Sadly I write this post today as I sit here missing my old friend whom I will never forget nor the fun times we shared, I will remember him most for his sunny smile and the chuckle of his laughter.
My buddy and my friend who was born in China, who came to the states and was an excellent Master Chef here in West Virginia for 50 years. Dip Doy "David" Leong was a kind man and was in his 80's. I still am not sure of his age as he never really liked to talk about being old and he was so young at heart. I know his birthday was in February and if I am not mistaken I think he was born in 1924. He had a wonderful young complexion and admitted that he had used no soap only Noxzema on his face since being a young man.
I being busy with my life had not kept in touch with David as much as I should have in the past few years, however just the thought him made me smile.
I opened the Sunday newspaper last week and saw the obituary, I was upset that it was there to begin with, sad that it was so short and brief . I was enraged that I had not even received a phone call from his wife . David really had nothing good to say about his wife, that she was spoiled and out for herself, she was younger than him in years and he married her after his first wife died. He hesitated even then as to the difference in their ages. He also told me that they had discussed this and he had ask her about what would happen when he became old, and she was still young. Her answer according to him was that she would be there to care for him. About 5 years ago she ask him for a divorce, his reply to her was that he was to old and to go do whatever she wanted to do. I have met her on lots of occasions and never liked her much, I will definitely never like her again, ever.
I would have been happy to have the opportunity to sit with him during his illness as I always had a way of making him laugh. I would have liked to have had the chance to say goodbye without opening the newspaper 11 days after he passed and seeing the obituary minus a photo of him in the Sunday newspaper which ran one day only. I am sure that I am not the only one who would have liked to have said goodbye, David had many friends and lots of golfing buddies, He lived to play golf. I am sure that many of his friends do not know of his passing due to his inconsiderate and selfish wife.
I am sorry David, I will miss you very much and will always have the memories of our friendship that we shared. You were a dear friend and I will never forget you. I can almost hear you laughing at me while looking down from heaven as I write this. I know God will comfort you and keep you safe until we meet again.
Obituary: February, 1st, 2009
Dip Doy "David " Leong in the presence of his loving wife, Shu Lin "Linda" Leong, after a short illness, died at Thomas Memorial hospital in South Charleston January 21st, 2009. A friendly outgoing master chef and ground breaking restaurateur for over 50 years, much loved by lifelong friends, golf partners, and son, Peter Leong.
No formal service will be held at this time.
The photo of David that I have posted is how I remember him most. He was in my shop and we were having Flamingo Mania month. It took a very brave soul with lots of humor to have a photo taken in this funny hat. I love you David and will cherish the memories forever.
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