George Young, Chinese culture expert, dead at 76
By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer
George Chew Kai Young, respected leader in the Chinese Community of Honolulu, died Oct. 31.
Advertiser library photo
Young was 76 years old.
George Chew Kai Young turned Manoa Chinese Cemetery into a beautiful garden spot and aided many charity groups.
He will be remembered for his work at the Manoa Chinese Cemetery, which he transformed from a weedy, unkempt place to beautiful garden spot, and for reviving interest in Ching Ming, a ceremony to honor departed ancestors. Under Young's guidance, Ching Ming became a major cultural event in Honolulu.
Young, long time president of the Lin Yee Chung Association, was named Chinese Citizen of the Year for 1996 for his volunteer work in the cemetery. During his 13-year tenure the grounds were landscaped, ornate gates were erected and buildings repainted. Young often mowed the grounds himself.
His knowledge of Chinese culture and efforts to promote understanding of it won him the designation of "Living Treasure" from the Chinese Youth of Hawai'i.
He was named Man of the Year by the Chinatown Merchants in 1996.
In 1999, he was appointed by Mayor Jeremy Harris to the City & County Civil Service Commission and by Gov. Ben Cayetano to the state's Civil Service Commission on Repricing.
Last year, he was named Model Chinese Father of the Year by the United Chinese Society.
Young retired from the law enforcement division of the state Labor Department and was a retired deputy sheriff. He taught for 40 years at the Department of Education's Adult Community Program and was a frequent guest lecturer at various functions.
He served as president of more than half a dozen charitable organizations.
A 1944 graduate of St. Louis High School, Young was the son of prominent herbalist, Kee Nam Young. His father taught him the importance of charity and service to the community, and Young learned his lessons well.
"He was giving all the time," said Bob Krauss, an Advertiser journalist and longtime friend of Young. "His life was a contribution. I don't know how he ever made any money, he gave so much."
Young's brother, James C.M. Young, said Young was a dedicated family man who spoke of his family members as the wind beneath his wings.
In addition to his brother James, George Young is survived by his wife of 52 years, Jeanette M.H.; three sons, Wesley, Clayton and Curtis; four granddaughters and three grandsons.
Services will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Community Church of Honolulu. The Rev. Dr. Wally Fukunaga will preside, assisted by Rev. Mark Lee. Viewing will be before the service from 9 to 11 a.m. Internment will follow the service at the Manoa Chinese Cemetery.
