Mr. Desmond Ko

Desmond Ko, found eternal peace on May 18, 2019, after a courageous 4-year battle with cancer. He was the strongest, most stubborn, kind-hearted, giving, honest, and dependable family man. Desmond lived life emphatically, and in his 69 years of life has accomplished more than most people do in twice that time. He will be remembered as a loving husband, exceptional father, son, brother, uncle, friend, mentor, coach, athlete, cook and so much more.

Desmond Ko was born in Kowloon, Hong Kong on October 26th, 1949. He grew up in New Territories with his parents, 4 brothers and 2 sisters. In February 1968 when Desmond was 18, he and his family immigrated to Vancouver, Canada. In Vancouver, he went to Vancouver Community College and graduated as a Mechanical Draftsman.

In July of 1976, Desmond met his wife Anita and he was instantly mesmerized. They got married on January 22, 1977 and soon after had two children: Kelli in 1978 and Tiffany in 1982. Desmond loved his family very much and would devote his life to them.

Desmond loved spending time with his family and friends. Whether it was summers at Cultus Lake where they had barbeques under the willow tree, to ski trips in Whistler, to planning annual end of summer barbeques at our home for Anita. Desmond’s love for sports (fishing, skiing, tennis, golf) and activities has won him many trophies and awards as he takes on every task as if he were going to win the world Championship.

While Desmond’s life was short, his impact was significant and will be remembered by all. He was driven and curious; he was engaging and fun; he lived purposefully and loved unconditionally. He lit up every room he walked into with his laugh and smile, and touched the lives of everyone he encountered with his honest and wise words.

Desmond leaves behind family and an immense amount of friends that adored him. His spirit lives on in his wife, Anita Ko, and two daughters, Kelliane Ko and Tiffany Ko, Mother-in-law; Kwok Cheng Mo-Tak, siblings; Sue Yen and husband Henry Yen, Colby Ko and wife Alice Ko, Raymond Ko and wife Sue Ko, Janet Yen and husband David Yen, Larry Ko and wife Melinda Margineanu, sister-in-law Ruby Lau and husband Jeff Lau, sister-in-law, April Kwok, brother-in-law Patrick Kwok and wife Kayo Kwok, nieces and nephews; and so many good friends near and far. They are all calmed by the knowledge that he is no longer in pain or suffering, that he is watching over us all and within our hearts.

The family invites all who were lucky enough to know Desmond, to honor his life at Forrest Lawn Funeral Home on May 31st at 1pm. Celebration of life luncheon will be held at Gingeri Chinese Cuisine in Richmond.

During this time of grievance, in lieu of flowers and gifts, we are proud to set up a fund page to benefit THE SALVATION ARMY RICHMOND ROTARY HOSPICE in hopes to help purchase two new hospice beds. Desmond's last 20 days were spent in this peaceful establishment where the utmost care was provided and would like to leave a legacy as Demond would want.

Donations can be made at: https://www.gofundme.com/desmond-ko

The Desi Classic - A Charity Golf tournament in loving memory of Desmond will be held in 2020.