Council expresses condolences on the passing of former King County Councilmember Ruby Chow

First person of color to serve on County Council

Members of the Metropolitan King County Council joined today in sending their condolences on the passing of former Councilmember Ruby Chow, a Seattle restaurateur and Chinatown community leader who became the first person of color to serve on the King County Council.

“On behalf of the body on which she served for so many years, I wish to express our condolences to the Chow family,” said Council Chair Julia Patterson. “Ruby was a pioneer in the region and in her community. Her influence crossed oceans and cultures.”

Chow represented Council District 5 on the Council for three terms, from 1974 through 1985. She was elected Council Chair in 1979, Council Vice-Chair in 1978, and was only the second woman to serve on the County Council. The Council in 1985 renamed a park at the north end of Boeing Field as “Ruby Chow Park.”

“Ruby Chow helped expand the political power of Asian Americans in King County and worked hard to make sure government benefited the people she served,” said Councilmember Dow Constantine, who now represents the International District-Chinatown community. “This January, each Councilmember was given the opportunity to name a floor in the county’s new Chinook office tower for a prominent citizen. I was honored to nominate Ruby Chow, in recognition of her many contributions to King County. She will be greatly missed.”

“Ruby Chow is a King County icon who has enriched our community with her service, activism, and pioneering spirit,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “I hope her family and community will find comfort in the many rich memories and examples she has left us. The government of King County will be forever shaped by her leadership and contributions.”

“Ruby was a trailblazer and a pacesetter in King County,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. “Throughout her life she was a strong advocate for the Asian American community. As a member of the Council, Ruby was always there for her constituents and for the citizens of King County. She was the political godmother for many aspiring political leaders who followed her.”

“Ruby Chow has left a remarkable legacy to the people of King County that is carried on by her children who serve as public servants and community volunteers,” said CouncilmemberLarry Gossett.

“Ruby was a great regional leader, a credit to her community and all of King County,” said Councilmember Jane Hague.

“Ruby Chow’s leadership improved the lives of her constituents,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson. “She added bus stops in south Seattle, advocated for bilingual education and helped immigrants integrate into our community. As we mourn the loss of a fine public servant, it is comforting to know that Mark and Cheryl will continue to uphold Ruby’s legacy of public service through their work on the King County District Court and the Seattle School Board.”

Born in Seattle in 1920, Chow was one of ten children of a canning company manager. Her father died when she was 12 and Chow later dropped out of high school to help support her family. She worked as a waitress in both New York and Seattle until she opened her own restaurant.

Ruby and her husband Ping opened Ruby Chow’s Restaurant at Broadway and Jefferson in Seattle in 1948. Ruby and Ping became ambassadors for the local Chinese American community, promoting culture and cuisine through such endeavors as a television cooking show and the Chinese Community Girls Drill Team, which Chow co-founded.

Chow began her political career by working on Wing Luke’s landmark 1962 Seattle City Council campaign. After a decade spent helping other candidates get elected to public office, Chow decided in 1973 to make a run herself for the vacant 5th District seat on the King County Council. She won that first race by just 220 votes, then won re-election to her seat in 1977 and 1981.

Ruby and Ping Chow had five children and her restaurant was a family business, with each of the kids pitching in. Two of her children would become elected officials themselves: daughter Cheryl served on the Seattle City Council and is the current president of the Seattle School Board, and son Mark is a King County District Court Judge.

Chow is survived by her husband and children, two brothers, one sister, seven grandsons, two granddaughters and three great grandsons.