Park Shu Jay

Park Jay passed away suddenly but peacefully Sunday Nov 25, 2012 after ten days in hospital Park was born Feb 14, 1928 in the village of Hoipin, Guangdong province, China and lived in Saskatchewan for 64 years. Park was predeceased by his mother Seto Hong Daque; father Wahkee Daque; brother Ming Jew; sisters Kim Won Der Jue and Chon I Der Quan. He is survived by his wife, Concepcion W. Jay, children Newton, Linda (Roy), Milton (Cindy) and grandchildren, Courtney, Rachel and Ian. Park was a man of many talents – intelligent and resourceful. As a successful entrepreneur, he managed a variety of businesses. He was also a forward thinker – an open minded person and a caring friend - many will fondly remember his cheerful disposition and smiling face. His greatest love was his family especially Connie, his wife of more than sixty years. His greatest joy was going to work everyday and saying hello to everyone.

Park wanted to share the story of his life in Canada and he wrote this in 2007:

I first settled in Young, Saskatchewan and helped run the restaurant with my father. At the same time, I enrolled in the Radio College of Canada. After completing my course I was awarded a journeyman’s license from the \province of Saskatchewan and opened my own shop as an electronic technician. For the many residents of Young and area, I sold them their first televisions. After two years, we moved to Saskatoon and I attempted a product line of frozen dinners. After a few more years, I opened a restaurant, then several more in the city.

In later years, we moved to North Battleford, where I ran the Bus Depot Restaurant, the Honey Boy donut Shop, the Wigwam Steak House and the Clarendon Dining Room and Lounge. I operated Rose Bottlers, the Pepsi bottling and distributing franchise for the North Battleford region.

In 1976 we returned to Saskatoon. I was too young to retire so I began a line of concessions in sports facilities. I discovered that I had an interest in working with the youth in these places and so I have stayed until now (2007). I got along well in my community. We’ve lived in Saskatoon so long that I know most of the people. I always like to join some kind of community celebration or gathering, I also enjoy playing occasional mah jong games with close friends. My favourite hobbies include repairing old things, especially electrical items. I enjoyed working outdoors with landscaping. I also traveled yearly to visit family in Calgary, Edmonton, Campbell River and San Francisco.

A Celebration of Park’s life will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, Dec 15th at Acadia Funeral Chapel, 915 Acadia Drive, in Saskatoon. A tea will follow. Condolences may be left by accessing www.acadiamckaguesfuneralcentre.com