Mr. Gilbert Chan

He is predeceased by his son Murray; siblings George, Noreen (Wallace), James and Wilfred; and brother-in-law Ken. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Dorothy; children Gerald and Sharon (Gary); daughter-in-law Sarah; stepmother Yuen Yee; siblings Paul (May), Loretta, Alfred (Dawn), William (Gerri); sister-in-law’s Lillian, Beverly and Mary; and many nieces and nephews and their families.

He was born and raised in Victoria. He attended Vic High and completed one year of Victoria College. He was one of first Chinese to be employed by the BC government when he was hired in 1950 by the Ministry of Forests in Victoria. He moved the family to Vancouver in 1965 and completed self-study to become a computer programmer. After 35 years with the Forest Service he retired in 1986.

Gilbert and Dorothy met many friends through their love of ballroom dancing. In 1999 the Crystal Ballroom opened and Gilbert volunteered for five years as treasurer for the ballroom dancing club. Gilbert and Dorothy traveled to many faraway places and enjoyed cruising with friends. Gilbert spent much of his time tending to his backyard garden. He could often be found picking raspberries, blueberries, figs, tomatoes and snow peas.

A Celebration of Gilbert’s life will be held privately for family and friends.

On behalf of the family, we would like to thank his family doctor, Dr. Wi-Guan Lim, VGH Geriatric STAT Centre, ICU and Spine Step Down 9A staff for the kindness, care and support that they took with Gilbert.

Memorials may be made to support Geriatric Medicine at VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation. Donate at vghfoundation.ca/donate, by calling 604.875.4676 or by mail to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.