Mr. Ken Sit Sou Tse

Ken (Sit Sou TSE)

Born February 9, 1931 in the Province of Guangdong (formerly known as Kwangtung) – China.

He passed away on February 28, 2006 at the age of 75. By the Chinese calendar and tradition he was 78 years old.

The TSE Family roots in Canada trace back to the mid 1800’s when Ken’s “grand father” came to Canada.

Ken’s father came to Canada in the early 1900’s where he settled in Saskatoon and opened Cameo Restaurant.

Ken grew up in China and at the age the of “19” (1950) when his father suddenly passed away in 1948 while making arrangements for his son to him to come to Canada.

It would be another 2 years (1952) before he would finally make the journey.

Upon arrival he took over the restaurant his father left him and remained in Saskatoon for 3 years.

In 1955 he went back to Hong Kong where he would marry his beloved Shee Nung and in 1956 returned to Canada where he sold his restaurant and move to New Toronto “Mimico/Etobicoke” and opened another restaurant.

In 1957, he bought his first house in downtown Toronto on Henry Street near University & College.

On the following year 1958, Shee Nung and Lid Tse (son #1) would arrive from Hong Kong and join Ken in Toronto.

The Tse family would grow; Janette his only daughter was born in 1959, Henry (son #2) 1960, Harry (son #3) 1961 and Perry (son #4) in 1963.

The TSE family had outgrown the house on Henry Street, therefore in 1965 he moved to Simpson Avenue, where he remained for the next 40 years raising his family in Riverdale until his passing February 28, 2006..

March 4, 2006

EULOGY: as hosted by Henry Tse.

IN CELEBRATION AND MEMORY OF KEN TSE

THANK YOU AND OPENING

I would like to start this morning by thanking everyone for coming out today and sharing with us this sad day with the passing of our father.

MY dad, PA; our a- BA~ , and for others: it was “Ken”, a SIU, loh jeh, Jeh Sook, Grandpa, uncle,

I also would like to apologize and acknowledge the many people both family and friends that are NOT here today that are just as important to us who would have liked to say and give their last respects for PA, but because due to circumstances beyond ours and their control is not able to attend.

…As many of you know our mother only passed away last January so you can only imagine how much we are today in shock with the sudden passing now of our father; and like all of you we can’t believe this has happened.

I have been asked today to lead the service today on behalf of my brothers and sister Janette as I was the last person to see him.

We know he has been heart broken and agonizing this past year and we believe now he is finally at peace once again where he belongs with the true love of his life, his life partner, spouse, my mother MA!

….I know many of you this past year have called or dropped into Simpson Avenue to see how he was doing and again we can’t thank you enough for caring about him and his health.

WHAT HAPPENED?

In particular and without a doubt Janette and Peter has spent more time this past year than anybody else in caring for Pa.

Shortly after Christmas and New Year, Janette & Peter left for Mexico their second home and she asked me to follow up on some doctor appointments that had been scheduled in January.

I took him to Sunnybrook to see an eye specialist as he had recently developed cataracts and his vision has been impaired as a result.

We had two follow up appointments with both the surgeon and his family doctor.

His appointment was scheduled at 8:00 am this past Tuesday.

There were 3 doctors involved: The surgeon, a Respiratory Specialist and the Anestiaologist. …Although his sugar level was a little low due to his diabetes within an hour and the help of an IV he was fit to go. His blood pressure was as good as can be expected.

He was in & out of surgery in less than 10 minutes! …I went to the washroom and didn’t even have time to finish the first page of the Globe paper that I was reading when they called me back in!!

He was all excited about his new found vision but the nurse said for us wait about an hour before they would discharge him.

The past two appointments our routine was always to go out for lunch afterwards; but under the doctors instructions said to take him straight home.

…. On the way home I filled his “eye-drop” prescription and took out some lunch for him at Broadview & Gerrard. He also asked me to help him pick up a few groceries.

Lid and I had agreed that I would take him for the surgery and he would take him the next day for his follow-up appointment to remove the eye patch.

At night after supper June suggested I call my father to see how he was doing; I kept calling for about ½ an hour and kept getting a busy dial tone!

…Initially I thought it was Chloe on the phone so I called Lid get Chloe’s cell phone so I can check on PA to see how he was doing.

Surprising, Lid said she was with him having an early birthday dinner but said that she would be leaving shortly and check on him when she got back.

At around 10:00 pm I got a panic call from Lid that there was something wrong and that we’d better get down there.

Me, Lid and Harry raced down to Simpson Avenue! By the time we got down there; Chloe was a mess. I could see flashing lights from the fire, police and ambulance trucks.

…At this time I would like to thank the senior paramedics, police and fire department for responding so quickly to this call!!

They attempted CPR, and from the bottom of my heart believe they tried everything to try and revive him.

