Shao Yen Yee 余紹衍

Shao came to Canada in 1955 to make a better life and to support his family back in China. He married Mee Ling in 1966 and brought her to Canada to start their married life together. They raised three daughters, Anita, Angela, and Audrey, in Calgary. He worked hard as a cook to support his family, including extended family, always putting their needs, comfort, and safety first. He retired from the Westin Hotel in 1997, and after Mee Ling retired in 2013, they enjoyed retirement together, often travelling, attending parties, ballroom dancing, and enjoying time with family and friends. His greatest joys were his grandchildren, Ethan, Rebecca, and Harrison, who brought a smile to his face in his last days.

Shao enjoyed playing basketball and swimming in his youth and developed an interest in photography, gardening, and ballroom dance as an adult and in his later years. He took great pride in ensuring he raised independent, strong, and educated daughters. He was equal parts loving, strong, honest, proud, hard-working, resourceful, sarcastic, stubborn, and feisty. His most prized roles were hunter of great bargains, amateur food critic, seeker of the best Chinese cuisine, and lecturer of life lessons.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Mee Ling; his daughters, Anita Yee and Angela Yee-Hamshaw (Lloyd); his three grandchildren, Ethan, Rebecca, and Harrison; and his mother-in-law, Kit Ping Tse, as well as numerous extended family members. He is predeceased by his daughter, Audrey Popowich; his parents, Moon King Yee and Chik Fong Yee; and his father-in-law, Kam Kiu Tse.

The family would like to thank the medical staff in Unit 47 (especially Dr. Nguyen) at the Foothills Medical Centre, Samaritan Caregivers (especially Yolande, Chantal, Nancy, and Tina), and the staff at Southwood Hospice for their compassionate care of Shao.

A Funeral Service will be held at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

Interment to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery, 3219 - 4 Street N.W.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in lieu of flowers may be made to Arthritis Society Canada. (https://arthritis.ca/)

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