Cecil Woon

On a perfectly ordinary day, on family holiday, our mild-mannered and strong-natured dear Cecil passed away. A day that will alter our world forever. Never one to engage in small talk (in fact, he may have detested it as perhaps it was not aligned or efficient enough for his Singaporean rearing), Cecil always lit up once engaged in quality conversation. This was especially true with important things like world events, politics (as you can imagine, there were many recent conversations about the state of the world today), education, a great book or a worthy article.

Cecil’s meticulous nature and curious mind required him to do everything 100%. He always gave his best to his personal and professional life. Known for his strong will and perhaps even stubborn nature, it would be difficult to find anyone kinder or gentler. His wife and soul mate, Nadine Woon, and sweet son, William (Will), of whom he was so proud, are fully aware that they enjoyed a beautiful life together making the loss so much more difficult to comprehend and accept.

Cecil Sidney Woon passed away on March 14, 2025. He was born in Singapore on May 8, 1965, to his loving parents, Paul and Cecilia Woon, who predeceased him. Left to feel the enormity of his loss, are his wife Nadine Woon (nee Taylor), his son William (Will), sisters Elaine Tan (Robert) Vancouver; and Maureen Bowen (John) Washington State, brother Gerald (Hui Leng), Singapore, father and mother-in-law James (Jimmy) and Victoria (Vicky) Taylor, Florence, Cape Breton, sisters-in-law Theresa Olsen (Carlton) Millville, CB and Susanne Taylor-Lannon (Jack), Florence, CB, nieces and nephews Alyson (Paul), Kailey (Robert), Cordel, Trent (Megan), Emily (Nick), Ethan, and Morgan, dear friends from every corner of the world especially the “Gang” in Singapore, and close friends in Canada.

Always a serious student, Cecil graduated with top scores from St Patrick’s School in Singapore. In 1984 he was drafted into military services in Singapore for two and a half years. After graduating with his Bachelor of Law (Honours) from the National University of Singapore in 1990, he practiced in Singapore as an Associate and Senior Associate from 1991-1996, developing his legal skills in civil litigation and real property. Immigrating to Canada with his Dad in 1997, he completed his Certificate of Qualification (Accreditation Program) in 1998 at the University of Toronto.

Knowing no one, and truly little about Halifax or Nova Scotia for that matter, Cecil packed his bags again and moved to article at McInnes Cooper & Robertson from 1998 – 1999. He often joked that he did not recommend writing the bar exams twice; once was more than enough! He worked with Nova Scotia Legal Aid from 1999 – 2001 where he continued to develop many relationships and connections with new friends while flexing his criminal law litigation skills.

In 2001, Cecil landed a position with the Department of Justice Canada where he continued to work until his passing. He held various positions in both litigation and management, practicing in Nova Scotia and Manitoba. He was a trusted mentor and devoted professional to all his colleagues. Cecil’s last position was Senior General Counsel - the first lawyer in the Atlantic Regional Office Tax Section to achieve this top level.

Sitting on countless committees with Justice Canada, and always an active member of the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society, Cecil was a keen legal mind and well-respected professional in the legal community. That said, he was really so much more. He was intentional about building his life in Canada and in Halifax. He engaged in community, joining club after club – hiking, tennis lessons, ultimate frisbee (which created many strong relationships) and he even signed up to make a kayak – and did. He sought out roommates who became life-long friends. Like many immigrants, he embraced Canada (except for the winter cold) and knew more about its history and current state than most anyone. As much as he loved Canadian life, he never forgot about Singapore, his family and friends there, and the Singaporean food.

Although he excelled professionally, it was at home that he truly shone. Nothing was more important than time with his family. The sounds of play-fights, boardgames, and countless conversations about politics or education could always be heard in their home. There were soccer games, hiking and community events. There was always something fun to do and they embraced it together – Free time was ALWAYS family time. Cecil was a special man. Everyone lucky enough to know him, knows the void will never be filled.

Special thank you to friends Lynn and Eric Woolliscroft: Lynn for jumping on a plane to the Dominican Republic, coordinating and aiding Nadine and Will and ensuring Cecil’s return to Canada, and Eric for his daily support at the other end. There are no words to describe what they did and how they helped through this painful time. A special thank you also to Christina and her sister from Ottawa for their kindness on the worst day and to Alberto Perez for his calm, caring and strong nature (not to mention his ability to speak English) that carried the Woon family during the tragic and chaotic time.

Funeral services will be held at JA Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax at 2 pm on Friday, April 4, 2025. Video streaming will be available. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS).