Bill Yee Chung
Bill Yee Chung, age 91, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 4, 2021 and is now with the Lord. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness (Lam. 3:22-23 ESV).
Born on December 1, 1929, Bill immigrated from Guangzhou, China, to Santa Barbara at the age of 8. Growing up, his hobbies included bicycling, basketball, and running track. He was quite a sprinter in his youth, running the 100 yard dash bare feet in 9.9 seconds and nicknamed “flash” by his friends. He was the oldest son of Jimmy Yee Chung and worked at Jimmy’s Oriental Gardens for many years prior to launching the successful Ming-On Restaurant on upper State Street with his business partner and beloved wife of 68 years, Amy Yee Chung.
Ming-On, often referred to as the “happening place” on the upper Northside of Santa Barbara, opened for 38 years and served a diversity of patrons along with their families. After retirement, Bill spent an additional 15 years in his “fun” job as a food prep cook at Santa Barbara’s Valle Verde Senior Living Community.
He is survived by his wife Amy, daughter Doris Yee Chung, son Dr. Jeffrey Yee Chung (Connie Wong), grandsons Nathaniel and Matthew, son Jerry Yee Chung (Gloria Chow), grandson Daniel, brother-in-law Park Chinn (Jean), nephews Dr. Taber Chinn and Luke, sister-in-law Janet Chin, sister Barbara Yee Chung, nieces Cheryl (Steven) and Jade, sister-in-law Julie Yee Chung, nephew Andy Yee Chung (Eng), cousins from Hong Kong and Canada: Clara, Ken, Reo and Shing Kong Yue, cousin Kay Yee, great aunt and uncle Helen and Bill Tom, and many others. Predeceased by parents Jimmy and Nuey, brother Tommy, and cousin Donny Yee.
Burial was a private ceremony at Santa Barbara Cemetery. The Chung Family extends our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Michele Armet, Mr. Edgar Lopez along with the outstanding health care professionals and staff at The Californian skilled nursing home of Santa Barbara, Dr. Gerald Svedlow and Julie of SB Internal Medicine Group, and all of the excellent physician care team. A thank you also to Scott, Jim, and staff at Welch-Ryce-Haider, Laura at SB Cemetery, and Ryan at SB Monumental. May God bless you all. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial gifts to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital-Cottage Children’s Medical Center: https://www.cottagehealth.org/childrens/donate