Henry Chang Obituary

HENRY CHEW CHANG, JR. Henry Chew Chang Jr., a long time resident of Wahiawa, passed away at home at 15 Craigside Retirement Community on October 1, 2023 at the age of 101, just shy of his 102 birthday. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii on November 2, 1921, to Henry Chew Chang Sr, a successful merchant, and Alice A Lum, the daughter of a fellow merchant, Henry was the third child of eight children and grew up at the family's store that opened in 1920 on Beretania Street. Henry graduated from McKinley High School in 1940. Gregarious and outgoing his achievements would include; McKinley HI Y Cabinet, Central HI Y President, R.R Chairman and H.R Social Chairman. That year he would meet his future wife, Violet Seto, a sophomore from Farrington High School, at a Central Y dance. In 1941, when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, Henry was working for the Pearl Harbor Base Exchange and in 1943, served a war time appointment as a Draftsman/Engineering Aide at Pearl Harbor Public Works Design Section. After WWII ended, Henry and Violet were married on September 8, 1945. In 1953 Henry began his career with the 14th U.S. Coast Guard District, as an Architectural Engineering Technician. He traveled extensively for work to remote LORAN radio navigation stations throughout the Pacific, from Kwajalein and Eniwetok (Marshal Islands) to Yap and Saipan (Marianas Islands) to Hawaii's most northern islands of Midway and Kure, as well as to Asia, to Lampang, Thailand and Iwo Jima, Japan. In 1960 Henry and Violet bought their Wahiawa home. Hank and Vi's home was a labor of love and a source of pride and joy for them. With Henry's building and design skills and Violet's love of the garden and plants, they would transform the house into a beautiful home that hosted many memorable family and Christmas parties. Embracing the community, Henry joined the Wahiawa Lions Club in 1977 and he and Violet would make many dear lifelong friends there. His 30+ years of dedicated community service brought him much joy and fulfillment. Henry retired in January 1984 from the U.S. Coast Guard and during his distinguished 37 year career, he received many special achievement and outstanding performance awards for his excellence of work, dedication and congenial demeanor. Henry loved to travel and in retirement began a new journey as a tour guide for TravelWays Tour Company. He enjoyed researching the many travel destinations and escorting Hawaii residents on travel adventures around the world. He and Violet would travel extensively through North and South America as well as to Africa, Australia, Europe, and the Far East. In 2014, Henry and Violet moved to 15 Craigside Retirement Community in Honolulu. Continuing their life of aloha and service, Henry and Violet made fast friends among the residents and staff alike and soon would be involved in many social and charity activities. Violet taught knitting and Henry taught mahjong. Four years later in 2018, Violet, his beloved wife of 78 years, passed away on July 8th. Henry was always a pleasure to be with and he was cherished by the staff and residents alike at 15 Craigside. Throughout his life Henry lived it full of love and generosity, always thoughtful in his actions and grateful for the life he was given. He left us full of heart. He is survived by sons LeRoy (Elise) Chang, Rodney (Bonnie) Chang, daughters Jerelyn Miyashiro and Sherilyn (Jeff) Bell, 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Memorial services will be at the downtown Mililani Mortuary on Saturday, January 13, 2024. Visitation at 11:00am and Service at 11:30 am. In lieu of gifts or flowers, donations can be sent to: Wahiawa Lions Club, P O Box 86065, Wahiawa, Hawaii 96786, made out to the "Wahiawa Lions Club in memory of Henry Chang." Arrangements Provided By: Mililani Memorial Park and Mortuary