On June 13, 2025, passed away peacefully after a short illness, with his loving family by his side; aged 89 years.
Much loved husband, best friend and 2IC of Raewyn, loved and respected Dad and father-in-law of Michael and Michele, and the late Christopher, and Linda.
Adored Pocky and mentor to Rachel and Skye, Emma and Tom, Tom and Erin,
loved brother and brother-in-law of Soong and Sun, Faye and the late Ewen, Luk and Robin, Rosemary and the late Foo, greatly loved and admired uncle of his nieces and nephews.
At Onn's request a private farewell will be held. Messages can be left on Onn's page below
Messages
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Thinking of you. Dear Mike, Michele and Family Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. So sorry to hear of your loss - Dr Chin sounded like an extremely special person! Love from Nicola & Bruce XX
Dear Raewyn, Michael and Michelle - remembering a beloved Uncle Onn - always there as I was growing up, with a gentle touch and a sound dose of common sense. The Macandrew Bay surgery was an anachronism even in the 1970's (must've been a crazy place to work from), dinners at Howard Street by the fire were something special and Onn's garlic growing prowess renowned. His pleasure in the horses, the Mosgiel garden and his ability to stir lawnmower envy also come to mind. Sending all my love, hugs and compassion your way. Vale my dear Uncle Onny - Anna
To Raewyn, Michael, Michelle and family. So sorry to hear of Onn's passing. Our deepest sympathy. Thinking of you at this sad time.
From Andrew, Renata, Taran, and Keelan: We were so happy and lucky to have spent a wonderful few days with you at Easter in Naseby, sharing stories and a dram together in your log cabin. Those moments, like so many others, are now treasured memories. You were a constant presence in all our family gatherings in Dunedin—a rock for us all. Your quiet strength, wisdom, and leadership provided stability and warmth that held our family together. We will miss you dearly, Uncle Onn. Your legacy lives on in the love and unity of the family you nurtured so well. Rest in peace.
On behalf of the Ideal Crown Racing Syndicate, of which Onn was member, I would like to express our condolences to Raewyn and family with the passing of Onn. We really appreciated Onn's considerate attention given to Ellie (Ideal Crown) when she was grazing at his property. Onn was much respected in harness racing.
Our sincere condolences to Raewyn, Michael, Michelle and family. We were very sad to hear the news of Onn’s passing. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Our deepest sympathies. So sorry to hear of Onn’s passing. Of recent, we have been kept up to date from Emma, on how life has been unfolding. Remote as we are in Auckland, relative to Onn’s life in Dunedin, it’s good to hear of such fond recollections from his patients and family. What a great legacy to have earnt that much love and support. Wah Ying, Linda, and Andrew Chong
Raewyn, Michael, Michelle and the family We are very saddened to hear of the loss of Onn and send our sincere condolences to you and the family. Thanks for the years of friendship with Mum and Dad. The shared interest in medicine and horses must have generated lots of stories and memories. May the happy times bring you comfort. From the family of the late Jack and May Chin - Jasmine, Simon and Caroline, Rosemary and Alan, Trina and Martin, Leanne and their families
My family and I were so sad to read of Dr Chins passing. In all the years I knew him, very few people called him by his first name. All the comments are perfect, he was an honorable man. Such clever little ideas. He gave me a career start being his part time receptionist. I was so grateful. My children all respected and enjoyed his wisdom. Plus the jelly beans...I can't remember which color Dr Chin preferred. Thank you for your input into all our lives. Deepest respect Terri Saxon and family
Hi Aunty Rae, Michael here. So sorry to here about Uncle Onn. My words can't help express the emotions adequately. I've always been a bit emotional with passing into next phase. Certainly my own age has a lot to do with being more emotional, now I am in the over 60 age category. Time has flown by, suddenly with a blink of an eye, now I am my parents age myself. Thinking of you and the families.... remembering fondly MacAndrew Bay and our Dunedin harbour....great memories. Especially wandering up to Howard St and your famous Sunday dinners, Thank You to Onn and Yourself for everything. 💯 Hugs and Love from your WA family, Michael, Cathy, Richard Chin.
We were so sad to hear of Oons passing, he was such a huge part of your life and family and will be missed heaps. Our thoughts are with you Raewyn, Michelle, Michael and family. Love and hugs X
On behalf of the Otago University Rugby League Club, we wish to pay our condolences at the sad passing of Onn, who played for our senior team between 1957 and 1959, while studying medicine. Although I have not lived in Dunedin since 2006, I tried to make a special effort whenever I got back to see Onn, who was always happy to talk about his days playing league as the first player of Chinese descent to play the game in Dunedin. During 2003, he attended the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Otago Rugby League, where he was able to catch up with some old contemporaries, while in the following year he was made Patron of his old club, during what was also the 50th year since it began. Family and job commitments soon meant however he was unable to continue the position from the following year, but nevertheless still followed the game from afar. He was a very honorable man and will be missed by those of us that were fortunate to have him enter into our lives at some stage. My deepest condolences to the Chin family. Carey Clements Otago, Wellington and NZ Universities and Tertiary Students Rugby League Life Member Former OURLC official