Lin Kuei Chen, 80, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland on June 28, 2011. He was born in Taiwan on November 13, 1930, and moved to the U.S. six years ago. Lin Kuei was especially proud to be an American citizen after passing his citizenship exam in 2010. He was an only child and was married to Hwan Tsai Chen for over 50 years.
After graduating from high school, he started his own business and owned a factory that manufactured color markers. He was involved in various import and export businesses for over 30 years and lived in Japan, Vietnam, and China. In addition to his native tongue, Mandarin, he spoke Japanese fluently and was conversant in English as well. He was an avid runner and ran marathons for many years during his adulthood. His love of learning and life had a tremendous impact on himself and everyone around him. Not only did he teach himself yoga, computer, and all sorts of technology- related activities, he also enjoyed an active lifestyle that included swimming, biking, hiking, as well as dancing on a regular basis. Above all else, he loved spending time with his grandchildren as often as possible.
Lin Kuei is survived by his wife, Hwan Tsai Chen of Mercer Island, oldest daughter Jui Yun Samsinger-Chen in Switzerland, second daughter Juiling Edmonds in Medina, and youngest son Pin Chen in China. He is also survived by four grandchildren: Linda and Marco in Switzerland; Jason and Amber in Medina, Washington.