Herbert with grandson “Huddy”, November 2025

Dear Lily, Nick & Christina, Karen & Matthew, Evie, Lena, Brielle, Talia Mae, Huddy,
and the many friends and family of Herbert,

We—Joy, Iris, and Monroe—represent the Chin See family from Falmouth, Jamaica, the same hometown as Herbert’s family. We are cousins of the Chin family.

We regret that we cannot be with you today and have asked Henry to read our tribute to Herbert in Charlotte.

To Lily, Nick, and Karen: we are deeply sorry for your loss.
To the grandchildren: we share in your sorrow over the passing of your beloved Grandpa.

Herbert’s sudden departure has left us shocked and saddened.

I, Joy, will miss seeing my phone light up with a call from Connecticut and hearing Herbert’s familiar greeting: “Hey, JOY!”

Herbert’s father, Henry Levy Chin, descended from a common ancestor in the humble village of Nu Fu in southern China. He was the nephew of my grandfather, William Chin See, born in Nu Fu in 1866.

In the late 1800s, facing limited opportunities in Nu Fu, William boarded a ship to Jamaica, where he worked as an indentured laborer in the sugar fields for seven years to repay his passage. Afterward, he became a shopkeeper in downtown Falmouth.

Needing help, William invited his 16-year-old nephew, Henry Levy Chin, to join him in Jamaica. He mentored Henry in frugality, simple living, and hard work. The Chin and Chin See families lived together above the shop at Duke and Market Streets.

Together with William’s son Percy, they expanded the business. William eventually returned to China to retire in Nu Fu. Under Henry Levy and Percy’s leadership, the business grew into a bakery, hardware store, and wholesale and retail operation.

Henry Levy later established his own business in three buildings at Water Square, Falmouth. He was affectionately known as “Mr. Sweetie” for the candy he kept in his pocket and served as Justice of the Peace for many years.

---

Herbert was born in Falmouth on April 1, 1947, the 12th of 13 children of “Uncle Sweetie.” His mother, Edith Mae Chang of Kingston, was Henry Levy’s third wife.

I, Joy, vividly recall Miss Mae calling Herbert’s name with unmistakable authority: “Her-BERT!”—the second syllable rising sharply. Herbert recently confirmed this memory.

After attending Cornwall High School in Montego Bay, Herbert earned a scholarship to the University of Birmingham, England, where he studied metallurgy from 1965 to 1972. He later attended MIT in 1973 and completed his doctorate at the University of Florida (1974–1978).

Herbert joined Pratt & Whitney in Florida, serving with distinction for 30 years and becoming a Senior Fellow in Aerospace Materials. He developed several patents and formed lifelong friendships, including with Wangen Lin and Bill Gostic.

Though he traveled widely for work, Herbert remained a Falmouth boy at heart. His small-town roots, the work ethic of his father and five brothers, and his Catholic faith shaped his devotion to family and duty.

Herbert enjoyed classical music, photography, cycling, and cooking—he was the family chef. He and Bill Gostic also cooked gourmet meals for charity fundraisers. He loved using Topaz software to restore old family photos.

Although I encountered Herbert only a few times growing up, we reconnected in 2018 after a family event in Miami. He dove into genealogy, creating detailed family trees and illustrated documents archived on a website built by Monroe.

Over the next five years, Herbert communicated with us—Monroe, Joy, Gwen, and Iris—frequently, sometimes several times a day (or night!). He collaborated with paternal relatives to document the Chin and Chin See family’s journey from Nu Fu to Falmouth.

He also researched his maternal lineage and other families. Herbert was generous with his time and meticulous in his work, including photos and partners for each individual wherever possible.

In 2022, Herbert created the “Map of Chinese Families in Falmouth 1900–2000,” installed at the Falmouth Courthouse. We’re unsure if it survived Hurricane Melissa.

Herbert saw his work as a tribute to my grandfather William’s invitation to his father—a pivotal moment that changed Uncle Sweetie’s life. As Herbert noted, all of his father’s grandchildren attended college and built productive lives.

We are forever indebted to Herbert for his generosity and dedication.

Herbert is survived by his devoted wife Lily, daughter Karen, son Nick, and five grandchildren—his “heart and liver,” as I fondly call them.

We will miss Herbert deeply. His contributions to our Chin See family legacy are immeasurable. He truly loved his family.

