When I was an undergraduate at Gallaudet in 1969 or 1970, , Dr. Steven Chough came for a visit. That was how we first met. I looked up to him as he was an accomplished Asian, an example for us to follow. He was the first deaf Asian to have obtained a doctorate, setting a path for many to follow.
Later Dr. Chough returned to Gallaudet as a Dean while I taught at the Math and CS Dept. He often entertained us with stories at gatherings such as at picnics. I am sure he is not only missed by his family, but by many others too.

I first met Steven when I was a student at Gallaudet, while he was the Dean of Students. He was wonderful in helping me and others to excel in school. Later I met him again at MDSC social events, with Nancy, who was my classmate. He was comfortable communicating with DeafBlind people through tactile Sign Language. He made every effort, even though it was different. Many prayers and comfort to the family. - Love, Ann

SKC and I met during 1st Asian deaf conference in San Francisco three decades ago leading to the founding as National Asian Deaf Congress (NADC) three years later. He was the instrumental person for setting up bylaws for NADC on board meetings, parlimentary procedures, elections and memberships. I was encouraged to run for board president twice by SKC.  I apparently lost the election twice by one vote. SKC was flabbergasted despite he has the wisdom that I will be good leader as NADC board president.

I'm very thankful for having SKC on my inner circle during long NADC years including humorous jokes, visionary leader for NADC when no one stepped up at interim time, and, of course, joyous moments with me when NADC is not in business between conferences. He will be greatly missed.

In the ’90s, my wife Catherine “Kay” and I met and chatted with Steve at the Deaf Community Center in San Leandro, California, before he made the PowerPoint presentation. He told the powerful, amazing story of his struggling life in embattled Korea during the Korean War. We were captivated by the excellent presentation. So, I encouraged Steve to write a book.

In 2017, we dined with Steve and Nancy at a restaurant in Washington, DC. He and I discussed the possibility of a book. So, I recommended him find an editor and a publisher for his manuscripts. But he stubbornly refused and insisted that he could do it himself by imitating what I did authoring, designing and publishing. His strong belief in self-capability saddened me.

I want to ask you for help saving the valuable life history. Thank you.

SKC was my Uncle Steve or Steve Uncle (the Korean way of saying).
One of my first memories of Uncle Steve was in the late 60’s back in Korea when he and Aunt Nancy visited my grandpa and grandma, the first time back since Uncle Steve left for America to study.

My grandpa asked me to be their guide after being gone from Korea for more than a decade. After meeting up with Uncle Steve and Aunt Nancy, we went to a Korean BBQ restaurant. After the meal, Uncle Steve told me to go home, and I obliged reluctantly.
He obviously did not need a guide.

The second time I met Uncle Steve was in Dec of 1973 on a very cold night at the Minneapolis- St. Paul airport.
Our family (The Lee's) came to Minnesota to start our new life as immigrants.
Uncle Steve sponsored my mother, Lee Wha Sook, 3 years his senior, and we came along as part of her family, my dad and I, and my 2 brothers.
We left Seoul in Dec 1973 and landed at the Honolulu airport and the 5 of us were issued green cards at the Immigration desk.

We brought a lot of luggage bags (they are called immigration bags, about 3 x 3 x 3 feet, specially made for immigrants to carry all their stuff because regular luggage is not big enough).
Uncle Steve had one of those big station wagons, and I think that he made at least 3 trips back and forth from the airport to his apartment in St. Paul.
I remember Abby then as a fun loving, rambunctious toddler.

The 5 of us literally occupied his living room for 2-3 weeks before we got our own place in Minneapolis.
We are forever grateful, especially to Aunt Nancy, for putting us up and putting up with us for that long.
We still talk about that. It must have been a pitiful sight to see 5 warm bodies lying on the living room floor.
Uncle Steve and Aunt Nancy helped us to settle in many ways.
My father and Uncle Steve were always in serious discussions on how we would start our new life here.
After Uncle Steve bought a house in St. Paul, there were many parties to follow.
My mother probably cooked hundreds of Korean BBQ dinners.
I still remember Aunt Nancy's bean salad. It is still my favorite salad.
I also remember Uncle Steve's slide show from his travels.
Uncle Steve was and is considered a hero in Chough's family back in Korea.
I miss his smile, tobacco pipes ( he looked very cool ) and the pats on my back he would always give.
Rest in peace Uncle Steve, we all miss you.
Sending love to Aunt Nancy and the family.
-Lee Family.

My husband, Roy and I got to know Steve better thru 2 events, MDSC and our Germany trip in 2011. On this overseas trip, we found Steve and Nancy a very fun and delightful couple to travel with. We loved his wonderful sense of humor and jokes which really made us laugh. Because we had been to Korea in 2009, we enjoyed learning more from Steve about his Korean culture and amazing life. A real gentleman, and we admire his many accomplishments in his life. Our deepest condolences to Nancy and your family. May Steve Rest In Peace.

