Basil Kwan Jun Leong

Basil Kwan Jun Leong (80) of Portage passed away peacefully at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo Michigan on May 23, 2014, after a long standing battle with leukemia. He was born on June 13, 1933 in Canton, China, son of Kwan Wing and Oiling Leong. After leaving Hong Kong, Basil earned his Ph.D in Pulmonary Physiology and Toxicology from University of Ottawa, Canada, Master and Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology from University of Toronto, Canada. He worked for Dow Chemical Company in Midland, Michigan; was a Research Associate professor at New York University Medical Center; and as a Senior Scientist at the Upjohn Company in Drug Safety and Industrial Toxicology. After his retirement in 1998 he was a visiting scientist at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and later, a Consultant in the Development Center for Biotechnology in Taiwan and other institutions in China. Locally, he served as volunteer at the Kalamazoo Ministry with Community Food Pantry; at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo; and was active in the Chinese Association of Kalamazoo. He was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church and served as Elder and Deacon. Basil is survived by his wife Annie Chang Leong of 52 years and daughter Anita Leong, her husband Jean Cabello, grand children Alexandre, Astrid, Anais and Arnaud Cabello of Cincinnati Ohio. Surviving sisters Ruth Moy, May Chin of Boston, MA and Mable Yee of Oakridge, TN and numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews. Basil maintained lifelong friendships with a special group of brothers and sisters in Christ from the youth group of the Baptist Church in Hong Kong around the world. Memorial service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church (321 W. South Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49007) on June 8, 2014 at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 321 South St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007.