Wai Kin "Eugene" Ko

Eugene W.K. Ko, 81, of Richmond, British Columbia, passed away peacefully into the arms of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the evening of April 23, 2020 with his son, Dr. Sandy Ko, by his side. His daughter, Dr. Manna Ko was unable to be near due to the COVID-19 borders being closed.

Eugene Ko (affectionately called “Gene” at times) was born December 3, 1938 in Chongqing, China to parents, Mr. Raymond Yau Sing Ko, a retired engineer with the British Royal Navy and Dr. Yang Shuk Ko, a physician and the first female Gynecologist in China. Eugene was the youngest of two children, older sister, Georgiana Miu Yung Kan (nee Ko) was born February 4, 1937.

During WWII, the Ko family fled to Hong Kong where Eugene was raised. As a young adult, Eugene became an officer with the Royal Hong Kong Police Force, and eventually served in the Criminal Investigation Department, specializing in Organized Crime as well as the Bomb Investigation Squad. He worked with the Canine Unit as well and was instrumental in solving many drug trafficking and other criminal cases.

In August 1960, Eugene got married and shortly afterwards, had two children: daughter, Dr. Manna Ko (1962) and son, Dr. Sandy Ko (1964).

In 1968, Eugene and his family moved to Vancouver, B.C., Canada. After overcoming many racial struggles, Eugene was hired with the Vancouver Police Force — an incident so rare that the local news and radio stations did a report about it. Unfortunately, the marriage did not last and Eugene was relocated to Montreal, Q.C., where he became a Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer.

As a Polyglot and Strategist, Eugene was soon sought after by leaders in different industries and in the mid 1970’s, he went back to Hong Kong to create and build a family business. After a flourishing career, Eugene moved back to Vancouver in the 1990’s to be with his family.

Eugene was a bowling champion and loved playing badminton, tennis, and ping-pong. He learned how to ski in his 50’s, loved to go fishing, and enjoyed reciting Shakespeare. In his later years, he became a wine aficionado, and because of his wealth of knowledge in countless fields and industries, he still consulted with special startup companies and long standing organizations committed to humanitarian causes, including Holy Name Healthcare Outreach Society (Supporter), Incentify (Senior Advisor), and the King Baudouin Foundation (Senior Advisor).

Eugene is survived by: his daughter, Dr. Manna Ko, her husband, Ed Monce, their son, Michael Ko and his wife, Kayli and their son Kirin; his son, Dr. Sandy Ko, his wife, Stella, and their children, Matthew, Melissa, and Stephanie. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Kelvin Kan Sr, his son, Kelvin Kan and his wife, Anne, and their daughter, Lauren; and daughter, Winnie Kan.

And last but not least, Eugene is also survived by family and friends-who-are-like-family throughout Canada, USA, Hong Kong, China, and Australia.

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no funeral services held at this time. However, an intimate memorial service will be held at a later date upon the opening of the borders.

The entire Ko family wishes to thank everyone who contacted us about this loss. Your heartfelt condolences are warmly received. We are so very touched by your moving stories of Eugene, and are overwhelmed by your kindnesses. We mourn with you at this great loss, but also encourage you to celebrate with us at Eugene’s graduation into heaven.

To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit our website at www.dignitymemorial.com