Edwin Chan

Edwin Chan Passed peacefully at the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco on October 13, 2008, at the age of 88. A self-made man of extraordinary business acumen, intelligence and vitality, 'Ed' was a native of San Francisco's Chinatown, having been born there on March 8, 1920. After serving with the US Coast Guard during WWII, he founded National Auto Supply, Inc., in 1954. Between 1968 and 1981, he was the Chairman of the Board and Chief Operating Officer of General Auto Parts Distributor, an independent warehouse which specialized in distributing 'hard' (i.e., engine and chassis) auto parts and supplies throughout Northern CA. During the 1980s, he was a member of the National Advisory Council of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Ed was a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business, and he was twice-appointed to serve on the state Small Business Advisory Council under two governors. Ed was preceded in death by Phyllis Soohoo Chan, his loving and devoted wife of 47 years and travel partner to the world's continents. He leaves his two daughters, Kathleen Chan-Bragg of Avondale, AZ, and Audrey Chin of Rockville, MD; and his three sons, Michael A. Chan, Douglas S. Chan, and Bruce E. Chan, all of San Francisco. Additionally, he is survived by 12 grandchildren. Ed is also mourned by a large extended family of sisters, nieces, nephews, and grand nieces and nephews. His keen insights, hard-earned wisdom and resolute spirit will be remembered and cherished forever by his family and the many other relatives, business colleagues and friends of so many years. Out of respect of his wishes, there will be no service. A private celebration of his life will be held by his family.

03/31/09 Submitted by: James Demerin

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