Herbert now joins his brothers Leslie, Hector, Harry, Harold, and Tony, and his parents Uncle Sweetie and Miss Mae. He is also embraced by our Chin ancestors, whom he honored through his tireless documentation.

“To forget one’s ancestors is to be a brook without a source, a tree without a root.”
—Chinese proverb

Herbert, we thank you, we miss you, and we love you.

With love,
Iris, Monroe, and Joy
The Chin See Family

A biography of Herbert can be found in the Biographies section of our website. This biography is a compilation of the many photographs and images documenting Herbert’s life.

Daisy Louise Chin’s life, spanning December 1, 1936, to February 28, 2025, is a story of love, strength, and an enduring legacy. Through the heartfelt words of her family, her remarkable journey and profound impact on her loved ones shine brightly.

Daisy’s children and grandchildren cherished her guidance and love. Christine shared how Daisy exemplified wisdom and grace, supporting her family through challenges while celebrating their achievements. Daisy’s love for family was her life’s cornerstone, as seen in the deep bonds she formed with each of them.

Henry reflected on Daisy’s resilience and her unique ability to unite people with her humor and wisdom. Her story of overcoming adversities while staying rooted in optimism became an inspiration for her children and grandchildren, empowering them to navigate life with courage and determination.

Tiffany, Daisy’s granddaughter, lovingly recalled how thrilled Daisy was to meet her great-granddaughters, Leah and Violet. Daisy’s fondness for girls was apparent in her joy over gifting them jewelry, a reflection of her generosity and pride. Tiffany shared how Daisy’s memory will live on through stories, ensuring Leah and Violet remember their beloved “Queen Popo.”

Ryan, Daisy’s grandson, fondly described her lively spirit and infectious laugh. From her passionate conversations about family pride to her enthusiastic trips to the casino, Daisy’s joy for life was evident. Ryan treasured their shared experiences, from playing mahjong to ensuring Daisy claimed her favorite slot machine.

Daisy embraced life’s adventures with enthusiasm, as shared by Christine and Henry. Her passion for travel, music, and gathering loved ones left lasting memories. Whether it was cooking delicious meals, celebrating milestones, or simply enjoying cherished family time, Daisy infused her love and warmth into every moment.

Daisy’s legacy lives on in the values she instilled in her family: love, resilience, and generosity. As her children and grandchildren shared in their eulogies, Daisy’s influence continues to inspire and guide them. Her vibrant spirit and enduring love remain a beacon of joy for generations to come.

A biography of Auntie Daisy can be found in the Biographies section of our website. This biography is a compilation of the many photographs and images documenting Daisy’s life.

Herbert Leslie Chin, affectionately known as “Uncle Les” or “Mas Les,” lived a life marked by generosity, hard work, and devotion to family. Born in Falmouth, Jamaica, on July 31, 1929, Les’ journey took him from the shores of Jamaica to China and back, eventually leading him to Miami, Florida.

Les’ early life was shaped by a blend of cultures and traditions. At the age of eight, he was sent to China to learn about his heritage, but the outbreak of war brought him back to Jamaica. He excelled in soccer during his school years, demonstrating a competitive spirit that would carry him through life.

Family played a central role in Les’ life. When his mother passed away, he selflessly left school to support his six younger siblings. Together with his father and stepmother, he helped build Sweeties Thrift Shop into a successful family business in Falmouth.

In 1961, Les married Linette Chen, and together they managed the wholesale division of Sweeties. Their efforts enabled Les’ brothers to pursue higher education in Canada and England, underscoring his commitment to his family’s well-being.

In the late 1970s, Les and Lin migrated to Miami, where he worked at Union 76 gas station and later at Baxter Medical until his retirement. Les was known for his active lifestyle, enjoying dancing, jogging, and cooking. His love for cooking led him to create culinary delights like jerk pork and cornmeal pudding, which he generously shared with family and friends.

Les’ home was a hub of activity, filled with fruit trees, vegetables, and flowers. His garden was a testament to his nurturing spirit and love for nature. He also had a special bond with his dog, Dixie, whom he cared for deeply.

Throughout his life, Les remained active and engaged. He enjoyed cruising, visiting casinos, and spending time with loved ones. His generosity knew no bounds, and he always put the needs of others before his own.

Les’ passing at the age of 96 leaves a void in the hearts of those who knew him. His legacy of love, hard work, and selflessness will be cherished by his family and friends. Though he may be gone, his spirit lives on in the memories and stories shared by those whose lives he touched.

