Yik Wa Yam 任衡亦華

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Yik Wa Yam on Thursday, June 15th, 2023 at the age of 94 years. Yik Wa was born on October of 1928 to Xialing & Shaoqing Hung (父母-衡錫齡 陸少卿) in Nanhai Guangdong, China (廣東 南海).

Yik Wa received her higher education in Canton and graduated with a diploma in education. She was married to Mr. Wing Nin Yam in 1949, they later immigrated to Hong Kong where she continued her higher education at the United College (Chinese University of Hong Kong) and graduated with a BA degree. Yik Wa had devoted her entire life and interest to education. She taught at a government subsidized primary school in Hong Kong, and later was promoted to the position of Vice Principal. She immigrated to Canada with her beloved husband in 1981 and continued her career as a Teacher and Principal (primary school) of the Calgary Chinese Public School and Superintendent of the Alberta Chung Wah School, respectively. Yik Wa was a very intelligent, enthusiastic and courageous lady with a positive attitude, her mindset was “nothing is impossible”. She enjoyed Chinese calligraphy, swimming, playing computer games, reading and writing poems during her leisure time.

Yik Wa is survived by her children and their families, Ophelia & Michael Chan, Raymond & Eliza Yam, Linda & Tim Shum; her grandchildren, Lesley Shum (John McKee), Konrad Chan(Sandy), Howard Chan (Grace), Jessica Shum, Jennifer Chan (Akram Almaktary), Katherine Yam (Christopher Jang), David Yam (Cecilla), Tiffany Yam, and Patrick Shum (Kaysha); her great-grandchildren, Reagan Chan, Caleigh Chan, Koby Shum, Aubrey Jang, Amarys Shum, Ellis Jang, Erin McKee, Charlotte Yam, Cara Chan, and Sophia Yam; sister, Shaoying, brother-in–law Shutan Chen; many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

A Funeral Service for Yik Wa Yam will be held on Saturday, June 24th at 2:00 P.M. at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL (3220 4th Street NW, Calgary AB).