Yen King Young

Yen King Young January 27, 1924 – June 23, 2016 VISALIA YEN KING YOUNG of Visalia, CA, passed away peacefully in the loving care of her family on June 23rd, 2016. Yen was born at her grandparents’ home in Hong Kong on January 27th, 1924, the second of ten children born to Kwok Wen Hung, an accountant, and Li Lin Yu, a caring mother. Growing up during the war years in China, Yen became a teacher and taught elementary school. It was these early years teaching that prepared her for her own family – enhancing her qualities of being watchful, nurturing, supportive and thoughtful. In 1947, Yen married Kai Poy Young, a U.S. Army veteran, in China and moved to Visalia. Kai returned to work at the Visalia Tea Garden for his uncle, Chuck Young, following his military service. Yen unselfishly devoted her life to her family. She was hard working, thrifty and always put others before herself. She loved to tend her garden and to preserve fruits and vegetables for her family and friends. She prepared the meals and made clothes for herself and her five children. Uncle Chuck retired, and Kai acquired the Tea Garden in 1961. Yen worked side-by-side with her husband at the Tea Garden until his death in 1976. She continued working with her oldest son, Albert, to ensure her remaining children completed their education. True to her commitment to family, she unselfishly continued working to provide and support for the next generation. Yen was affectionately known to many Visalians as “Mama Kai”. Her warm and caring personality was iconic at the restaurant, which experienced generations of patrons. It was common for many customers to sneak past the yellow kitchen doors to say “Hi!” to her. Yen always took a moment to greet them back with a smile, some kind words, and a little snack to take back to their tables. She was a special lady. Yen was blessed with a full and memorable life having the opportunity to travel the world, witness nearly a century of historic moments, and see her family grow and thrive. However, it was her sharp mind, honest humor, and warm heart that made her special to those who have met her. Yen is survived by her devoted children: her son Albert and wife Denise, her daughter Sarah and husband Steven Ho, her son Ronald and wife Can, her son Edmund and wife Pam, and her son Raymond and wife Carol. Her grandchildren: Robert Young, Brian Young, Timothy Young and spouse Carrie, Janet Ho, Rebecca Young and spouse David Merriam, Patricia Young and spouse Eugene Yeh, James Young, Allison Young, Tristan Young, Lauren Young, Cory Young, Caitlyn Young, as well as three great grandchildren. We love you Mama! And, we will deeply miss you. The entire family would like to thank the many friends she enjoyed over the years. Additionally, special thanks are extended to Dennis Johnson, MD, who was Yen’s primary doctor and cardiologist for over 20 years. They would also like to thank Kaweah Delta Private Home Care for the care provided. A viewing will be held at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel on Thursday, June 30 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. with a chapel service on Friday, July 1 at 9:30 a.m. A graveside service will follow at Visalia Cemetery. A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Yen K. Young, to the Kaweah Delta Hospital Foundation at http://donate.kaweahdelta.org/memorials-and-tributes.

Yen King Young

January 27, 1924 - June 23, 2016