Albert Duck Kong Chee Sr.'s Obituary
Albert Duck Kong Chee, Sr.
Albert, beloved husband, dad, grandpa, great grandfather “papa”, passed away peacefully at home on March 14, 2024, at the age of 86. Affectionately known to his family and friends as “Junior” and “Chippy”, he was born on October 30, 1937, in Honolulu, Hawaii, the 4th of 6 kids, born to Albert Noa and Nora Kam Hop Ching Chee.
Though he barely graduated from McKinley High School in 1955 (excelled at playing hooky), he used his determination and stubbornness to continue his education at Northrup Aeronautical Institute in California, enduring 58-weeks of vocational school, graduating as an airline mechanic, and beginning his career at Pacific Airmotive Corporation in Burbank, CA, working on aircraft engines. He married his wife Jeanne on May 25, 1958, in Los Angeles, where they raised their three children before moving their family back to Hawaii in 1969 to be closer to family. Papa sprung from humble beginnings and lived a full life. Family was very important to him, and he loved gathering with family and friends to celebrate any occasion. He took on the responsibility of managing his Popo’s estate and properties for his family, making sure everyone gathered annually for bai san, and to celebrate his Popo’s birthday in the fall.
Upon his return to Hawaii, he worked for Hawaiian Airlines for a short period before moving over to Canadian Pacific Airlines. Through his career in the airline industry, he was able to take his family traveling to different parts of the world. Some of their favorite memories include trips to the mainland, Hong Kong, Greece, Rome, Japan, Australia, and Canada. He worked for Canadian Airlines for 22 years before retiring in 1994 as the Maintenance Supervisor of the Honolulu Base operations.
His next role was solo babysitter for his grandson Noah Albert for two years before Jeanne retired to help him. He truly loved being a grandpa, and his grandkids loved spending time with him. Grandpa was their number one cheerleader and proudly wore the t-shirts representing each of his grandkids’ school activities. Their favorite memories are sleepovers on the futon in the living room, learning to play cards and Mahjong in the evenings, and swimming and playing in the pool with him all day. They also fondly recall trips to the lunch wagons in Campbell Industrial Park, and outings to his Popo’s properties to collect rent.
Grandpa was very supportive of his grandchildren, especially in their later years, helping to put all 8 grandchildren through college here and on the mainland, where a few attained advanced degrees. He loved to go to Las Vegas, and as luck would have it, 3 of his grandkids attended UNLV where he frequently “checked on them in-person”, sometimes visiting every month. He particularly loved playing the video poker and keno machines and was known to hit the “Royal Flush” and “Six out of Six” on most trips, and occasionally multiple times in the same trip.
In his later years, Grandpa loved spending time watching TV with Grandma. LA Dodger games, anything UH, and broadcasts of Kamehameha against whomever, followed by a Korean drama series was their usual ritual. He became a great-grandpa 3 years ago and again this year and was so proud to meet and spend time with his great-grand daughters.
Papa will truly be missed by all as he was a very kind and generous person, always thinking of others and helping where he could. Many of his cousins, nieces, and nephews have shared over the years that he was their “favorite”. He may not have been rich, but his leadership, generosity, and kind nature enriched the lives of so many, especially those closest to him, and that will be his lasting legacy.
He is survived by his wife Jeanne; daughter Georgene (Ryan) Tsuji, sons Galen (Karen) Chee, Albert “Boo” (Shonn) Chee; grandchildren Dayna (Brandon) Hirata, Eric Tsuji, Kikaha (Candice Soon) Chee, Nainoa Chee, Noah Tsuji, Taylor (Kaimi Pupuhi) Chee, Ashlyn (Jason Lau) Chee, Kainalu Chee, Nicole (Brett) Jolly, Eric Sniffen; great-grandchildren Katie Hirata, Karsyn Pupuhi, Mason Jolly; sister Noreen (Clarke) Teruya, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Services will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at Diamond Head Mortuary Chapel. Visitation from 9:15-10:00am, Services at 10:00am, and burial to follow. Aloha attire.
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