Henry Fong

Henry Yiu Wai Fong, Age 87, of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully at the Halifax Infirmary on August 6, 2023 surrounded by his children. The eldest son of the late Fong Fu Chuen and Mak Yuet Sim, he was raised in Guangdong Province, China. In 1953, at the age of 17, Henry immigrated to Canada in search of greater opportunities to support his family back in China. In a foreign country, and a language not of his native tongue, he endured hardships, but possessed a work ethic unlike many. With family being the most important thing to Henry, through dedication and perseverance, he was not only able to create a life for himself, but was also able to bring his parents and siblings to Canada.

Wai Gor was well known and respected in the Chinese restaurant community, with his first business endeavour being Lucky Drive-In on Main Street in Dartmouth. In total, Henry owned and operated four different restaurants. However, his greatest achievement was in 1978, when, with the support of his newly immigrated parents and siblings, he established Fong’s Restaurant in Cole Harbour. Fong’s became a staple in the local community, but it was also the hub of the Fong family. It played host to family gatherings large and small, and every niece and nephew either worked the front counter, or in the kitchen. Even after retiring, Henry would often be found sitting in the back booth until the business was sold in 2021.

Henry was a quiet man, and most often allowed his actions to speak for him. He was unassuming, yet generous. He made an impact on those that knew him, and was quick to shoot off a one-liner with his signature mischievous grin. He was not one to offer physical affection, but showed that he cared in different ways. He loved to cook, and food was his love language. As a boy in China, meals were simple and sparse, so given the opportunity and resources in Canada, he would often cook large family meals, and just sit back and watch others enjoy it.

After 50+ years in the restaurant industry, Henry finally got to enjoy his retirement. He spent his nights playing mah-jong with his friends, and at the Casino. He got to travel back “Home” after many years to visit the Village that he grew up in, and to enjoy the delicacies of his homeland.

Henry shared a special bond with his eldest grandson Oliver Henry, whom he affectionately referred to as “Oli-Boy”. Their relationship grew from a Gong-Gong holding and sneaking candy into a tiny hand, to a Grandson assisting his Gong-Gong as he battled mobility issues. When Oliver was born, many thought that he resembled his Gong-Gong, and if his grandchildren can inherit half the work ethic, tenacity, and perseverance that their Grandfather possessed, they will be successful in life.

Lovingly remembered by his children, Michael (Marianne), Christine (Glenn), and Danny (Amanda), grandchildren, Oliver, Fiona, Owen, James, and Cayden, his siblings, Choy Chu, Choy Sau, Sandy (Peter), Fred (Suzanne), and Flavia, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Henry was predeceased by his parents, and his wife Amy.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 17th, 2023 at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, from 2:00pm – 5:00pm. The Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 18th, 2023 at 11:00am at JA Snow Funeral Home. All friends and family are welcome to come celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, or the QE II Foundation.

“Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul, there is no separation.” - RUMI