Way Lap Chan

He lived a life defined by courage, creativity, and an unwavering devotion to the people he loved.

Born in Swatow, China, Anthony’s journey would take him across continents and cultures, from his school years in England, to building a successful garment manufacturing business between Hong Kong, China, and Europe, and eventually to Vancouver, B.C, Canada, where he chose to build a new life for his family.

Though he achieved much throughout his career, those closest to him know that his greatest accomplishments could never be measured by business success alone. He was a husband, a father, a friend, an artist, a storyteller, and a man whose presence could fill any room.

Anthony was unapologetically himself. He was known for speaking his mind with complete honesty, often saying what everyone else was thinking but would never dare say aloud. His observations were unfiltered, frequently hilarious, and always authentic. He had a gift for making people laugh, and his presence could transform an ordinary gathering into a memorable one. Beneath that bold personality was a deeply kind and genuine good heart. He was honest, fiercely loyal, and believed in treating people with fairness. He valued trust, loyalty, and meaningful relationships, and was someone others could always count on. Whether with family, friends, colleagues, or strangers, he connected with people in a way that felt authentic and sincere.

Those qualities carried him throughout a remarkable business career. At just sixteen years old, Anthony began shadowing his father in the chocolate trading and import business he had built, developing a work ethic that would shape the rest of his life. From a young age, he believed deeply in earning his own way. He never looked for shortcuts or handouts, believing that anything worth having was worth working for. That philosophy guided him throughout his life and career.

After graduating from university, he founded his own garment trading business in Hong Kong and soon expanded into manufacturing. His business grew steadily, earning the trust of partners across Europe and building relationships that endured for decades. He spent months each year travelling throughout Europe, particularly Vienna and Eastern Europe, where his reputation for quality, reliability, and integrity made him a respected figure in the industry. In 1991, his manufacturing business received a prestigious European award for excellence in quality, a reflection of the standards he upheld in every aspect of his work.

Anthony worked tirelessly throughout his career, often putting in long hours and navigating challenges that would test even the strongest individuals. Through every success and adversity, he earned the loyalty and respect of his employees and colleagues through his honesty, perseverance, and unwavering character. People trusted him because he was trustworthy. His word meant something, and he believed that how you treated people mattered just as much as what you achieved.

In 1997, Anthony made one of the most important decisions of his life when he and his wife made the decision to retire and immigrate to Vancouver with his family. Like so many parents, he wanted to create greater opportunities for his children and provide them with a life filled with education, stability, peace, and possibility. Leaving behind the life he had built was no small sacrifice, but he embraced it wholeheartedly for the people he loved. The impact of that decision continues to be felt by his family today and will be for generations to come.

Outside of work, Anthony loved travelling. He found joy in great food, whether cooking it himself or gathering around a table with family and friends. He had a deep appreciation for gardening, architecture, fashion, and art, passions that he eagerly shared with his children and that continue to influence them today.

One of the greatest joys of his later years was Chinese painting. What began as a hobby became a profound creative passion. Often painting late into the night when inspiration struck, Anthony found peace, fulfillment, and a quiet form of expression through brush and ink. Chinese painting allowed him to find community, friendship, and another way to share his creativity with the world. His paintings reflected the patience, discipline, and appreciation for beauty that had always been part of who he was.

Anthony leaves behind a legacy far greater than his accomplishments. He leaves behind a lifetime of laughter, generosity, resilience, creativity, and love. He leaves behind the family he cherished, the friendships he nurtured, the art he created, and the countless lives made brighter by his presence.

Those who knew him will remember his stories, his humour, his honesty, and his remarkable ability to make people laugh. They will remember a man who lived life on his own terms and always wholeheartedly himself. They will remember his warmth, his generosity, and the way he could make a room feel more alive simply by being in it.

The world feels a little quieter without his laughter in it.

Yet his legacy and spirit lives on in the people he loved, the values he passed on, the artwork he created, and the memories that continue to bring comfort and joy to those who knew him.

Way Lap Chan (Anthony) will be profoundly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of his wife, daughter, son, family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.