Mr. Tommy Kit Shum

Tommy Shum was born in Hong Kong on November 23, 1937, to Sum Se Shum and Oi Cheng. He was the second youngest of 5 children. He was predeceased by his parents, younger sister, Violet, and younger brother.

Tommy began his career as an admitting clerk at Tung Wah Eastern Hospital in Hong Kong. It was there that he met the love of his life, Clare Ng, a young nurse. In 1965, they married and immigrated to Canada, where his older sister and family had settled.

Tommy worked hard to establish a new life in Canada. He worked as a draftsman working at various local engineering firms. He was mentored by caring electrical engineering colleagues after work hours so he learned his craft as an electrical draftsman. He and Clare also owned a convenience store called Main Market from 1975 to 1979 in South Vancouver. Running the store led to many life-long friendships within the neighbourhood and the Lower Mainland Independent Grocers Association. During this period, he continued working as a draftsman for the Government of Canada on regional airport upgrade projects in British Columbia. His career with the Government of Canada in Transport Canada and Public Works spanned over 35 years. Of all the projects, he was most proud of his work on the Vancouver International Airport Terminal expansion completed in 1996.

Tommy was the proud father of two daughters, Victoria and Angela. He doted on them and enjoyed taking them to their many activities, including piano lessons, competitions, and recitals. He was also very proud of their academic achievements and the careers they chose.

In retirement, Tommy enjoyed socializing, tai chi, playing mah-jong, and travelling. He also very much enjoyed being a grandfather to his beloved grandchildren, Jacqueline, Michaela, Isabelle, Thomas, and Elizabeth.

Unfortunately, a stroke in 2018 robbed Tommy of his independence. He thrived at the Brock Fahrni Extended Care Home. He enjoyed karaoke, bingo, and field trips, plus he made many new friendships with the staff and residents. In 2019, Tommy was diagnosed with gastric cancer. The cancer was slow in growth and did little to impact Tommy’s quality of life and his strong-willed, feisty spirit. That was until October of this year when it was learned his cancer had spread. Tommy passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of Thursday, November 3rd.

Tommy was a dedicated husband and loving Dad & Grandfather to all of us. We all will miss him, especially his smiles, conversations, singing and humour. We all love you always and forever in our hearts.

A funeral mass for Tommy will be held at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church, 5771 Granville Ave in Richmond on Tuesday, November 22nd at 11 am

Gifts can be made in his memory on the BC Cancer Foundation website under: “In Memory of Tommy K.L. Shum.”

(https://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/site/TR?px=2918156&fr_id=3390&pg=personal)”