Donnie Donnie Chin

Donald "Donnie" G. Chin was born in Seattle, Washington on October 7, 1955, to Dun "Don" Hing Chin and Myra Jean (Mar) Chin. Donnie was taught the importance of hard work, and community service. In 1911 Donnie's paternal grandfather started the family store, Boh Wah, which became Sun May Company when his father took over in 1962. Myra operated the store for 44 years until she died in 2006. Donnie kept the store open to this day. Donnie and Dean Wong started the Eagles Club. When teenagers, it became "Asians for Unity" as others joined them. They collected food for the elderly, checked on the welfare of shut ins and patrolled the streets of Chinatown. In 1968, Donnie formed the International District Emergency Center (IDEC), because police and fire departments were slow to respond. Donnie learned first aid and trained others. He listened to the police radios to be first on the scene. Over the years, he earned the respect of both the Seattle Police and Fire Departments. All of his services were provided free of charge. IDEC depended on donations to survive. Donnie responded to thousands of emergencies - medical and emotional traumas; fires; shootings; assaults; car accidents; break-ins, water leaks and power outages. IDEC staffed first aid booths at community events. He trained social service agencies on emergency medical assistance and security issues. Donnie knew all of the elders, many with no families to speak of. He looked out for them while they were alive and when they died alone, he was often there for them. Donnie created a safe place for children to play when both parents worked. He fed them and taught them right from wrong. Many of those children stayed on and became volunteers for IDEC. Donnie received countless awards for his service, but was embarrassed by the attention and often would only accept if it earned IDEC a much needed donation. Donnie was the heart and soul of the International District. He was a beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, friend, mentor, surrogate father, uncle. He will be remembered for his selfless devotion to the community, humble nature, sense of humor, generous heart, and love of children. He will be deeply missed. Donnie's family would like to thank the community for the tremendous outpouring of love and gratitude. Thank you to his IDEC staff - the extended family he chose to have beside him. Thank you also to the Seattle Fire Fighters and Seattle Police Officers who befriended Donnie. He was proud to call you his brothers and sisters. Donnie was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Dun Hing Chin and Myra Jean (Mar) Chin. He is survived by sisters Melanie Wogan (Tom), Constance Chin Magorty (David), aunts and cousins. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Donnie Chin Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 14103, Seattle, WA 98114 or Medic 1. A celebration of Donnie's life will be held on August 15, 2015 at 2pm at the Chong Wah playfield, at 8th AVE S. and S.Weller Street. - See more at: