Phyllis HO

Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband of 35 years, Gain Ho; and siblings, Alice, Seamus, Gilbert, Aubrey (died in infancy), and Peter (died in infancy). She is survived by her son Tim (Alicia), grandson Jordan, and siblings Jane, Molly (Joe), Leonard (June), Michael, David (Elise), Joey and her many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Phyllis was born in Kimberley, South Africa, the fourth of twelve children of the late George and Ho-Sie Ou Tim. Her parents immigrated to South Africa from Canton, China, and owned a grocery store in Kimberly. Phyllis grew up helping at the store and her business acumen honed in when she took over running the store after the death of her father. She managed the store for five years before her brothers could take over. Shortly after, she moved to London, England and lived there for four years before finally setting roots in Vancouver in 1966, where she met Gain, her husband.

In 1974, Phyllis and Gain started their successful woman’s boutique store, Filains, in the Kerrisdale neighborhood of Vancouver. This was followed by a move to Arbutus Village and the opening of two additional stores in Landsdowne Mall and Harbor Center. Phyllis was a great entrepreneur and the creative energy behind the business.

Phyllis was energetic, enthusiastic, inspirational, and had a zest for life. Since the passing of her husband 19 years ago, she enjoyed travelling the world. She was a frequent participant at the Kerrisdale Community Center where she made numerous friends, who were captivated by her easy going personality and adventurous spirit.

Phyllis led a full and active life. Her family and friends loved her very much and will miss her dearly. She was a kind, warm and gentle soul, and a loving and devoted Grandmother to Jordan. She was caring to her friends, and generous to her siblings. Phyllis was the glue that held the family together, and she leaves an enormous void in all our hearts. We will always remember her and will cherish all the happy memories.

Phyllis will be cremated and inurned at Ocean View Cemetery.