Hai Ching Allan Tao 陶海清

September 14, 1934 – November 29, 2023

Born and raised in Changsha, Hai Ching grew up in a time of great change, which instilled in him a deep sense of adaptability, perseverance and pragmatism. His passion for community and taking care of sick people led him to a career in pharmacy, a field where he became an authority figure, a healthcare provider and a family friend to hundreds of families in the community of Port Coquitlam, BC.

He was the seventh child, a birth order he shared with his late wife. As a teenager, Hai Ching and his family were able to make their way to Hong Kong following the Chinese Communist Revolution and its aftermath. Despite the surrounding turmoil and the displacement and impacts on his family, Hai Cing was also able to pursue his university studies in Taiwan, and to become a licensed pharmacist in Hong Kong.

On October 23, 1962, Hai Ching married Wai Ching Ko, and together has 3 children: Patrick, Erica and Florence. His family was his pride and joy, and he instilled in them values of hard work, the importance of education, and striving to create a better life in North America.

Hai Ching had a vision for his family that would take them to Vancouver, BC, Canada. In 1972, Vancouver became home to the Tao family, and not long after, 749 West 60th Avenue, became “Allan’s” fifty-one year homestead. Allan and “Jean” loved their home and he learned to do most of the handyman work himself, including building a fourth bedroom in the basement.

After being the head pharmacist at K-mart, in the early 1980’s, he started his own “Lincoln Pharmacy” at No. 137 Lincoln Centre. As a trusted health care authority, he was always helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. He loved his career and his patients, and worked until his retirement at the age of 72.

Predeceased by his loving wife, Allan is survived by his children (Patrick of Alpharetta, Georgia; Erica of Vancouver, and Florence of Los Altos, California), and grandchildren, Ethan, Isabella and Alessandro, who will forever hold him in their hearts.

A memorial service will be held on December 22 at Ocean View Funeral Home, 4000 Imperial Street in Burnaby (www.oceanviewfuneral.com). Visitation starting at 8:30 am, funeral service at 9:30 and graveside service for family only at 11:45 am.

Memorials may be made in his name to Vancouver General Hospital. Please have flowers delivered to the funeral home by December 21 at 4:00 pm.