I first met Steve when he was a grad student at Columbia University in NYC, and I at NYU. My husband and I socialized with Steve and Nancy attending captioned film events and camping when Nancy was pregnant with Abby. I later saw him at Gallaudet and later still in the community. He was indeed a trailblazer who enriched my life greatly. I was a privilege to have known him. He will be greatly missed!
Carol Tipton

I first met Steven in San Francisco in 1994. We were part of a small group who had gathered to set up an Asian Deaf organization, which would later become known as the National Asian Deaf Conference (NADC). Coincidentally, we were both from the Washington DC area, and we continued to work together in founding the Greater Washington Asian Deaf Association (GWADA).

Steven was a brilliant and visionary leader who achieved national recognition for his influential work within the Asian Deaf community. As a dear friend and colleague, it was simply a joy to be around him and I am incredibly thankful that we had the opportunity to work together. Steven leaves behind a remarkable legacy that had a positive effect on so many throughout our community here and abroad. His energy, tenacity, and most importantly his sense of humor, will be greatly missed!

Sincerest condolences to Nancy and to family. Steve was a great man. I feel lucky to have known him and traveled with him.

We have fond memories of Steven.  A while ago, at a Starbucks coffee shop, I asked Steven if I could get some coffee for him and Nancy, he replied that he wanted 'deaf' coffee and that Nancy would like hearing coffee.  By 'deaf' coffee, he meant decaffeinated coffee and by 'hearing coffee' he meant regular coffee.  At this moment, I was amused by these coined terms. 

In Las Vegas while attending a Deaf World Expo, he made some dirty jokes in front of his close circles of friends.  At this point, he could rival some late night TV show comedians, especially ABC's Jimmy Kimmel.

We shall never forget great moments we had with him for the rest of our lives.

Frederic and Chingwo Lestina

Beautiful tributes here to Dr. Steve Chough, a truly special person. Here I’d like to share my connections with Steve on a more personal level.

I remember very well how I first heard of Steve’s name. I was 14. In the March 1968 issue of the Silent Worker, NAD’s national magazine that my mom subscribed to, I came across an article about him and his experience in the Korean War as a leader with evacuation of the locals and translator for the GIs: he had started with menial tasks assigned to deaf men. I read how he became a teacher and president of the Korean Association of the Deaf and how he coincidentally found out about a college for the deaf in Washington DC halfway around the globe, Gallaudet College, from a magazine. The rest is history. I was most impressed and intrigued. 

I felt most thrilled to meet Steve in person when I enrolled at Gallaudet in Fall ’60. He was then a senior. He was highly visible as a student leader involved in many activities. I really looked up to him. Yet, he was down to earth, gregarious and…yes, funny. It so happened that the love of his life, Nancy, and I were in the same class (only 30+ girls during the preparatory year of the Class of 1965!). We became good friends. Through her, I had the good fortune of associating with Steve socially as the class gathered for different occasions and reunions.

Fast forward. Dr. Chough, in his illustrious career ladder, returned to Gallaudet as dean and professor. I also worked at Gallaudet and was excited about his homecoming. We once again became associated as colleagues. At one time, Nancy and he invited me and Harvey, my husband, also a fellow ‘65er, for dinner at their house. A fun evening. I remember him introducing us to special Korean cuisine. Their kimchi was yummy. He was apparently proud of his Korean heritage.

An aside. Nancy continues to be active with our Class of 1965 as president and we keep in touch. I admire how they support and love each other into their twilight years. She also speaks most fondly about their two children. They both love Gallaudet dearly.

All in all, we remember him not only as a trailblazer and visionary leader, but also as a genuine, kind, loving person with a great sense of humor. He touched the lives of many people across many generations.  Steve, we cherish your stories and legacies. Forever memories. Love ya both, Steve and Nancy. 

Hé was my former ELI teacher (English Language Insitute Program at Gallaudet University). He was very gentleman and friendly person. He always told his funny jokes. We laughed. Also he told us about where he grew up in Korea. I will miss him. RIP Steven Chough

My sister, Ginny, and I met him in 1960 at Colorado Pike Peaks where he worked there and was a Gallaudet student at that time during the summer. My dad took a picture of us with a beautiful scene. And hereafter, I got to know him better as a person through GWADA.  May he go in Peace and Love.

Steve was wonderful mentor and friend for life. It started when he was helping my family through difficult times in 1960's. Then he became involved with NY Metro Jr. NAD and we were fortunate to have him as one of the advisors. Years later, we worked together at Gallaudet and I have always enjoyed his company and wisdom. May his memory be blessed forevermore.

I first met Steve when he was working at Rockland Psychiatric Institute. I was only 18 or so at the time, and he introduced me to the world of deaf mental health services. I was really, really impressed to see deaf professionals like Steve providing badly needed services,,,, 

I met Steve when I was a teen. He was the advisor for the NYC JUNIOR NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF THE DEAF. He encouraged me to major in social work.