The Paramedics called the City Coroner shortly thereafter; and upon briefing the Coroner of their work and interviewing us was satisfied that PA had died of natural causes.

…We know that he had dinner and even watched some TV with his new found vision as he took off the eye patch for which he was not supposed to do until the next day.

We also know he had settled into bed to sleep in his normal routine, as we found his dentures in the bathroom. It seems everything was in order before he fell asleep.

It gives us all comfort to know that at the time of his passing that he did not suffer very much and passed away peacefully in bed sleeping.

I would like to start this service the way I believe he would have wanted and they way we can all remember him by.

Instead of mourning his loss today we choose to celebrate his life! In his soft manner and cheerful ways he touched each of us in his special way;

Humble, respectful and always in good spirit!

Whether in prayer, grievance or tears, we all have very special and fond memories of my father and we truly understand and respect how you express your heartfelt condolences today.

…As you may have noticed on the side, AND thanks to Jerrett Funeral Home they have provided us some display FRAMES for pictures in addition helped us to put together a special slide DVD show which will be forever also available on the internet for viewing after this service.

Anybody WHO wants a copy for their own library please call my brother Harry who is the MACGYVER of our family and now our IT man!

Due to limited space and time we tried to gather a history of pictures of KEN from his life in China and some more recent photos as he lived.

I hope you will take the time if you have not already seen the pictures to remind you of his time while he was here and hopefully you can cherish your memories of his life!

As a said earlier; without a doubt Janette my sister and Peter her husband has spent more time this past year than anybody else in caring for Pa.

It is our honour to ask Peter to share with everyone Pa’s life and some of his many personal stories about and with Ma and PA!

PETER - EULOGY

HENRY STREET – THE MAYOR OF SIMPSON AVENUE

PA was known as “The Mayor of SIMPSON Avenue”.

….For the past 40 years He pretty much knew everybody who came and later on moved onto Simpson Avenue.

Anytime he was walking neighbours and friends alike - he would always exchange pleasantries or hellos!

As many of you know while growing our house was always an Open House everyone;

…MJ (Mah Jong ) was the excuse for dropping in but in reality it was their way of providing social entertainment for his family and friends.

Like many of you we all have special memories growing up.

My father was always a hard working man; I remember while growing up most of the time he was always working very late into the night but often when we woke up there was a box of donuts from Country Style and milk he had poured for us.

He bought his first house on Henry Street (which is just off College and McCall)

…That was probably the real beginning of his wide friendship and why we have such a big circle of family and friends today.

…Almost everyone at one time or another; of our many uncles and aunts at one time or another found refuge and a place to stay; and in some cases it was for meals that MA used to provide for them when they were still adjusting to life in Canada and struggling to make ends meet.

In other cases he helped out to those who were just starting new families like my cousin Tony’s parent and Kenny’s parents!

…..When I was about 4/5 we moved to 67 Simpson Avenue. I can still remember when we first moved in, … playing with a small orange tractor left behind in the basement.

Back then, We were one of the first Chinese to move into the neighbourhood what is known today as “Riverdale”; surprising one of our original neighbours on Henry Street somehow found their way there as well. The Clarks! I won’t touch that or go there.

Shortly thereafter others would follow one of the first was Doon Sook and Doon Sim who was two houses over.

Doon sook has known PA since his childhood where he used to cut across their back yard in China. Subsequently when PA left to Hong Kong Doon Sook was not far behind; then to Saskatoon and again in Toronto.

Broadview Gerrard as many of you know eventually became the “third” Chinatown as we know it as today..

Our house on Simpson Avenue as everyone knows became the “light-house” if ever you were trying to find someone until recently after the passing of MA last year !

It was always kind of a treat for us growing up on Simpson Avenue with some many people dropping in because we had so many aunts and uncles; and every time they dropped in they would always bring some candies and pastries for us.

Ma and Pa back then would play Mah Jong, but no matter who won as a “bonus” they used to always give us some spare change before they left.

It was sort of like these days when you are at a casino and you just want to empty your pockets of your last loonies & toonies in the slot machine while on your way out, except for us it was like hitting the jackpot every time!

Back then you could buy a pop Dr Pepper for .10 cents, Humpty Dumpty bag of chips or a “Lola” for 5 cents, or you could go crazy and buy pockets of candy for a penny. I remember MOJO’s were 2 for a penny!

THE TSE FAMILY CONTINUES TO GROW!

I still remember in the early days there used to be like 4/5 or TSE’s in the entire Toronto telephone book, today there are probably over 200 listings!

On Wednesday while we were at Lid’s house waiting for Janette and Peter to call; …Sherman our Bui Sook, Tony’s DAD received an exciting call that he was blessed with news of his first grandson from his daughter Faith! - Congratulations!!

