FAMILY PLACED OBITUARY

GEORGE HOW TIM CHU
GEORGE HOW TIM CHU George How Tim Chu, president and owner of GBC Incorporated, died peacefully on July 17, 2013. George was born on April 8, 1922 to Kong and Ellen Chu in Kapaia, Kauai. Unfortunately, Kong Chu died just before George was born. Ellen remarried and relocated to the Liliha area on Oahu. When George was 14, his mother Ellen passed away, leaving George, his stepfather, and his seven siblings. George graduated from St. Louis High School and worked briefly for the state government. He joined the army and was stationed at Fort Shafter. In 1946, George married Bertha Mun and they had one daughter and three sons. George joined Hopaco in 1947 as an account clerk. During his 17-year tenure, he was accounting/credit manager and operations manager. In 1964, he left Hopaco to start his own accounting firm, but when Hopaco was acquired by Boise-Cascade two years later, he was offered the comptroller position to return to Hopaco, and was later promoted to general manager. In 1974, George left Hopaco to found his own company, GBC Inc. Initially, GBC was a Hawaiian souvenirs wholesaler. Ultimately, George sold the souvenir business to focus on the distribution and retailing of packaging materials. With his wife Bertha at his side and their three sons, the family business grew and prospered, and in 1990, George won the distinguished national award as Hawaii's Small Business Person of the Year. George was active in Junior Achievement, Rotary Club, and the Chamber of Commerce but much of his time, effort, and passion was in support of Hawaii's Chinese Chamber of Commerce. In 1982, George became president of the Chinese Chamber. Over the years, George was extremely active and helped the Chamber to bring 12 city / province China Trade Exhibitions to Hawaii, and managed the American Management Training Program to introduce American management practices to business people from China. George is survived by his loving wife Bertha, his son, Sanford and daughter-in-law Laureen, grandson Michael and his wife Lea, son Lester and daughter-in-law Roanne, grandchildren Melissa and Jason, son Walton and daughter-in-law Nannette, grandchildren Steven and Wendy, and sister Elsie Mau. Their daughter, Georgiana passed away in 1997. A celebration of his life will be held at the Diamond Head Memorial Park on Monday, July 29. Visitation starts at 4:30 p.m. with Services at 5:30 p.m. Donations to Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific are suggested.

Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased

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