Ken (Yuen) was born on Dec. 13, 1931 in the village of Hoiping, Guangdong, China. He came to Canada in the mid 1950’s where he diligently learned to read, write and speak English while working at a restaurant in Melfort, Sask. He married May Sim Wong in 1957 and established his own successful business operating Wascana Grocery in the Lakeview neighborhood of Regina. It was there where “Kenny” and May encountered not just loyal customers, but enduring friendships.
Ken served as President of the Chinese Benevolent Association in Regina and was instrumental in the creation of the Chinese Pagoda at the Riverside Cemetery. He also served as a commissioner with the Human Rights Commission where, as noted by a certain politician, he could really pack a punch when he had something to say. With the support of his wife, May, who would hold down the fort at Wascana Grocery, Ken’s entrepreneurial spirit enabled him to branch off to involve himself in numerous other business ventures at the local and international level.
Ken is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, May, and by his sons Steve (Anne Tynan) and Dave (Margaret), daughters Joanne (Rick Toh) and Judy (Ben Marshall), grandchildren Kylie Woods (Sam), Brennan Toh (Rachel), Sam Brown, Kenneth Tynan, Emma Tynan, Emily & Sarah-Jane Mah. Ken enjoyed the company of his great-granddaughters, his “twin monkeys” Lily and Mae Woods. He is also survived by his brother, Chen Seto in Malaysia, sister-in-law Stella Wong, and numerous nieces and nephews. Ken was predeceased by his youngest son Stanley in 2007.
A Private Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, Sept. 5th at 2:00 pm at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 4th Street in Calgary. Respecting Covid and its impact, a private service will be available to watch live on-line at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/36059" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/36059 password is (008200). It will also be available at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/36059 password is (008200) to watch any time after the service. Memorial tributes will be gratefully accepted at https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/36059.
Ken was an advocate of human rights, an issue which impacts many Canadians at all levels, especially in today’s environment. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Asian Solidarity Fund at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/asian-solidarity-fund/. Ken would also appreciate displaying acts of kindness to friends, families and fellow strangers in his memory.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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