John Kwai Chew Low

With great sadness, we announce that John Kwai Chew Low, age 89, of Vancouver, B.C. passed away on December 30, 2024. John was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, brother, uncle, friend and role model to his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He will be deeply missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing him.

John was born on January 15, 1935, in Yuen Ha, Panyu District, Guangzhou, China to Low Fook Yu and Low Wong Yoke Har. John had a turbulent early life as a child growing up in war torn China before making a solo journey as a 13-year-old to re-unite with his father in Canada in 1949. He overcame a language barrier, and overt racism to find work before his mother and brother could join him in Canada. In 1958, he went back to China to marry Ngan Yau (Ann) Chow and brought her to Canada in 1959. Together, they ran the New World Confectionery and started a family. Their children, Victor, Linda, Allan and Robert, all worked in the store.

John was a successful businessman who invested in restaurants, shopping malls, grocery stores, real estate, and other businesses in BC, the US, and China. More importantly, John was committed to helping others in need, and this was reflected in his charitable work. He was a past president of both the Yue Shan Society of Vancouver, and the Lower Mainland Independent Grocers Association (where he was a founding member in 1970). The activities of both organizations included the distribution of scholarships, community assistance, and financial aid. He also personally provided immigration counselling, lodging, and financial sponsorship to numerous relatives, friends, and acquaintances to ensure a smoother transition than what he endured coming to Canada. He never expected repayment for his help but hoped those who benefited would repay him by helping others, as he did.

Known by his friends for his unfiltered opinions, John always enjoyed a good party, mahjong and card games with friends. Later in life, he enjoyed being with his children/grandchildren and he always relished the opportunity to take people out for food!

John was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and all his brothers and sisters. John is survived by: son, Victor Low (wife, Martha and sons, Brandon, Matthew and Kevin); daughter, Linda Parker (daughter, Tia, and son Ian and his wife Jessica); son, Allan Low (wife, Kim); and son, Robert Low.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend John’s celebration of life service, which will be held on Monday, January 20, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Glenhaven Memorial Chapel, 1835 E Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC V5L 1P8. A graveside service will follow from 11:45 AM to 12:45 PM at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 3789 Royal Oak Ave, Burnaby, BC V5G 4A9.

Flowers may be sent to Glenhaven Memorial Chapel by Sunday, January 19, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John’s honor to the following charities:

• Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada

• BC Cancer Agency