Franklin S. Low

Franklin S. Low passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on August 20, 2022, with his eldest grandson, David, at his side. Frank was born in 1926 in Napa, California to Joe Kwai Chap and Jennifer Wong Min Chun Low, farmers who immigrated from China. He grew up in the depression era, under circumstances that today we would regard as intolerable —walking to school in patched, cardboard-lined shoes, sleeping in the drying sheds to guard the fruit from theft, and encountering discrimination against Chinese who were not allowed to use public swimming pools. Yet, he was surrounded by a strong and united family, being the fourth of six children. He possessed a sharp intellect, was elected to the National Honor Society, and served as an officer of his senior high school class.

Toward the end of World War II, Frank served in the Army of the United States as a corporal. He told stories of his adventures driving generals to their “liaisons,” how the Chinese cooks on his military vessels would invite only him to eat tasty Chinese food below deck; and how, stationed in Korea, Chinese soldiers on the 38th parallel would shout across the lines for him to cross over.

On the GI Bill, Frank attended UC Berkeley and USC Pharmacy School (Rho Chi Honor Society), during which time he met Lillian Lee, a spirited, fun-loving, beautiful, athletic woman who was his perfect foil and his lifelong soulmate. We children can attest that in their 40-plus years of marriage, ended only by Lillian’s untimely death, Frank and Lillian had a uniquely joyful and loving marriage–they never once argued, their minds were so much in accord. Frank was a smooth dancer and he and Lillian loved to dance, golf, and socialize at Chinese Club events. As Fairfield was situated between San Francisco, Napa, and Lake Tahoe, Frank and Lillian took the family on adventures that they had never experienced in their own childhood, including snow and water skiing, National Park vacations, and fishing and camping. Some of our best memories include taking karate lessons with our dad as kids and playing tennis with him and mom well into their 60s. While raising the family, Frank owned and ran WonderWorld pharmacy, as well as a fruit farm in Fairfield and vineyards in Napa. On the way, he imparted to his children life lessons of patience, perseverance, steadfastness, moral sensitivity, and kindness.

He was a progressive father, encouraging his children equally in athletics and academics. It was a great point of pride that his four children all became medical and legal professionals and that his grandchildren all graduated college, some with graduate engineering and medical degrees.

Sadly, Lillian passed away in 1998 and Frank came to live with his children in the Palos Verdes Peninsula in 2006. He continued to enjoy cruises, golfing, senior classes, and playing with his grandchildren. Last year, Frank was thrilled to receive the Chinese-American Congressional Gold Medal honoring WW II Veterans.

As his health declined, Frank never stopped delighting in visits from his grandchildren and great-granddaughter. It was a joy to listen to him speak of the past and to hear him sing “Que Sera, Sera.” He never lost his wry sense of humor, bits of naughtiness, and keen insight into human nature. Frank did it right–as a husband, father, and grandfather. He shaped our very beings, and we owe unending love and gratitude to him and our mother.

He is survived by his children: Leslie Low (Richard Kamm), Michael Low (Janice), Diana Bailey (Michael, deceased), and Allison Phillips (Richard); grandchildren David Kamm, Michael Kamm, Kevin Low, Ryan Low, Mark Bailey, M.D. (Kelly), Katherine Bailey, M.D., Andrew Phillips, Jason Phillips; and great-granddaughter Vivian Bailey.

Services for Frank will be at St. Peter's Historic Chapel at Green Hills Memorial Park on Western Ave in Rancho Palos Verdes.