John Chow began his 25+ years of volunteer service in 1986. All three of his sons marched in the Mandarins. John worked at Bingo, drove and maintained equipment trucks, served as the corps’ Auditor and Business Manager, and was Head Chef during many summer tours where he cooked his legendary meatloaf and stir-fry. In 2015, John was recognized as a DCI Volunteer of the Year. As Jim Tabuchi stated at the time, “John has given in every way possible and has asked for nothing in return. There has never been a volunteer as dedicated and versatile.”
For the last 26 years—more than half of the corps’ 52-year history—John Chow has volunteered thousands of hours in nearly every way possible with the Mandarins.
Beginning his service driving equipment vehicles during the corps’ summer season, Chow soon became the head chef on tour, having cooked his legendary meatloaf and stir-fry for more than two decades. His work has also benefited the Mandarins through contributions that include rebuilding equipment trucks with new cabinets and racks, managing financial books, cooking at concessions booths and successfully managing Bingo games.
“He is the type of volunteer who has an unending spirit of service,” Tabuchi wrote in Chow’s nomination letter. “It’s rare to see a volunteer as dedicated as John has been to our drum corps.”
Throughout his years of service, Chow has been recognized for his endless commitment and positive attitude. According to DCI Hall of Fame member Ray Mar, “John has been the perfect volunteer. He can do anything and readily does so.”
