Fred Gin Chin

Fred Gin Chin, MD of Santa Cruz, California June 20, 1930 - November 6, 2015 Beloved husband of Debra Johnson, father of Leslie Ann Chin and Nancy Lon Chin, MD, and grandfather of Elias Bennett and August Bennett. Fred was born in Seattle, Washington, the youngest of 11 siblings, his parents first generation immigrants from Canton, China. Despite an often hard-scrabble childhood, he graduated from Garfield High School in 1948, working summers in a Salmon cannery in Ketchikan, Alaska with brother Wally. He attended the University of Washington where he met his first wife Constance Pong, graduating in 1952. He and Connie were married in 1953 after his first year of medical school at Northwestern University. After earning his medical degree in 1956, Fred entered the Navy as a general medical officer stationed first in Pleasanton, California and then in El Paso, Texas. He then entered his Residency in Radiology at UC San Francisco, completing his training in 1963. Fred and Connie and their two daughters then moved to Santa Cruz, with Fred joining the Radiology Medical Group of Santa Cruz County, first in general radiology practice and later as Director of the Dominican Breast Center. Fred retired in October of 2000 after practicing the art of radiology for 37 years. During that time he mastered a wide range of new medical imaging techniques, including ultrasound, CT, MRI, and low dose mammography. The family enjoyed tennis and travel together, with adventures ranging from cross-country camping trips, visiting iconic and obscure American cities and landmarks, to going on safari in East Africa. Fred and Connie's marriage ended in 1995. Fred and wife Debra were married in 2001. Together they shared dedication to the radiology practice, gathering wild mushrooms with dear friends in the Fungus Federation of Santa Cruz, feeding the legions of hummingbirds that visited their garden of flowers and citrus, fishing, and traveling with family and friends. They generously hosted a yearly family vacation for the kids and grandkids, with Hawaii a favored destination. Fred and his grandsons shared a collection of colorful Aloha shirts and wore them with grand island style. Throughout his life Fred enjoyed cooking and entertaining. Thanksgiving feasts that welcomed extended family and friends were legendary. Playing Bridge and studying Bridge strategy were a passion. Bow ties of pattern and elegance were his trademark. He had a profound love of music since early childhood and his favorite artists included Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, Harry James, Benny Goodman, Jo Stafford, and Ella Fitzgerald. During his childhood, the family had owned and played a bugle and Fred later took lessons to play the trumpet. He is survived by his wife, former wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and grandsons, elder brother Tom, and the wonderful multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins - families of his siblings - who will gather in June to scatter his ashes at sea. Fred will be remembered for his dedication and compassion during his career in radiology, and for his nurturing love for his family in all that we pursued, dreamed of, and achieved. Join us to celebrate his life on Sunday January 17, 2016 at 11am at Sesnon House, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos on the Cabrillo College Campus. Bring a story to share, as the sadness of his passing is eased by learning of the lives he touched in our community. Aloha wear is appropriate and encouraged! In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Second Harvest Food Bank or Hospice of Santa Cruz County.