Dr. Frederick S. Chu

Passed away peacefully at the age of 98, March 19th/11 in VGH after residing at Crofton Manor where he spent 2 years following the death of his loving wife of 64 years, Lavender. He missed her deeply and never did recover from the shock of losing her. He felt nothing much was left living for. He grieved until he passed away.

Dr. Frederick Chu is survived by his daughter, Marilyn, sons Gerry (Rita) and Gavin (Michele); grandchildren Carina, Kristy, Lawson and Jadina; sister Brenda and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by sons Alfred (1948) and Roderick (1958). Born January 2, 1913 in Vancouver and grew up in Chinatown with 9 siblings. Was given his English name by his first grade teacher. Started elementary school (Strathcona) at the age of 8 and graduated from highschool (King George) in 1929 at the age of 16. Graduated from UBC in 1933 with a BA and from McGill Medical School in 1939. He interned at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Montreal, reportedly the first person of Chinese decent to intern in a Canadian hospital. Dr. Fred Chu returned to Vancouver to begin his medical practice in 1940.

Dr. Frederick Chu served as Chief of Staff at Mount St Joseph’s Hospital in its early years, a community hospital that cared for disadvantaged immigrants, particularly the Chinese. He was among the first to use antibiotics and modern day general anesthesia (using intubation) in Vancouver. He was also on staff at Vancouver General and Grace Hospitals. Dr. Chu brought many Chinese babies into the world, for many years between 200-300 deliveries/year. He also gave English names to many of these babies and served as a role model with some of these children becoming physicians and other professionals in the years to come. In the later years of his practice, he added acupuncture to his practice modalities. In 1967, the Vancouver Medical Association bestowed upon Dr. Chu their highest honour, The Degree of the Prince of Good Fellowship at the annual Osler Dinner. It was a highlight of his illustrious career.

Dr. Frederick Chu was a Charter Member of the Convocation Founders of Simon Fraser University, the Hollyburn Country Club and the Chinatown Lions Club. He was the first Asiatic to gain membership to a private golf club in Vancouver, the Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club in 1964 where he was a member for 40 years. He fondly remembered the great years he and wife Lavender spent playing golf and taking part in social events with their friends.

Other highlights of his life were playing soccer with his brother Charlie winning the City Championship in 1926, playing tennis for UBC and with the Chinese Tennis Club, organizing bowling leagues, ballroom dancing and travelling many countries with Lavender.

Dr. Fred Chu was very lonely in his last years. We would like to thank the staff at Crofton Manor, Homecare West (especially Cate, Terisita, Clara and Michelle) and VGH, for their care as well the people who came and visited him, especially regulars Lil, Anita and Ian, Sharon and Brenda. Also he appreciated the companionship of fellow residents, especially Tom, Gladys, Audrey, Herman, Mae, Guaik, and Hazel.

A Celebration of Dr. Frederick Chu’s life will be held at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club, 4300 SW Marine Drive on Friday, April 29/11, 2:00pm. Please note dress code: No Denim. In lieu of flowers please consider making donations to The Tapestry Foundation-Mount St Joseph’s Hospital in Dr. Chu’s name at Suite 1102, 3080 Prince Edward St, Vancouver, B.C. Canada V5T3N4