Family of takeaway boss ‘blown away’ by support
THE family of a popular Chinese takeaway owner say they have been blown away by their community’s support following his sudden death aged 54.
Tung Sou ran the Friendly Kitchen on Market Street in Whitworth for 21 years.
But the village was rocked by news of the dad-of-two’s unexpected death last month.
Hundreds of friends and customers took to Facebook to pay tribute to Liverpool-born Tung, who moved to the village aged six, and scores of mourners attended his funeral at Whitworth cemetery.
And his wife Yan and daughters Shan and Li, say that support has been invaluable to the grieving family.
In a post on Facebook they wrote: “You’ve made us feel like we’re all part of one big family in Whitworth and this has given us a greatest sense of relief knowing Tung has been well and truly respected and cared for.
“The tremendous attendance of the village has given Tung the most beautiful and wonderful farewell.
“We as a family cannot thank you all enough, all the memories of Tung will stay within not only our own thoughts, but in the heart of the community of Whitworth as well.”
One customer replied: “So sad, he will be missed in our village, by lots of people. His food was the best.”
Another said: “Gutted! RIP Tung absolute top bloke who supplied excellent grub to most of Whitworth folk. Our thoughts are with Yan and the family.”
Tung attended St John with St Michael Primary and Whitworth High School - where it was said his dislike of school meals inspired him to become a chef.
His other passions were Liverpool FC and Star Wars, with the sci-fi blockbuster’s iconic theme music used at his funeral.
Shan said: “My dad always regarded his customers as friends and when we put the news of his death on Facebook we got more than 600 likes and lovely comments.
“Tonnes and tonnes of cards were sent to the takeaway too.
“It’s made us realise how loved he was and that’s made such a difference.
“My dad was a very proud man, he was passionate about food, his family, Liverpool Football Club and mostly Star Wars.
“He taught himself how to cook at a young age and his hunger to learn more grew and grew.
“Holidays would inspire him to taste and try the strange and unique but was never put off. My mum always says nothing compares to his food even in some of the fanciest of restaurants.”