William Yu-Fang Chen

William passed away on July 23rd, 2025 at St. Paul’s Hospital. While we will miss him, we will cherish our memories of our time together during his 98 years. He lived a full life that we now celebrate.

William was born in Liu-ho, Jiangsu, China and had one younger brother. He met Flora Fu-hwa Shen in Taiwan and they were married on December 21st, 1962, in Winnipeg. They had two children, John Yü-Men and Clair I-hsüan.

William obtained a B.A. in journalism in China before moving to Taiwan, where he worked for the postal service. He later immigrated to Canada, completing a degree in library science at the University of Toronto. From Toronto he went to Winnipeg before settling in Saskatoon, where he remained for more than 60 years, becoming a Canadian citizen in 1969. He worked as a cataloguer in the University of Saskatchewan library throughout his working life in the city.

William had a keen interest in current affairs and travel. He devoured newspapers and magazines. In his younger years he explored the world, visiting faraway places like Antarctica and Australia. In his later years he wrote essays and self-published seven books. He was a founding member of a Mandarin language school in Saskatoon, which continues to this day. He enjoyed swimming and cycling, which no doubt contributed to his long life.

William took his responsibility for his family seriously, providing for family in China as well as in Canada. He was good with numbers and was methodical. He was a man whom family and friends could rely upon and he rarely complained when he suffered discomfort. William loved a good laugh and was curious about the world. He was fiercely independent, often stubborn, but kind at heart. He will be remembered fondly.

William is survived by his daughter. He will be buried with his wife and son, whom he missed dearly. During his long life he touched many people’s lives, who will carry on his memory and share his stories.