WAI SINN CHAR / 1902-2003
Founding member of
Chinese civic group dies
Retired Honolulu dentist Wai Sinn Char died July 3, two weeks after his 101st birthday.
Char retired in 1979 from his practice at the former Char Professional Center on Kukui Street after 53 years as a dentist. He was born in Honolulu and attended McKinley High School. After graduating from Creighton University Dental School in 1926, he worked in China, including a position as dental examiner for the city of Shanghai, until returning to Hawaii in 1930. He and his wife Bertha were married in 1932.
He was one of the founding members of the Honolulu Chinese Junior Chamber of Commerce and of the Women's Auxiliary of Honolulu Dental Society. He was active in the United Church of Christ, the Republican Party and the Pop Stagbar Granddad bowling club.
He is survived by his wife Bertha; sons David K.M., John K.S. and Douglas K.C.; daughters Cynthia Schwab and Claudia Loo; sisters Kwai Lan Goo, Irene K.N. Tyau, Grace K. Y. Wong and Kwai Sin Char; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Nuuanu Mortuary. Friends may call after 8 a.m. Burial will be in Nuuanu Memorial Park. The family suggests casual attire.