Ava Choy

Ava was born on March 2, 1976, in Vancouver, British Columbia to Tim and Monica Choy. Along with big brother, Dickson, she grew up in East Vancouver. She attended Nootka Elementary, Windermere Secondary, and then went on to achieve her undergraduate degree from Simon Fraser University. Ava was passionate about physical activity and fitness throughout her life. She was a fierce participant in kung fu competitions from an early age, eventually competing and judging at the international level. In recent years, Ava took up cycling; working hard to develop her skills, strength, and endurance. She was a member of a local cycling club alongside her brother, Dickson, and enjoyed volunteering and participating in many cycling events.

Ava was a strong and vibrant member of every community she belonged to: kung fu, swimming and coaching, stunt acting, cycling, and Vancouver Fire Rescue Services. She started working for the City of Vancouver in 1998 as a lifeguard and swimming coach at Renfrew Community Centre, and has worked with Vancouver Fire Rescue Services since 2015. She was a hard worker and a lifelong volunteer. Even in elementary school, Ava was such an amazing volunteer crossing guard that she was awarded with a helicopter ride over Vancouver!

Ava was an avid traveler who was especially drawn to the beauty and peace of Hawaii, taking many trips there with family and friends. She enjoyed watching the sea turtles, swimming in the ocean, hiking, taking surfing lessons, and finding special tropical fruit at the farmer’s market.

Ava’s determination, energy, and generosity touched so many lives. The Choy family is very proud of everything Ava has accomplished in her lifetime. Ava was small in stature, but mighty in spirit. She was a ‘fire dragon’ through and through, and her spark will be greatly missed.

Ava is survived by her parents, Tim and Monica Choy, and her brother, Dickson Choy.

There will be a visitation open to all held on Thursday August 7 from 6pm-8pm at Glenhaven Funeral Home (1835 E Hastings St, Vancouver). The funeral will be a closed family service, but more information will be shared about a Celebration of Life at a later date.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vancouver Firefighter Charities.