Luke Yi-Rang Yen

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Luke Yi-Rang Yen, dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend. With his loving family surrounding him at home, Luke peacefully slipped from this world in his sleep.

Luke was born on November 24, 1933 in Suzhou, Jiangsu, China. As a teenager, he was admitted to the China Air Force Preparatory School and relocated to Taiwan with his school in 1949. He graduated from the communication and electronics school and Luke served in the Taiwan National Air Force until 1960. After that, he worked for the US military as a civilian employee. In 1963, he attended National Taiwan University, studying business administration. Upon graduation, Luke pursued a graduate degree in professional accounting at the University of Texas in Austin. A job offer from the Cominco Mining Company in 1973 brought Luke to Canada and he settled in Trail, BC.

Luke was introduced to Jenny through mutual friends and they corresponded by mail while Luke was in Canada and Jenny lived in Taiwan. On August 9, 1974, they married in Taipei and moved to Trail together. Over the next several years, they welcomed their children, Myra and Pamela. Believing that better educational opportunities were located in the city, the family moved to the West Coast in 1985 and made their home in Burnaby, BC, where they have resided for 37 years. Luke worked in the import/export industry in Vancouver, eventually launching his own business in lumber export, which he ran until his retirement.

He kept in touch with many old friends from his days at National Taiwan University who remember him affectionately as their “older brother.” Luke will be remembered for his love and devotion to his family and for his appreciation of good Chinese food.

Luke was a hard worker, resilient in the face of adversity, and a steady and consistent source of wisdom for his loved ones. As a father, Luke was always loving, patient and eager to have his family nearby. He was especially fond of his three grandsons and delighted in watching them play and grow.

Luke will be dearly missed by his wife Jenny, daughters: Myra (Andrew) and Pamela (Benjamin); grandsons: Abraham, Quinton and Oliver; and many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to Dr. Thomas Hong for his unending care and support of Luke and our family. In addition, our deep appreciation to Burnaby Home Health and the palliative care nurses for their professional services which made it possible for Luke to stay in his own home until the end.

A private service will be held at the family’s request. In lieu of flowers, friends and family are welcome to make a donation to the Red Cross who provided medical equipment to Luke throughout his last days. Please call 1-800-418-1111 and request that the funds go to the Loan Equipment Program.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.OceanViewFuneral.com for the Yen family.