Samuel Siu San Wong

黄兆新

September 25, 1937 - February 6, 2025

Sam was born in Long Kai village, Toi San, Guangdong, China to his parents Lap Wei and Lai Kuen. At 14 years old, he voyaged on his own over the Pacific Ocean via SS President Cleveland to immigrate to a better life in Canada. He eventually found his way to Prince Rupert where his grandfather, Gwai Dak, resided. His early life was spent working in the family bakery and grocery store. For many years, he insisted he could artfully bake a cake given his upbringing in the bakery, despite no appearances of these mythical desserts at family gatherings. In his youth he was led to Jesus by a Salvation Army Chinese missionary, Claire Preston.

Sam proudly worked for CN Railway starting at 19 years old and worked out of Prince Rupert, and eventually Vancouver, continuing for 36 years until retirement. Sam and Edith met in Northern BC and were married at the Salvation Army South Vancouver Corps in 1963, and shortly after moved to Vancouver permanently.

Sam was an alumnus of the University of British Columbia, and set the pathway for three generations of UBC graduates, with his son and grandsons following suit. Sam had a lifelong love of learning, and could speak endlessly on urban land development, economics, Christianity, politics, and Chinese history. Many of his family gatherings were spent in spirited debate on these topics and more with his family and friends.

Social gatherings were a constant throughout the years and Sam loved to host family and friends for many events. During Christmas, he loved to gather everyone to sing Christmas carols. His passion for travel took him and Edith all around the globe, and he loved to share his adventures with epic slideshow parties. Outside of his travels, he loved to photograph his family, friends, and church, where he would get people to smile with his famous “Dollar-forty-nine day! Tuesday!” He was a great patron of opera and hosted opera club, where he gathered friends to gain a deeper appreciation of the works they attended; Sam was a Vancouver Opera season ticket member for over 50 years.

Sam was not only social but also philanthropic. He dedicated many days towards endeavours including the Salvation Army, Toastmasters, Boy Scouts and ESL school. His generosity extended to hospitality, frequently inviting people into his home, and he would often be a first home base for people moving to Vancouver. Sam would donate to charitable organizations and individuals alike, always willing to lend a helping hand where it was needed. Sam’s generous spirit came from his deeply held faith. His bedrock in life was his belief in Jesus, and he set a foundation of faith for generations of his own family and others.

Second only to his love for Jesus was his love for his family. Sam dedicated much of his life to caring for his daughter, Roxanne, who passed away in 2018 from her battle with Niemann-Pick, a neurodegenerative disease. Sam fully supported his son, Ed, in his love of all things music with private violin lessons at the Vancouver Academy of Music, brass banding with the Salvation Army, and even his rock band. He spent many joyful days with his grandchildren, Brody and Jaren, taking them to Science World, playing with his model trains, camping out on the back porch, and treating them to Dim Sum.

Sam is lovingly remembered by his wife Edith, son Edmund (Laura) with grandsons Jaren (Anlai) and Brody (Lisa).

A viewing and visitation will be held on February 28th with open visitation hours of 10:00 am-11:30 am at Vancouver Memorial Services, 5505 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC.

Sam’s memorial service will be held on March 1st at 1:30 pm at The Salvation Army Southmount Citadel, 3403 East 49th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5S.