Clayton Chong, esteemed physician and advocate for Native Hawaiian health, died in November at age 68. He graduated from Kamehameha Schools and received a Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Hawai'i. He went on to do his residency at the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM), fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and received a Master of Public Health from Harvard University.Affectionately known as "Dr. Crabbie," Clayton worked at Queen's Medical Center for over 30 years. He served as a Trustee, Chief of the Department of Oncology, and Medical Director of the Queen's Cancer Center. In 2014, he was awarded the O'o Award by the Native Hawaiian Chamber of Commerce and Physician of the Year by Queen's Medical Center. He was an Associate Professor of Medicine at JABSOM's Department of Native Hawaiian Health and a founder of 'Ahahui o na Kauka, the Association for Native Hawaiian Physicians. He was passionate about taking care of the Hawaiian community and providing quality health care to anyone, regardless of their race, income, or social status.
A Hilo boy, Clayton loved hunting, cooking, and riding his dirt bike. He was especially proud of his 3rd place finish in the 55+ division of the 2015 GIMC Labor Day Race. He will be missed dearly by his wife Edwina, his children Lehua (Eric), Kyle (Brittney), and Maile (Rick), his grandchildren Evelyn, Miles, Adrienne, and Ilima, his sisters Sandra (Terry), Claire (Tony), and Emma, and his beloved dog Popeye. Services will be held at 10:30 am at Central Union Church on January 7, 2023, with visitation at 9:30 am.
Arrangements Provided By:
Diamond Head Mortuary Chapel
