William Gork Chin

Born in Hong Kong, Bill came to the U.S. and spent his early years in the Pacific Northwest, then came to San Francisco. He led a life of integrity, generosity, kindness, dependability, and devotion to family. With an intuitive understanding of human nature, Bill inspired, mentored, and morally supported so many lives he touched.

Bill’s lifelong passion and joy was Tai Chi Ch’uan Yang style, an exercise based on ancient Chinese martial arts combining gentle flowing movements and inner calm. His form was sheer perfection and mastery, fine art in motion. A widely respected and revered “Sifu,” he dedicated 65+ years studying, practicing, and teaching Tai Chi to literally thousands of students. Sifu taught Tai Chi for physical and mental wellness, not fighting. In 1988 he founded the Golden Gate Park Tai Chi Class, which he led for over 25 years every Saturday and Sunday morning, rain or shine, at the edge of Spreckels Lake. The class continues to this day free of charge because of Sifu’s belief that money should never get in the way of anyone who seriously wants to learn Tai Chi. Garnering press and media acclaim, the class became a diverse, inclusive, and fun place to cultivate bonds and friendships among students of all ages. The class hosted annual family picnics bringing together Bay Area martial arts groups and classes to perform their martial arts styles originating in countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and Brazil. Sifu’s students are eternally indebted and grateful for all Sifu has generously given and done not only in Tai Chi and community service, but also in his gentle life lessons on decency, morality, and genuine caring for one another. Sifu’s strength (his chi), wisdom, soul, and humanity will forever live on.

A private family gathering will be held for Bill to express our love and gratitude for this very special and remarkable man. Instead of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice in memory of William G. Chin.