Jian Yuan Lin

Mr. Jian Yuan Lin was born on November 22, 1929 in Chaohui Village, Baishi Township, Taishan County, Guangdong, China. His parents were Lin Deyan (father) and Liu Yincai (mother). He was a member of a large family with seven brothers and sisters. During his childhood years he lived in the countryside with his mother and later attended school in Taicheng, Taishan. While studying in school, he also worked at his father’s shop.

In 1948, Jian Yuan married Ai Juan Wu from nearby Changping Village in Shangping Township on March 6. They were in love since their very first meeting and were blessed with three children: Sue Tan, Henry Lin, and Lorna Tan. Then in 1950, Mr. Lin was admitted to the Banking and Finance School in Guangzhou. After graduation he returned to Taishan county, where he worked as a branch manager for the People’s Bank of China. He was stationed at various branches in the townships of Taicheng, Baishi, and Sijiu; spending approximately 10 years at each placement. The locations were often far from his home and he spent many days and nights apart from his family—eagerly awaiting his next trip home, which was afforded to him once a month. While the time apart from his wife and children was agonizing, his love and dedication to his family helped him endure this hardship.

Jian Yuan then immigrated to Vancouver, Canada in 1981 with his family. After arriving, he worked at the Flamingo Restaurant until his retirement in 1991. In his retirement he enjoyed spending time with his many family members, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was also very active in the local Chinese community, mainly with the Lin’s Association where he volunteered as their bookkeeper and accountant. He was well-respected by many in Chinese community organizations.

Mr. Lin lived a vivacious life full of energy and this continued well into his retirement. He loved music and had a talent for singing karaoke and playing the erhu. He was an avid mahjong player, and regularly bused to Chinatown to play mahjong with his friends. Mr. Lin was also a life-long learner filled with curiosity. For example, he learned how to use a computer so he could email and navigate the internet for news and information. He also learned how to use a smartphone to socialize through WeChat.

Jian Yuan was an exceptional role model. He was honest, hardworking, and loyal—serving his country in a public position. He was also optimistic, joyful, open-minded, conscientious, and generous. As the backbone of his family, he strived to provide a warm and loving home by working diligently and through self-sacrifice. He was a caring father who was lenient and understanding, but also disciplined—he educated his children through words of wisdom and by his actions. His virtuous character will forever be an inspiration for his children and grandchildren.

Jian Yuan and his wife Ai Juan were happily married for seventy-three years and shared many joys and also overcame many sorrows. They cherished each other, and when his wife passed away on March 9, 2021, Mr. Lin strived to remain strong. He endured six months without his beloved wife, but with time, as the wind and rain erode the mountains, his longing for Ai Juan became apparent. He became more reticent and his health started to deteriorate. After a short six months, on September 5th, he had a fall in his home and was admitted to St. Paul’s Hospital. On a gloomy September 14, the beloved Mr. Jian Yuan Lin passed away peacefully at the age of 92. Mr. Lin is deeply missed by his children Sue, Henry and Lorna, children-in-law, ten grandchildren, grandchildren-in-law, and eleven great-grandchildren.

A funeral ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 9th at 1PM at the Ocean View Funeral Home (4000 Imperial St, Burnaby, BC, V5J 1A4). After the service, an early dinner will take place at the New Mandarin Seafood Restaurant (4650 Gladstone Street, Vancouver) at 4PM.

Flowers can be sent to Ocean View Funeral Home and condolences can be sent to www.oceanviewfuneral.com.