MEMORIES OF TOYS & FAMILY TRIPS

Unlike our kids of today where they have so much material toys and gifts that it loses meaning and value!

Back when we were growing up we had to make up games and toys to pass time, …it had to be a real special day to get a NEW toy or for us to go on what was considered back then a family outing.

… I am not talking about taking the family to Mexico or Florida; for us back then a big family trip outing was to Honest Eds, “Jew Gui Guy See” (Kensington Market) , the CNE or Centre Island.

As kids I remember he took us to McDonalds and it really was a treat back then; unlike today where there is one around every corner and fast food was not part of your normal diet – it was about 30 minute drive somewhere off the Don Valley because I remember when you looked out you can see the City Skyline in the distance.

…I remember when Pa started his second business and he bought our families first car; I think it was a called a “COMET” it looked like small Mustang.

Later on he moved up to a Torino like the one used by Starsky & Hutch!

....He told me last month although he hasn’t driven in over ten/fifteen years that his license was up for renewal but decided not to renew it!

DO NOT DISTURB

…Lid as many of you know was not an easy teenager for Ma & Pa; but he always gave them the greatest respect any parent could ever ask despite developing his own personality, character and beliefs. There is no question he has taken the best traits from Ma & Pa which is loyalty, honesty and integrity.

….Because he often worked late at night; we had to be especially quiet in the morning, …. I can only imagine now how much we must have pissed him off as kids because when we heard his heavy footsteps moving on the second floor we either ran or pretended to be quiet as a mouse. It would last for about 5 minutes or until we were comfortable that he was back in the bed where we would surely start up again!!!

…Sometime we would catch him in a good mood and it was always a contest when he would pick one of us to tie his shoes.

He used to give us .25 or whatever change he had in his pocket at the time.

It’s funny how you remember some of this stuff; I still can hear MA’s steps cause she always were these slippers that had a real distinct sound so you knew she was in the house – and depending if we were good or bad we would run!

THERESA – INTRODUCTION

we call her ….AH –WAH

Theresa is the daughter of my mothers elder Sister Ah – YEE, (YEE MAH)

Theresa is married to Danny and they have 1 boy name Jason.

I also want to make special mention about her brother KEN (AH – DOON WU who lives in Hong Kong. …As a matter of fact he was just here in December visiting with his son.

We all know how generous and caring MA & PA was and I can see how it has been passed on down to Theresa and Ah Doon!

Aye YEE has taught them well as Teresa and Ah Doon are the same; they would do absolute everything and anything for PA & MA and they DID!!

….Peter told us of a story when they were in Hong Kong and AH DOON wanted so much to please Janette and Peter during their visit;

… I don’t know about you guys but I need my coffee in the morning to start my day; in China Hong Kong everybody drinks tea.

… So Ah Doon, since they don’t stock or drink coffee; not only made them coffee every morning – but he went out of his way and bought a coffee machine to make sure it was fresh as can be!!!

We’ve asked Theresa today because of our limited Chinese to help translate in Chinese PA’s background and History out of respect for our elders.

THERESA - EULOGY

EARNING YOUR KEEP

WITH AGE COMES RESPONSIBILITY! …As we got a little older we came to our senses to try not piss off Ma & Pa too much; our reward was to pitch in and help tidy up once in awhile around the house!

We all had our share of work ; …Back then there was no such thing as calling a painter, plumber or handyman.

As kids we learned to become tradesmen. He was always the Supervisor, he never picked up a tool. He would come up with the job and plan and tell us to jump up on the latter and do what had to be done.

There was no talk-back even if you had some suggestions how to do the job nicer or better. Lid was always the most critical, and in all fairness he was usually right but PA would never give in.

Harry was critical but PA would at least listen but still had his way at the end.

Me and Janette we just took orders! Perry – Perry for some reason; conveniently either was never around or pretended he didn’t know how to hammer a nail.

Under his management and supervision, He developed a “System” of Rating. He would always look at the job when you were finished and say that is 6 or a 7!

Later on he would give out some ½ points like 6.5 to make you feel a little better.

There was no such thing as a perfect 10! In all fairness in his system although we never ever got a 10 from him; he also never gave any of us less than 5’ at least not me; I can’t speak for Lid or Harry!

INTRODUCE CHLOE

Chloe is the daughter or Lid & Vivian.

Chloe is the first niece to be born for PA.

….This past year Chloe moved in to keep PA company and from being lonely at night. As we all know Chloe must have kept him pretty entertained and busy with her dramatic and never ending stories as can only be told by her about her daily pressures in the life as a teenager.

She is never short of words; as a matter of fact she is now studying Journalism at Ryerson University.

We’ve asked her on behalf of all the nephews and nieces to say and share a few words from a kid’s perspective growing up and living with PA!!!

