I always enjoyed visiting his wonderful backyard with bonsai trees on the decks and the koi fish pond below. I am most grateful for one thing he did: when the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 was signed into law, he and his father David successfully petitioned for my mother to immigrate from Hong Kong to the U.S. This reunited my immigrant parents and led to my birth in America.
RIP, Uncle John. I remember around 1974 the meat cutters were on strike, and the teamsters union threatened to cross your picket lines. You asked me to join you on the night shift picket line, but I declined. Later I came to understand why you thought the strike was so important, and to appreciate your sense of workplace justice.
My dad was a proud man. He cared for his family and made sure we were taken care of. Every day he worked hard to bring home the bacon. As a butcher he brought home a piece of meat everyday. It showed the spoils of his labor, Dad, thanks for all you did. You built a good life for your kids, mom and your family. Love Mike.