his regular clients, still enjoying the work up to a month before his passing.

Kenny was a voracious reader especially in the last years of his life, but he also had an adventurous spirit which meant he was always game for last minute fishing or ski trips if he could fit them into his schedule. Although he professed to love accompanying his wife to some of the finest museums, everyone knew his favorite vacation was his yearly week-long houseboat fishing trip to Lake Shasta with his sons, Ethan and Evan, cousin Les, long time friend, Larry Wong and Larry’s sons, Collin and Aaron. If it wasn't against the law to scatter ashes in lakes and rivers, Lake Shasta is where he would love to be.

Predeceased by his parents, Allen and Mamie Chan, Kenny is survived by his best friend and favorite companion, Joyce, and his adored children Ethan (fiancé Regina), Evan, and Erin (Jake). He loved his children unconditionally and was so proud of their accomplishments. Also surviving him are his beloved sisters, Diane (Bob), Judi (Rod), brother Ogden and their children Mark, Julie, Tina (Ricky) and Charissa; wonderful sisters-in-law, Carolyn (Dave), Barbara (Wallace) and niece Lisa (Fred) and their twins Claire and Lincoln, nephew Kevin (Tanya) and their daughters Emily and Ashley.

The family would like to thank Kaiser oncologist extraordinaire, Dr. Alfredo Lopez, Dr. Joel Neal of Stanford and the Cancer Grace oncologists who helped sister-in-law, Barbara, and son Ethan research options. It was a blessing to have the extra time.