Lucia Chen, who spoke at her husband’s memorial service – as well as Asian Fortune writer, author and advocate Jackie Bong-Wright – said what many agree described Publisher Jay Chen best: a friend.

Officials and community leaders were stunned on hearing of Jay’s passing on January 31. Emails of condolences and kind wishes for Jay’s family poured in as soon as the word spread around. Those who wish to send their notes, or share a story about Jay, may still do so by emailing info@asianfortune.com

The family of Jay Chen, especially Lily Chen Ma, who will continue her dad’s legacy, has found all the touching words comforting, indeed. Lily and her family extend their profound gratitude to all for their expressions of sympathy and support.

Letter from James Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade

“I will miss his warm and welcoming personality, and his ability to inspire and communicate with others, regardless of background or ethnicity. Sadly, our community events will not be the same without his charm and smile. However, I hope that we can all learn from his example in how he lived his life in service to others and in helping to raise the visibility and status of our community. I know that I have learned much from Jay and will miss him dearly.”

Farook Sait, former president of the Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC), “This untimely demise of a dear friend and a pillar of the Asian Pacific American community is absolutely shocking – and we pray that God gives Lily and Lucia the strength and fortitude to bear this test.”

Tommy Hwang, AAGEN Chair

“The board members of the Asian American Government Executives Network (AAGEN) are greatly saddened by the passing of Jay Chen. Jay has always been there for AAGEN. When we asked for coverage of our events in Asian Fortune, instead of just sending a reporter or photographer, Jay would often show his support by personally attending the event, often with his wife Lucia. He was always willing to help, but never asked for anything in return.

“Jay was a pillar in the Asian American community. Through Asian Fortune, he kept the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in the Greater Metropolitan Washington DC area informed of related news and events. He brought a positive light to the AAPI community by highlighting our cultural events, noteworthy accomplishments, and community leaders. Yet, he himself was one of the most humble people I have met and seemed to want to stay out of the limelight. Jay will be greatly missed in the Asian American community and his legacy will be remembered.

Gale Awaya McCallum, Freedom Walk Committee member, and former executive director of the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation (NJAMF): “His passing is leaving a huge hole in our community that he loved and supported dearly. No words can take away the pain of his loss, but I hope his family found comfort from seeing so many of his friends and admirers that attended the service to pay their last respects.”

Montgomery Deputy Secretary of State Rajan Natarajan: “I am very saddened and totally shocked to hear this news. In fact, I am still not able to believe that it happened to Jay. We lost one of our best friends and a great journalist.

Larry La, owner, Meiwah Restaurants

“We have lost an important businessman and leader. But his memory lives on in Asian Fortune, and we should all find that comforting. Personally, I will always remember how supportive he was of the community, going out of his way to attend our events. He was also such a good friend. I will miss him. I offer my deepest condolences to his family."

Thomas Lee, Past President, C.A.C.A. Washington, D.C. Lodge: “This is indeed sad news. He was a loyal member of the C.A.C.A. Washington, DC Lodge. We will miss him.”

Tessie and Pablito Alarcon, Feed the Hungry, Inc.

“What a shock! He was still young and could still do so much for the community. We are truly sorry to hear about his passing. He was a good friend to all, including the Filipino American community. He always accommodated people with a smile. Please extend our condolences to his family.”

Sarah Jackson-Han, Communications Specialist, United Nations Development Programme, based in Washington, D.C.

“I am so, so saddened by this news. I have followed this newspaper for years and I know Jay’s passing is a terrible blow to the community. Please send my sympathies to his family.”

Phil Tajitsu Nash, Asian American Studies Program, University of Maryland, College

“Wow, how sudden and how sad! A good reminder to live life to the fullest every day (as he certainly did). Please let me know how I can help in that regard, as this is a community resource we definitely need, either in its present incarnation or in another one.

Annette Cheng, Acting Chief, Central Duplicating, Department of General Services

“I had the honor of knowing Jay and the privilege of working with him on several events sponsored by our Organization of Chinese Americans Greater DC Chapter (OCA-DC). Jay was always willing to give his full support to me and our chapter. His dedication and passion to serve the Asian American community was a great inspiration and determination for me to become a better community leader. Jay may be gone, but his legacy will continue to live on in each and every one of us.”

Laura White, OHRED, Montgomery College: “Jay was so personally kind and helpful to me and likely to many others! He was very supportive of the Diversity Management Institute in WDCE. He managed Asian Fortune as a community connection of the highest purpose: mutual well-being, respect and support.

Jasmine Zhou: “Tragedies like this really does put things into perspective a lot more for all of us. I am so glad that Jay’s family will carry on his legacy. We witnessed how hard he worked on building it throughout the years.”

Rosetta Lai, Executive Director, Asian American LEAD

“As we mourn the untimely passing of Jay Chen, we also celebrate his contributions to the Asian American community in the DC Region. Jay supported AALEAD’s work in serving low-income and immigrant children and youth by publicizing our work and the impact we have in his newspaper. Our Annual Dinner always gets coverage from his newspaper. We will miss his friendly smile.”

Song Hutchins, Executive Director, Asian American Homeowners Counseling, Inc.: “I knew Jay since 2007 and he did a lot for me since then. He was a good friend.”