SAN FRANCISCO, USA

Welcome: Let's Start Arnold's Procession

Thank you for attending our celebration of life for Arnold Chin. As we planned our grandfather’s memorial, we thought it fitting that instead of a traditional funeral procession you’d be part of a parade of some of the prominent San Francisco locations that were important in our Gongi’s life. As many of you know, Arnold’s past time was planning tours and trips, so we thought this would be a perfect way to salute our Gongi. Each car should have a snack bag loaded with a sampling of our grandfather’s favorite snacks. You will also find a small red string to tie to your front door when you get home to protect it from evil spirits. You will also find packs of “poppers” that you can use to scare away evil spirits. There is incense and paper money for you to burn later as well. 

We begin this tour at Green Street Mortuary - the site of the wake and where we laid Arnold’s beloved wife, Nanci (our papi), to rest just seven years ago. As heart-breaking as it is, the only comfort we’ve all found is the fact that Gongi and Papi are finally together again. Best friends, husband and wife - they lived their vows to the fullest - “in sickness and in health, till death do us part…” 

Now, as we begin this tour, you will have the locations available to you here in case you get separated from the group. Please turn your car lights on and drive slowly and safely as we proceed past each location. As we pull up to each location, click on the appropriate link so you can hear the narrated story, photos, and explanation along the way. As is customary, you will see the oldest son, carrying a portrait, and the rest of the family offering food, including roast pork and rice wine and paper joss money also known as ghost or spirit money. In some cases they burn paper houses, cars and other objects. The tradition helps ensure that the loved one will have the things they need to be comfortable in the afterlife. The Chinese believe that the ashes and smoke carry the spiritual equivalent to the soul of the deceased, and that burning items will actually meet the deceased where they are. Family members also typically throw white paper, light an odd number of incense and bow three times to honor their loved one. You will see the family exit their vehicle, but please remain in your car as you pass the location.