Stephen Sam

Stephen Sam passed away peacefully in Vancouver on March 22, 2026. He was just shy of 94 years. Stephen is lovingly remembered by his children, Karen (John Leong), Georgina, Janet, Derek and son in-law, Jackson Wu; and grandchildren, Sarah, Kaitlin, Hannah and Dennis. He was predeceased by his wife, Shirley, and eldest child, Selina. Born in rural Guangdong, China, Stephen arrived in Vancouver in 1952. In 4 short years, in 1956, the village boy went from delivery driver for Grandview Laundry to proprietor of his first business, Tide Cleaners. Stephen married Shirley in 1958, and together, over the years, they went on to establish other small enterprises. The couple also began building their own family of 5 kids. Stephen had a zest for life, a great sense of humor, and enjoyed traveling, ballroom dancing, driving big cars, and playing mah-jong. He absolutely loved his food, with dimsum and prime rib roasts clear favorites, and was just as enthusiastic about watching WWE wrestling and kung fu movies. Stephen had an unwavering belief in himself, never being easily discouraged; was amazingly resilient in adversity; and was cool under pressure, with street-smarts that rivalled any MBA. This all served to make Stephen a stalwart and so beloved husband, father and grandfather. A celebration of life will be held at 10AM on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home in Burnaby.