Henry Ly

Henry Ly, 96, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 12, 2018. He was born September 19, 1921 in Canton, China, to father, Huang Da Sheng, and mother, Lin Jin Zhong. Henry immigrated to the United States in 1930 with his father, through Angel Island, San Francisco Bay, CA. Henry continued Chinese education from 1931-1938 and graduated from American School in 1941. He and his father helped the Chinese American's write letters to send to China.

Henry worked in his father's hand laundry business in East Los Angeles in the 1930's and 1940's. His father died in 1938, leaving Henry to manage the business; closing it in 1942, upon enlistment into the United States Navy. He became a decorated military Veteran by serving during WWII and after, as a Hospital Corpsman on Landing Craft ships in Pacific Theater battles, and for other Naval assignments; receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1955. 

Henry attended college from 1948 to 1954, earning credentials in the field of Microbiology. He proudly became a U.S. citizen in 1965; while forever cherishing his Chinese family and heritage.

Henry worked as a Microbiologist at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, from 1956 to 1992, for a great mentor and friend, David Imagawa, Ph.D. in the medical and viruses field; to research Leukemia, HIV/AIDS, Measles, and other infectious diseases. Additionally, Henry worked there in research with Moon Lee, Ph.D., and as long-time close friends, Moon became Henry's Cantonese language interpreter, allowing Henry to converse with family in China. Henry and Moon traveled to China in 1994, where Henry visited his sister and related family; after six long decades apart. 

Henry met the love of his life, Simone, in the early 1960's through a college magazine ad (like today's online dating), and became pen pals. After letters and phone calls, they met in Malibu and after proposing to Simone, he became a beloved father figure to her six children. Henry and Simone married in 2002 during a spring night and shared a great love for over 50 years. They became destination travelers; to Griffith Park, Hearst Castle, Yosemite, San Francisco Pier, Sequoias, museums, beaches, amusement parks, numerous national parks and other landmarks. Most importantly, they traveled to be with family; for their weddings, graduations, and other celebrations. Henry was an accomplished photographer; always having a camera to capture every special event.

Henry had numerous other interests. He loved animals; most especially cats; including favorites; Yum Yum, Ming Toi, Lucky and Blackie. He was an avid reader of noteworthy scientific and journalistic publications. He loved home improvement and landscape projects; always planning his next project. He worked non-stop from early morning to sunset, and would then enjoy a nice meal and his television programs; including professional ice skating, history, National Geographic, sports, science and journalistic shows.

Henry was preceded in death by his parents Huang Da Sheng and Lin Jin Zhong, his cherished wife Simone Lawton-Ly, grand-daughter Vikki Hatchett, grandson Alex Godinez, and son-in-law Rodney Takahara. He is survived by his sister Huang Ying-Chang, nieces, and extended family of Xinhui City, China. He is also survived by his step family; daughters Therese Lewis, Carole Wood (Frank), Janine Hatchett (Donald), Judith Takahara, Cynthia Lawton, and son James Lawton (Marcela). In addition, he is survived by beloved grandchildren Kim, Randy, David, Daniel, Ryan, Tamara, Erick, and Loraine, eleven great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren, and friends Moon Lee Ph.D., and Anthony Kropinak (Christian spiritual advisor).