A biography of Uncle Les can be found in the Biographies section of our website. This biography is a compilation of the many photographs and images documenting Uncle Les’ life.

A digitized copy of “Helen Chinsee, selected works from 1954 – 1991” has been added to the Biographies/Journals section of the website. This journal, transcribed and edited by Monroe Chinsee, grandnephew of Rupert Chinsee, was presented to Helen on the occasion of her 80^th birthday celebration in Miami, Florida, 1994.

Helen Chinsee, born Hu Ching Hsien on April 21, 1914, in Wushih, China, near Shanghai, embarked on a life filled with remarkable achievements and resilience. As the second of five children in a family of professionals, Helen’s early years were marked by a commitment to education and a drive to excel.

In 1940, Helen married Rupert B. Chinsee, a fellow student at the University of Chicago. The couple returned to China, where they faced both joy and sorrow with the birth of their two children—a son who tragically died at age four and a daughter, Joy, who resided in Miami.

In 1950, amidst the turmoil of war-torn China, Helen and Rupert moved to Falmouth, Jamaica, a place that would become Helen’s second home. For 55 years, she thrived as an entrepreneur and industrial pioneer in rural Jamaica, making significant contributions to the community and the local economy.

Helen’s career was diverse and dynamic. She held roles as an accountant, secretary, translator, and press monitor in China. After moving to Jamaica, she founded “Carib Metal Works,” an aluminum factory that provided much-needed employment and boosted the local Jamaican economy. Later, she founded “Fachoy Foods Ltd.” a soy sauce factory, also in Jamaica. Fachoy Foods is still in operation today in Martha Brae, Trelawny of which her grandson, Michael Eaton, is a co-owner/manager with the Hew Family of Montego Bay. Her writings, often published under her maiden name Helen Hu in The Daily Gleaner, reflected her humor, appreciation of rural life, and keen business acumen.

Helen’s life story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and dedication. Her contributions to Jamaican society, both as an industrial pioneer and a writer, demonstrate her unwavering commitment to the common good. Her legacy continues to inspire those who strive to make a positive impact in their communities.

As we celebrate Helen Chinsee’s extraordinary journey, we honor not just her accomplishments, but her enduring spirit and the difference she made in the lives of those around her.

Uncle George was born in Falmouth, Jamaica on September 9th, 1932 to Ida and Percy Chinsee. He was the fifth of eight children born to Miss Ida. At the age of 2, Miss Ida brought George, along with his 3 brothers Albert, Owen and Ramsay to China to be brought up and educated there. In those days, it was customary for Chinese families in Jamaica to send their children back to China to be brought up in the proper Chinese way.

There, the 4 brothers were placed in the care of their Uncle Rupert’s first wife, Li Man. The family was supported mainly by remittances sent from Jamaica. The family fell on hard times as a result of the war (WWII) in the 1940s when the Japanese invaded Hong Kong and then during the Chinese cultural revolution in the 1960s. During that time, the remittances did not come regularly and the family suffered great hardship.

As a foreign born (British Overseas) Chinese and from a wealthy family, the brothers suffered discrimination and imprisonment during the cultural revolution in the 1960s.

Fortunately, George and his wife, Annie were spared the bulk of the suffering that his brothers Owen and Ramsay went through during the cultural revolution, as at the behest of his uncle Senator Rupert Chinsee, George and Annie were granted exit from China to return to Jamaica in the mid nineteen sixties, along with their infant daughter, Rosie.

Cousin Joy recollects that George never forgot that Rupert played an important part in getting his family out of China. After Rupert’s passing in 1983, George and Annie would often travel over 2 hours round trip on a Sunday from Savanna la Mar to visit Joy’s mother Helen at her rural home in Martha Brae near Falmouth. Joy also recollects that when cousin Yuk Yu organized a collection for the dedication of a classroom of GUAN LAN No.2 MIDDLE SCHOOL in China to honor grandfather William Chin See. It was she and George who made the donations. This school had been attended by several generations of William Chin See’s family members in China.

My earliest recollections of Uncle George was that of a generous man – he always bought us candy as kids. One memory I have is that as kids we’d love “drive-outs” with him because he drove in stops and starts. Us kids in the back of his car laughing at his erratic driving.

While all his siblings later migrated to the USA and elsewhere, George chose to spend his old age in Jamaica, the country of his birth. Jamaica became George and Annie’s home for the rest of their lives. George and Annie adapted to their new Jamaican culture, as many people before them had done.

