Rex was introduced to me in the summer of 1979  by his Britannia High School classmates as we were both doing our dental study at the University of Manitoba.  He was starting his first year while I was returning for my second.  
Being from Vancouver and attending dental school in Winnipeg, sharing and experiencing the challenging journey in our study, along with common interest in tennis, skiing and golf and also appreciating silly British humor, the antics of Benny Hill in particular made us fast friends.  
Aside from the occasional meals out during those years in Winnipeg as budget conscious students, there were numerous times that Rex would join me when I made dinner as we both stayed at the same apartment building.  He was more like a younger brother to me, as we were only 4 days apart in our date of birth.
Upon returning to Vancouver, we maintained many years of professional and personal friendship.  From the tennis court to the ski slope to the golf courses, gatherings with friends and families, sharing joyful moments and heart breaks, to study club sessions, continuing education meetings and conferences, countless hours were spent together along with endless laughter.
Rex, thank you for being my school mate, colleague, dear friend and brother.  You have left a void in my heart as I miss your gentle soul and thoughtful caring manner.  Rest in peace and deep condolences to your loved ones.

I have known Rex since Britannia high school around 1972 to 1974 . He was in the year behind me. He was a friendly and funny person in high school. Later on we reconnected at UBC while he studied in the sciences faculty for the pre requisite courses for dentistry. He was always outgoing and sociable. Rex was accepted into dentistry at the University of Manitoba along with friends Andrew Shearon and Peter Wong . As a fellow dentist Rex was known as an astute clinician. He would share his dental knowledge as well as eager to learn new techniques. I met him and his sons during ski season at Whistler.. he was an excellent skier. He later developed a keen interest in ballroom dancing and became an expert dancer. The world of dentistry and ballroom dancing will miss him. My condolences to the family.

I first met Dr. Rex Chi Sik Lai at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Dentistry in 1979. He had come from British Columbia to spend four years in Winnipeg to earn his dental degree. Rex was not alone. There were others like Dr. Andrew Shearon and Dr. Peter Wong, who also made the same decision to study in Manitoba. It could not have been easy because they all left behind family and friends and they were subjected to a very challenging dental program and a much harsher climate. They all endured and successfully completed the demanding dental curriculum. I remember Rex as being very social, hard working, kind and very conscientious. He cared about all his patients and did strive to provide the best care possible. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his classmates and would often celebrate a busy week in the clinic with a nice Chinese meal in a restaurant on a Friday night. Over the years I have had the pleasure of meeting up with Rex and the other British Columbia dental practitioners at continuing education meetings. Rex, who came into my life forty-seven years ago was always the same caring person. My sincerest condolences to the Lai Family. You will ALL be in my thoughts and prayers. I hope the fond memories of Rex will sustain you in the coming days. Roland Cantin (Dental Colleague).

Condolences to the Family !

   I had known Rex throughout my high school years at Britannia. Whenever we meet he is always kind, happy, and funny with a distinctive laugh and smirk. He is one of the best tennis players in the school.  I know his Spirit is well Alive ! ...  He will always attend Our class reunions with other classmates who passed away.  They will be frolicking, happy, laughing, making fun of us during our celebrations.

Rest in Peace my Friend !

David Jang

OBITUARY

Rex Chi Sik Lai

10 August, 1956 – 14 June, 2026

Ocean View Funeral Home & Burial Park

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