Florence "Chan" Chandler, Jr.

In loving memory of Florence “Chan” Chandler, Jr., beloved father, brother, husband, family man and member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Chan was born on May 31, 1943 in Tucson, AZ to Sarah and Florence Chandler Sr. He passed away on March 23, 2019. May he rest in peace.

Chan graduated from Tucson High School in 1960-61. He was an outstanding football player and wrestler. He attended college at both NAU and Phoenix College, and later moved to Phoenix. He played semi pro football with various American football and Canadian football teams; he even tried out for the Minnesota Vikings. He met and married his first wife, Carol Edmead and they had two daughters, Kimberly and Nancy and adopted two children, William and Michele. Chan pursued his career in law enforcement, becoming a Maricopa County Sheriff’s Deputy. That led him to become a Juvenile Correctional Officer and eventually a Parole Officer.

Chan later remarried and had a son, Ashanti. Although that marriage didn’t last, Chan later met and married the true love of his life, Bonnie Goforth, whom he had first met at Tucson High School. He loved her instantly and Bonnie and Chan remained inseparable throughout the years. They moved from Phoenix to Show Low, AZ to begin their retirement. Both joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where Chan was ordained a High Priest in 2004. Although Bonnie was called away before him, Chan continued to live his life, serving in the church and being a mentor to many people until his end.  He enjoyed TV, especially classic western movies and cop shows. He also enjoyed working out, travelling, mentoring others and sharing his views about life. 

Chan is survived by his siblings; Sylvester “Dave” Chandler, John Chandler, Jerry Chandler, Elizabeth Chandler Maceo and Dan Chandler; biological children, Kimberly Chandler, Nancy Chandler Aposhian, and Ashanti “Shawn” Chandler; and adopted children, William Chandler and Michele Chandler Williams.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. at the Linden Valley Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 971 Timberland Rd, Linden, AZ.