In my recent recollection, Uncle George used to come up from Jamaica regularly to buy supplies for he and Annie’s medical practice. He would take Uber to his house, and I would take him to the airport on his return.

Each time he came, he would take Mom, Jeff and I to various buffet style Chinese restaurants he liked, especially to the Shin-Ju Japanese Buffet on Sunset and Galloway. While we would binge on snow crab legs, shrimp, stone crab claws and sushi, he always ate the regular style American Chinese fares – pork lo-mein, BBQ pork ribs, wonton soup etc. He took vicarious delight in seeing us enjoying the various menu items available at the buffet. He and Annie both loved dogs and when he came, he would play with Neo, our dog. He came to almost every Thanksgiving, starting from the very first one in 1993. At first, Annie seldom came, but in later years, she came with him as his health deteriorated.

Whereas George had a reputation of being quick to temper, Annie, being sweet tempered, was the perfect Ying to his Yang.

Annie was born on July 10th, 1933 to mother Sun Foo Jee and father Li Choi (Henry Li) in Shanghai, China. She was the second of three daughters. Annie’s father Henry was born in Trinidad and was educated at the University of London where he met Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Henry later became Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s English secretary.

Annie had a sweet tooth, and whenever she came up for our Thanksgiving gathering she would ask for extra helpings of Lissa’s cassava pone and some mango ice cream. Annie’s version of Thanksgiving dinner is cassava pone and lichee or mango ice cream as a first course, then for second course Jeff’s potato salad, then another serving of cassava pone and lichee ice cream as third course.

Annie had a generous heart. Knowing Junior liked her pepper shrimp, Annie always cooked her pepper shrimp specialty for Junior and it became known as “Junior’s pepper shrimp” and no one else was allowed to touch it. Annie liked to try her hand at new recipes. One year Annie and my sister Angie was here in July, so we had a birthday dinner for all the July birthday people – there were Jeff, Mom (Doris), Curtis, Annie and Angie at Bone-Fish Grill. There we had “Bang Bang” shrimp. Annie later replicated Bang Bang shrimp from her memory at her home.

As for Annie, cousin Joy remarked that “It is my belief that Annie came to truly regard Jamaica as her home because she had found kindness and trustworthiness in the community she served. Annie developed a slight Jamaican lilt in her speech and a twinkle was always in her eyes… as if she enjoyed the human condition in all its variations and foibles, especially the Jamaican human condition.”

Indeed, in their senior years, George and Annie developed a very close relationship with a Jamaican man and his wife they had come to love and trust. Welton “Tony” Nicholson and his wife Kerri gave George and Annie comfort, care, companionship, safety and dignity in their old age.

Tony and Annie sat and chatted at leisure every single day. Tony got to learn many of Annie’s stories, including the fact that her father was born in Trinidad, spoke English and had been the English secretary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen.

In closing,

Cousin Joy selected this quote from the late Irish-Catholic poet, John O’Donahue:

When orchids brighten the earth

(and) Darkest winter has turned to spring,

May this dark grief flower with hope

In every heart that loves you.

————–

We love you, Annie and George.

A photo-journal of Gwen can be found in the Biographies section of our website. This journal is a compilation of the many photographs, images and documents that was left behind after Gwen’s passing. It illuminates her perspective of our collective family history. Gwen’s personal memoir, Remembrance of Things Past can also be found in the Biographies section of the Chin Family Tree website.

For my dear grand nephews and nieces. This photo-journal was prepared for you through many conversations over many months with our family scribe, Herbert Chin before my passing, and the many photographs I left behind that nephew Roger Chin See Arjoon gathered and sent to Herbert for compilation. For cancer caused my passing way too early and I was unable to give YOU what love I had left in my golden years and pass on our family heritage, my life’s lessons, and experiences for you to learn and grow and make you an even better person. And so, this is my last gift to you, with all my love. Auntie Gwen

A Part 5 of the William Chin See Family Journal has been added to the Biographies section of the website. This section of the journal documents the life achievements of Chin Yuk Yu (Hakka: Nyuk Yee), grand daughter of William Chin See and daughter of Rupert Chin See. The Journal was created in collaboration between members of Yuk Yu’s family and Herbert, our family scribe. Thanks to Holly, Joy and Yuk Yu’s daughter Hung Kwan, we have a glimpse of Yuk Yu’s life in China and her unwavering dedication to William Chin See’s family during a time of unprecedented turmoil in China’s history. Holly Liu is Yuk Yu’s grand daughter. This journal is a foundation whereby future generations of Liu family members can add their very own life’s experiences.

