Heong Poo & Alicia Loui Family
Members
- Parents: Heong Poo Loui & Alicia Loui (née Wong Look Moy)
- Separated: 1934 (Heong Poo stayed in China)
- Children:
- Fred Loui (older son)
- Wallace Loui (1924-2017, became thoracic surgeon)
- Two daughters (later lived in California, names unknown)
Residences
| Place | Period | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Honolulu, Hawaii | early 1900s-1934 | Chinatown area |
Family Business
Hardware Store in Chinatown
Heong Poo operated a hardware store in Honolulu’s Chinatown district, serving both the Chinese community and broader Honolulu population.
The Fateful Trip to China (1933-1934)
The Journey
In 1933-1934, the family traveled to China together - likely to visit ancestral village and extended family. Young Wallace was 9-10 years old at the time.
Separation
After arriving in China, Heong Poo made the decision to remain there rather than return to Hawaii:
- Reasons unknown (possibly family obligations, business opportunities, or personal circumstances)
- Alicia returned to Hawaii with the children
- Heong Poo never returned and died in China
- Family never reunited
Historical Context
The timing (1934) was turbulent:
- Japanese aggression expanding in China (Manchuria invaded 1931)
- Chinese Civil War ongoing
- Global Depression affecting both regions
Legacy
Alicia’s Sacrifice
Left as a single mother, Alicia:
- Raised four children in Hawaii alone
- Maintained family stability
- Supported children’s education
Children’s Success
Despite losing their father, the children succeeded:
- Fred: Career to be documented
- Wallace: Board-certified thoracic surgeon, 40-year practice
- Daughters: Details needed
Connection to Warren’s Family
Through Wallace:
- Grandsons: Michael, Warren, William, Ronald, Terrence
- Great-grandchildren: Nicholas, Ryan, Samantha (Warren’s), plus others
Family Timeline
| File | date | type | description |
|---|
Sources
Research Needed
- Heong Poo’s birth date and Chinese village
- When Heong Poo immigrated to Hawaii
- Marriage date
- Why Heong Poo remained in China
- Heong Poo’s death date and circumstances
- Names of two daughters
- Alicia’s life after 1934
- Fred’s career and family