CHLOE - EULOGY

TIME

It is amazing how time flies!

I remember when a Han/Susan first came to Canada from China she was about 3 years old! It seems like yesterday that we just went to their wedding and the baby has already grown 2 YEARS OLD.

I still think of Jimmy and Patty as little kids. YET, In the Fall we went to Patty’s Wedding; …

….As we each of us got married eventually we slowly moved out of Simpson Avenue. PA earlier had the foresight to invest into the house next door 65 Simpson where eventually and for these past 15 years has been their home.

I know after MA passed away last year Lid had offered PA to come live with them but there were just too many memories to leave behind and we believe that it was his dream to live there till the end for which he did.

WHERE WE GREW UP, AND LIVED.

Even though today we all have our own houses today; Simpson is filled with so many memories that as of this week it has suddenly come to an end.

I feel like an orphan today without a home!

…Forever we will treasure and rehash the hundred and hundreds of stories that we experienced at Simpson Avenue, I hope we can pass on some of these stories to our kids to tell their kids.

Thanks to Lid, we used to beat the crap out of each other, …sliding down the stairs on cardboard boxes, climbing every imaginable wall and roof inside and out.

We ruled or I should say terrorized at times Simpson Avenue when we were small and played!, our version of murder ball, tag and hide and seek; was jumping our neighbour fences and running around cars, or going through people backyards. Bicycling: we race around the block without ever stop for pedestrians let alone on-coming traffic; other times we would block off the street and build ramps to fly over!

For Basketball: we used the top of tree trunks and street signs, For Hockey, Soccer and Baseball: back then there was no such thing as safety helmets; let alone equipment.

Simpson Avenue was our playing field and hockey arena; we used parked cars as our boards to play off and for rebounds; also back then any poor home owner with a fence became our goal nets; …Every once in awhile somebody would miss on a slapshot and a few windows got broken.

Ping pong in the basement; Because we only had one table competition was always fierce. Whoever won would stay on the table, Monopoly was played out on the porch.

I can still hear all the oldies music from the 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s; … I still can remember Harry and Lim pulling out their garden hoses to fight off the poor GREEK neighbours; or pointing out his speakers onto the street from the 3rd floor blasting Drugs in my Pocket.

Probably the most memorable still were our late night parties and gambling.

PETS

While growing up we had just about every animal pet you can imaging: from monkeys, to pigeons. In between fighting fish, rabbits, guinea pigs, cats and dogs.

Everybody’s favourite was BULLET! A BULL TERRIER. He had to be the happiest dog alive with so many people always petting him.

As Ma and Pa got older they would take care of Pepper and Kramer for Janette and Peter.

JEAN - INTRODUCTION:

Jean – AH MOI is the surviving daughter of my Father’s only sister. She is here today with her brother A PAK. They also have two older brothers named WU SEE THENG and AH DUCK still back in China.

She is married and her husbands name is the same as mine - Henry TSE

Unfortunately he is not here with us today as he is in Hong Kong.

They have two boys KEVIN & PATRICK!

Jean and ah PAK used to always visit PA as well our “GNEHN”/Granny

She has always been generous and caring.

We’ve asked Jean today on behalf of my father’s side to say a few words. I know it is not easy but she has agreed.

JEAN – AH MOI - EULOGY

CLOSING - SUMMARY

It’s funny looking back now when we reflect; because PA and Ma used to always tell us how rough they had it when they were growing up; even myself when I tell Ryan and Meagan some of the stuff we did when we were his age; we were just being kids and it really wasn’t all that bad!

As a matter of fact I am so grateful that Ma & Pa taught us how to be self reliant and self sufficient.

I can only hope we can do the same for our kids to teach them: respect is earned and pride is everything.

Now that we have ALL grown up; I think Ma and PA can stand tall and be proud of us with the little that they had; they sacrificed and did their best they could in providing for us!

I WOULD LIKE TO FINISH THIS SERVICE WITH A SMALL POEM & SONG IN HIS MEMORY…

Background Music: Michael Bublé - "Home"

POEM: His Journey's Just Begun

By Ellen Brenneman

Don't think of him as gone away--

his journey's just begun

life holds so many facets

this earth is only one.

Just think of him as resting

from the sorrows and the tears

in a place of warmth and comfort

where there are no days and years.

Think how he must be wishing

that we could know today

how nothing but our sadness

can really pass away.

And think of him as living

in the hearts of those he touched...

for nothing loved is ever lost--

and he was loved so much.

In closing, AGAIN WE would like to thank everyone for coming this morning and sharing this day with us; FOR all the beautiful flowers, your generous support and most important you love for our PA!

On behalf of the TSE family: Lid, Janette, Harry and Perry

…Doh Jeh - Thank you.