EDWARD CHUN Obituary

EDWARD H. L. CHUN Dr. Edward Hing Loy Chun passed away on August 8, 2023. Edward was born in Wahiawa, Oahu, Hawaii, on November 2, 1930. He was the eighth of 13 children born to Charles Dai Nam and Lin Ing Luke Chun (Hawaii's Mother of the Year, 1962). He attended Wahiawa Elementary School, and graduated from Leilehua High School, Class of 1948. Greatly valuing education, he went on to complete his BS and MS in Chemistry from University of Hawaii at Manoa, working every summer at the Dole Cannery. Edward left Hawaii after graduating, obtained his PhD in Physical Chemistry at Harvard University, and later completed post-doctoral work at MIT. After teaching and continuing his academic research in the biomedical field at MIT and University of Pennsylvania, he had a successful career for 19 years at Abbott Laboratories in Waukegan, Illinois where he developed the first Hepatitis B diagnostic kits that are still in use today. In Waukegan, he was an avid bird watcher and led birdwatching groups; volunteered often with the Lake County Forest Preserve; took automobile repair and art courses; and enjoyed spending time with his brother Alex and his family. After retiring, Edward married his longtime friend Dr. Florence Lewis. He moved to Philadelphia where he and Florence were very involved in their community as science fair judges, as organizers with the Hansberry Garden and Nature Center's Garden Club and flower shows, and in other senior programs. Together, they traveled the world and visited Ed's brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews in Hawaii and on the mainland. In 1998, Ed used his chemistry expertise volunteering with Center in the Park in a decade-long program to protect Philadelphia's drinking water sources from pollution. Edward moved back into the Chun family home on Oahu after living several years in Philadelphia. There, he grew many beautiful flowers, pineapple, papaya, ginger, and macadamia nuts which he spent many hours processing. He enjoyed many family get-togethers with his siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews, and enjoyed going to University of Hawaii football games with his family. Also, Ed was active with the Wahiawa Historical Society and the Wahiawa Rainbow Seniors Club. In later years, he lived at Ilima at Leihano where he had many friends. His last three years were spent in the loving care of nephew, Delbert Kim, and Edwin and Teresita Koh at Esamya Koh Care Home. Edward continued to share his love of nature, sports, science, education, and the arts with his family, friends, and community. Edward was preceded in death by his wife, Dr. Florence Scott Lewis-Chun; siblings: Henry Chun, Arthur [Jenny] Chun, Louise [Ferry] Kim, Alfred [Rose] Chun, Richard [Helen] Chun, Alexander [Marilyn] Chun, Frederick [Carla] Chun, Irene [James] Boyson, and Charlene [Richard] Kuwabara; and stepson Johnny Lewis. Edward is survived by his sisters Grace [Edwin] Au and Virginia [Harold] Sakoda; brother George [Mary] Chun of Shell Point, Florida, as well as many nieces, nephews, grand and great nieces/nephews, cousins; his stepson, Chris [Kimberly] Lewis, and 4 step grandchildren. A Celebration of Edward's Life will be held at Mililani Memorial Park, Makai Chapel on October 24, 2023, Visitation: 9:30 a.m.; Service: 10:30 a.m. Edward was a long-time philanthropist, donating to charities in Philadelphia and Hawaii.