Erin Shea Ching slipped away peacefully after a 15-month bout with cancer on Sunday morning, Nov. 2nd. Her husband, Al, had the privilege of being at her bedside; and her attentive sons, Danny and Kawika, were nearby. Erin was most happy when surrounded by the many children comprising her circle of family and friends. Within the paddling community Erin is best known as “Danny Ching’s mom”, or as “Al’s wife.” What’s less publicized is the inexhaustible energy she invested growing the Lanakila Outrigger Canoe Club to be an organization respected and recognized worldwide. For over three and a half decades she has welcomed countless paddlers into the Ching household. Many evenings her husband and sons would bring home unexpected friends, and Erin effortlessly always found enough food at a moments notice to feed everyone.
On Friday morning, Nov 7th, Erin was remembered in a beautiful ceremony held off of her childhood beach, Avenue C in Redondo Beach, CA. The Ching family would like to sincerely the many hundreds of family members, friends and members of the outrigger community who gathered to help us to pay final respects. We're especially humbled by those traveled great distanceds on short notice from as far away as Hawaii, Oregon and Pennsylvania to participate. And we’re especially appreciative of those who made it by the Ching house Friday evening and contributed to an impromptu party filled with food, barley sodas and Hawaiian music. We couldn’t imagine a more fitting send off.
Sincerest Aloha,
Al, Danny & Kawika Ching;
and Josh Crayton (Erin's brother)
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Submitted by jcrayton on Wed, 11/12/2008 - 7:58am
Erin was like a mom to me and it was heart breaking to hear that she had passed. But Erin was the type of person who wouldn't want a mourning, she would want a celebration. I'm sorry to the Ching family that I couldn't be there to send her off with the party that she deserved, Earned.
I'll miss you Erin.
#1 Wed, 11/12/2008 - 8:45am
thanks for sharing that jcrayton,
My condolences to the Ching ohana and their extended family of paddlers and friends.
There's a nice write up of her on here and her contributions to the paddling community and most notably to the junior athletes.
http://www.legacy.com/PVNews/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=1197...
Through the decades she has welcomed countless paddlers to their home. Many evenings her husband and sons would bring home unexpected friends, and Erin effortlessly always found enough food at a moments notice to feed everyone. In lieu of flowers, her family requests that donations be made in Erin's name to the Lanakila Outrigger Canoe Club Junior Program, 260 Calle de Andalucia, Redondo Beach, CA 90277; or a charity of your choice. This Friday morning, Nov 7th, we will remember Erin in a ceremony off of her childhood beach, Avenue C in Redondo Beach. There will be several boats and many members of the outrigger community gathering to pay their final respects. Following the on-the-water ceremony - you may also view from the shore at 11:00 am- we will celebrate her life at Delzano's Restaurant located in the Redondo Beach Marina. Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.
#2 Wed, 11/12/2008 - 3:26pm
Erin was one of the nicest thoughtful true people I've ever met. It breaks my heart to hear that she's passed away. Like so many Cali paddlers I was a guest at the Ching's where on every occasion she greated me with the warmest smile a cold beer and a hot plate. She was an amazing person who will be missed by every person who had the fortune of meeting her. My heart goes out to her family and friends.
#3 Fri, 11/14/2008 - 3:26pm
My condolences to the Ching Ohana.
#4 Fri, 11/14/2008 - 6:53pm