Gwendolyn Elaine Chin See, born on May 29th, 1943 in Falmouth, Jamaica passed away peacefully on August 9th, 2022 at age 79 after a long battle with cancer. She was daughter to Ida and Percival Chin See of Falmouth, Jamaica W.I. and granddaughter to William Chin See, founder of Chin See Bros., one of the most successful and influential businesses in the town of Falmouth.

She is survived by brother Owen, sister Iris, cousins, nephews, nieces, grand nephews and grand nieces.

Auntie Gwen or “Gwen-Goo” as we would affectionately call her was fun loving and gregarious in nature, borne out by the fact that everyone recognized her unique laughter.

As a young child, she saw how her mother Ida struggled to run the Chin See Bros. business after her father Percy’s early passing. She attended Immaculate Conception High School in Jamaica, a Catholic school run by nuns. These early experiences formed the foundation for self-reliance, respect, responsibility and hard work that would guide her later in life.

While at Immaculate she mastered several difficult piano compositions and earned the admiration of her music teacher. She attended college in New York. There she earned diplomas in Dance Therapy (MS) at Hunter College, NY and Public Administration (MS) at Baruck College, NY.

She was empathic yet was not afraid to challenge herself and go outside her comfort zone. Among her accomplishments in personal development, she ran the NY Marathon, ate fire and walked on burning coal, walked on broken glass, went bungee jumping and mastered public speaking.

My earliest memories of her was that of a sophisticated young aunt from New York that was fun to be with. Our parents were always busy running the business, but “Gwen-Goo” always had time to teach us children, songs from the “The Sound of Music” and “Mary Poppins” or to get thoroughly roasted and sunburned from full day’s outings at Burwood Beach, or from sunbathing on the Chin See Bros. hardware building rooftop.

Auntie Gwen was instrumental in arranging our first Family Thanksgiving Gathering back in 1992. This came about from several back-to-back family events that occurred close together. Due to everyone living so far away, we never got to see each other on a frequent basis. On August 20th, 1991, grandmother Ida (Apo) passed away; our father Albert passed away on February 20th, 1992 and Hurricane Andrew hit Miami on August 24th, 1992. Despite these setbacks, the family gathering went ahead as planned on November 26th, 1992. Gwen was the chief organizer in calling everyone and insisting they come — “William, you must come… you must bring Ah-Ja.” So everyone came, Helen, Joy, Marguerite, George, Iris, Ramsay, Cutie, William and so on, to our hurricane damaged house in Miami, leaking roof and all. We visited the cemetery and laid flowers, remembering loved ones passed. The following year, even more family members came. To this day, though Auntie Gwen was no longer able to come, and our group has grown smaller due to loved ones passing, Thanksgiving for our family has become a day of remembrance. Gwen, in her unique way, was able to ease our grief and bring the family closer together.

More recently, recognizing the importance of preserving her life’s experiences for future generations of Chin See families, she wrote her own memoir, “Remembrance of Things Past” as well as collaborated on several major family journals that can be found on the Chin Family Tree website.

She was instrumental in getting brother Owen’s personal diary translated from chinese to english. Through collaboration with Herbert and Herbert’s friend, Wangen, the diary was translated from chinese to english and can be found on our website. As a result, we have a window to the ordeal brothers Albert, Owen, George,and Ramsay went through in China during the war (WWII), and later, during the Chinese Communist Revolution.

Thanks to Gwen, her father Percy’s grave in Kingston, Jamaica is now fully renovated. Again through collaboration, the damaged roof over the grave has been repaired, and a new plaque has been installed to replace the damaged one. Gwen was just a few months old when her father died.

We were all the more fortunate for having had Auntie Gwen in our lives.

Thank you Gwen-Goo.
Monroe

Thanks to Herbert’s tireless dedication, the William Chin See Family Journal is now complete. The WCS Family Journal spans 5 generations of Chin See family members, their spouses and children, documenting William’s legacy to his descendants and their own life achievements. This journal is a foundation whereby future generations of Chin See family members can add their very own life’s experiences. The Journal can be found under the Biographies section of the website.

The Arjoon – Von Trappe family COVID concert featuring The Sound of Music theme is now available for worldwide viewing. Watch the concert here under the Gallery section of the Chin Family Tree website.