We recently said goodbye to a member of our community who will always hold a meaningful place in our story: Allan Wot Louie (September 13, 1923 – December 2, 2025), Kin On’s very first Assisted Living resident, who passed away peacefully at the remarkable age of 102.

When Kin On’s Assisted Living community first opened in 2019, Allan became the first resident to make it his home here. From the very beginning, his presence helped shape the culture and spirit of the community. Over time, he moved to the Ark & Winnie Chin Legacy Home and became a steady and familiar presence.

Prior to joining us, he lived an extraordinary life. During World War II, he served as a mechanic for the Flying Tigers, the renowned American volunteer group that supported China and Southeast Asia during a critical period of the war. His work ensured aircraft remained operational during pivotal moments in history—an essential yet often unrecognized role that required technical skill, discipline, and responsibility. These qualities remained evident throughout his life.

After settling in Seattle, he faced language barriers that shaped his early years in the United States. He worked as a cook in various Chinese restaurants, supporting his family through hard work and perseverance. In 1988, he happily retired, having built a life defined by resilience, dedication, and care for those he loved.

Allan was exceptionally handy and incredibly devoted to his family. He used his skills to build meaningful things for his family including a desk for his children, dog house for the family pet, rice grinder for his wife, and several mahjong tabletops, reflecting both his craftsmanship and his joy in bringing people together. His hobbies were playing mahjong, fishing, listening to Chinese music, or just cruising around town with his family.

Over the years, we had the privilege of celebrating remarkable milestones with him, including his 100th, 101st, and 102nd birthdays. Those who spent time with him remember him as a jokester, who loved to chat and could easily make friends. Kin On staff and fellow residents alike were drawn to his warmth and energetic personality.

“He was the ‘big brother’ of the house,” said Ally Li, Director of Supportive Housing. “Other residents enjoyed chatting with him, and visiting family members naturally join in conversations with him as well. His family often brought him delicious Chinese pastries, and he would remember exactly how many shrimp dumplings are still in the refrigerator, reminding caregivers to heat them up for him at mealtime. He was truly the heart of daily life for both residents and caregivers at the Ark & Winnie Chin Legacy Home.”

His passing marks the close of a meaningful chapter in our assisted living community. As our first resident, his legacy is deeply woven into our story and helped set the foundation for a home rooted in compassion, respect, and appreciation for the lives and histories of those we serve.

We are grateful to have shared part of his journey and extend our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. We honor his life with deep respect and gratitude, and his memory will continue to guide our work.

May we always remember that behind every door is a lifetime of stories worthy of care and recognition.

懷念健安首位耆老生活輔助居庭住戶——雷活麟先生（Allan Wot Louie）

我們近日懷著不捨的心情，向一位在健安社區歷史中佔有重要地位的長者道別——雷活麟先生（Allan Wot Louie，1923年9月13日－2025年12月2日）。他是健安耆老生活輔助居庭的首位住戶，並於102歲高齡安詳辭世。

2019年健安耆老生活輔助居庭正式啟用時，雷活麟先生成為第一位入住、在此安家的長者。從那一刻起，他的性格便為這個社區奠定了溫暖且充滿人情味的氛圍與精神。後來，他搬至健安成人家庭護理家園，並逐漸成為大家心中親切且熟悉的核心。

在加入健安之前，雷先生的人生歷程非同凡響。二次世界大戰期間，他曾擔任飛虎隊（Flying Tigers）的飛機地勤維修員，這是一支在戰爭關鍵時期支援中國與東南亞的美國志願航空隊。他的工作確保飛機在重要時刻保持良好運作——這是一項至關重要卻常被忽略的角色，極需專業技術、紀律與責任感。這些特質也貫穿了他的一生。

定居西雅圖後，語言隔閡也深深影響了他在美國的早年生活。他曾在多家中餐館擔任廚師，以勤奮與毅力撐起整個家庭。1988 年，在建立了一段以堅毅、奉獻與關愛親友為核心的人生後，他懷著滿足與欣慰，迎來退休生活。

雷先生心靈手巧，並對家人充滿關愛與付出。他親手為孩子製作書桌、為家中寵物打造狗屋、為妻子做磨米機，還製作了多張麻將桌。這些親手製作的物件不僅展現了他的工藝，也體現了他總是希望大家開心歡聚的那份心思。他平日喜歡打麻將、釣魚、聽華語音樂，也喜歡與家人一起開車在城裡兜風。

多年來，我們有幸與他一同慶祝多個重要里程碑，包括他的 100 歲、101 歲與 102 歲生日。認識他的人都記得他風趣健談、喜歡聊天，總能輕易結交朋友。健安的員工與其他住戶，也都被他的溫暖與充滿活力的個性所吸引。

「他是這裡的『大哥哥』，」耆老支援住屋總監李明貞（Ally Li） 表示，「其他住戶都很喜歡與他聊天，來訪的家屬也常自然地加入他的談話。他的家人經常帶來美味的中式點心，而他總是清楚記得冰箱裡還有幾顆蝦餃，會提醒照護人員在用餐時幫他加熱。對成人家庭護理家園的住戶與照護人員而言，他真的是大家日常生活中不可或缺的一部分。」

他的離世，象徵著我們耆老支援住屋社區一個重要篇章的落幕。作為首位住戶，他的精神與影響早已深深融入健安的故事之中，並為這個以同理、尊重與珍視每一段生命歷程為本的家園奠定了基礎。

我們感恩能夠陪伴他人生旅程的一部分，並向他的家人與摯愛致上最誠摯的慰問。我們以深深的敬意與感激之心緬懷他的生命，而有關他的記憶也將持續指引我們的服務與使命。

願我們永遠記得：每一扇門後，都有一段值得被照顧與被看見的人生故事。