Mon Kam "Joe" Chow

Born on November 12, 1926, in Canton, China, Joe immigrated to Canada in his twenties, joining his father and starting a new life in Vancouver. He worked in Chinatown before co-owning the Royal Café in Alert Bay, where he lived for two decades and became a beloved part of the community.

He later worked in Powell River and eventually returned to Vancouver to retire.

In 2016, Joe moved to Cavell Gardens, an independent living community. That same year, he began dialysis treatment for kidney disease—a course expected to extend his life by only two to three years. Through his determination and the devoted care he received, he was gifted nearly a decade more. In 2024, Joe was diagnosed with cancer, which eventually spread to multiple areas, though he remained remarkably symptom-free throughout.

Joe loved travel, going out for dim sum and Vietnamese noodles, playing mahjong and the slot machines at the casino. He was known for his quiet strength, playful humor, and thoughtful heart.

Joe will be deeply missed by his immediate and extended family:

Jean (Gordie) Grant and family, Richard (Lita) Chow, Corrie Chow, Christopher Chow, Cadence Chow, Heng Cho Lau, Benson (Vicki) Chow, Wilson Chow, Audrey (Kostya) Polyakov, Katie Polyakov, Trevor Polyakov, Lori (Stan) Takenaka, Tim (Emily) Takenaka, Matthew Takenaka, Leah Takenaka, Helen (Chapman) Lim, Krystle (Marco) Lim, Isabella Wong, Isaac Wong, Kalvin Lim, and Kit (Eva) Choo.

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We warmly invite you to join us for a reception lunch following the burial service on July 9.

To help us prepare, please kindly RSVP by July 4 using the link below:

https://forms.gle/swNy1CAnm8yYbjc97

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Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared below for the Chow family.