Richard Arlen Ah Heong

Richard Arlen Ah Heong was born June 14, 1941, in Hilo, HI, to Peter Ah Heong, Sr. and Minnie (Perriera-Martin) Ah Heong.

He grew up in Hilo. Richard joined the service in 1959 and served his country honorably. His service during the Vietnam War earned him a bronze medal among other distinguished awards. This is where he met the love of his life and married Chanh Su (Tiet) Ah Heong on June 21, 1974. He gave over 21 years to the US Armed Forces and the federal government while working in the JAG Corps. He retired with honors from the US Army as an Army Master Sergeant at Fort Ord, Monterey Bay, California in 1980.

Upon retiring from the army, he moved to Salinas, California where he worked for the California State Automobile Association in the Claims Department. Richard carried the Aloha Spirit with him wherever he went as he was known for being good hearted, sweet, fun, loving, funny, and full of happiness. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, bowling, playing his ukulele and spending time with family and friends. Richard's life was devoted to his family and their happiness. He will be forever missed and memory always cherished. A loving husband, father, grandfather, and military hero who gave his all to God, his country, and his family.

Richard passed peacefully from this life the morning of Saturday, November 24th, 2018, at Roseville Care Center after a gradual decline in health from Alzheimer's. He was surrounded and supported by his loving family and caregivers during the last days of his life.

Richard is survived by his wife, Chanh Su (Tiet) Ah Heong, four children: Darlene Cook, Chad, Mikiala and Wongie Ah Heong; son-in-law Kent Cook; daughter-in-law Tammy; one grandchild: Tawny Cook. Richard is also survived by his sisters Julie Pacheco and Catherine Matsuda. He was preceded in death by his parents Peter Ah Heong, Sr. and Minnie (Perriera-Martin) Ah Heong, his brothers Peter and Frank, and sisters Dorothy and Mary Jane.