Chinkok Tan

1941 – 2025

With great sadness we must announce the passing of Chinkok Tan, 84. Chin passed away peacefully on December 23, 2025 at Retirement Suites by the Lake in Scarborough.

Born August 22, 1941, in Kuantan, Malaysia, to Tan Geok Tong and Hong Seok Chin, Chin discovered his lifelong passion for painting at a young age. He immigrated to Toronto in 1967 with $129 and a deep curiosity for his new home, often painting the lively scenes of Kensington Market.

He studied at the Ontario College of Art and Design, later becoming a professor there, and developed a distinctive teaching approach known as “seeing shape and light value.”

Chin published several books, including one documenting his impressions as a new immigrant to Canada, now held in the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Collection at the University of Toronto. At the time of his passing, he was still actively working on several new books.

He passionately taught this approach at OCAD for over three decades, during summers in New Brunswick on Grand Manan Island with his intrepid workshop group, and during treasured moments spent painting with his grandson.

Chin had a wonderful sense of humour and a rare ability to laugh at himself. He loved telling stories—like learning how to pronounce the word “chaos” in English school (which he firmly believed was an absolutely ridiculous spelling), or the time he attended a karate class to show the Canadians “how it was done.” Unfortunately, he kicked so hard that he fell down in front of the entire class. He never went back.

Chin married fellow artist Agnes Ivan in 1971. He was a devoted father to their son, Jason, and a proud grandfather to Jaya. A published author and active artist until the end of his life, Chin will be deeply missed by Agnes, Jason (Cynthia), and Jaya.

A celebration of life is being planned for February 2026.

More details will be posted on Chin's website when available: chinkoktan.com