George Chew Yung Wong

Like so many others, he took a boat over to North America. From San Francisco, he took the train to White Rock. He started a life in Golden, BC where he became a successful business owner and respected member of the community. After working long hours, he would go upstairs to watch the CBC news with his family. You could find him carrying his youngest daughter around in his arms everywhere. George could be very strict with his kids when they got into trouble, but showed so much love even when they would make mistakes. He cared for his extended family just as much. His sister’s family were an important part of work and life in Golden and summers were spent with his brother and his family as they drove up from California.

He will be remembered for his love of cooking for the family. Some of the favourites include boston cream pie, pancakes, doughnuts, pies, stir fried beef, veal cutlets and all the other Chinese food classics at George’s Café. Years later, when he stopped cooking everyone tried to master his specialties. Whether it was because he cooked with feelings and pinches of ingredients here and there or because there was sabotage involved, he made sure that no one could ever make it quite the same.

If you looked at George and didn’t know him, you wouldn’t imagine what an athlete he was. He would wow people with his talent at ping pong. It was such a treat to watch him play. He swam and went to the park on a regular basis. An avid basketball lover, he taught his grandsons how to play basketball and would play with them out in the backyard.

When he retired at 55, he channeled his creativity and skill to pursue artistic endeavours . He even crafted furniture! But most of all, he spent many hours building up the backyard. He put in a pond where he took care of the koi, built the gazebo and added many plants. He loved his garden, especially his bonsai plants. George was always looking for an opportunity to dig up a plant, no matter where he went. Proud of his heritage, he enjoyed writing Chinese Calligraphy words and making wood carvings. His beautiful works of art hangs in many homes of those he loved.

With George, there was always a reason to celebrate and he held incredible celebrations. Hospitable and generous, he placed a huge emphasis on family and friends. He helped many start a new life in Canada.

He loved to travel, especially to take his family back to see where he came from. After living in Canada for a long period of time, he took many trips back to China. He was proudly able to go back with almost all of his children, nieces, nephews, grandniece and grandchildren, creating new memories and imprinting the old. We relived his youth as every trip he went on, George told stories and planted a piece of heritage in our hearts.

We all love him very much, he will be deeply missed.

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George Chew Yung Wong, passed away February 9, 2011 at the age of 93 years. Visitation for family and friends will be held at Glenhaven Memorial Chapel, 1835 East Hastings Street, Vancouver on Friday, February 18, 2011 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, where a Funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 19, 2011 at 11:30 am. Burial will follow at Ocean View Burial Park, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby, BC. Arrangements entrusted to Glenhaven Memorial Chapel, Vancouver, BC. 604.255.5444. Clement Leung, Funeral Director.