Lance Ong

With heavy hearts, we announce the death of Lance Ong, who passed due to natural causes on Jan. 21, 2025. He is survived by his wife, Alannah; daughter, Laara; son, Colin; son-in-law, Bill; daughter-in-law, Ginny; and granddaughters, Shalannah and Janell.

Lance was born in Shanghai on October 21, 1941. He was the second of four children born to a musically gifted family, and they moved to Hong Kong when he was 12 years old. A dedicated violinist, Lance would often perform with his older brother, Yat Lam, on the piano. However, after meeting Alannah at the age of 15, she became his accompanist in music and in life. In 1958, Lance was selected as the second person ever to be awarded a full scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music in London, England. He and Alannah moved to London, married and celebrated the birth of their daughter there. Upon finishing his studies, he returned to Hong Kong where Colin was born and began a successful career in music; Lance moved his family to Canada to provide the best opportunity for his children.

Upon settling in Calgary, Lance performed with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and taught violin. Wanting to provide more for his family than a musician’s salary could offer, he obtained a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Calgary, and began working as an auditor for the Federal Government in Ottawa. In 1980, he moved his family to Vancouver to be closer to the ocean, and made the city his home for the second part of his life - in some way fulfilling his destiny, as his Chinese name references the coastal shore, and so he made Vancouver his home for the second part of his life.

While in Ottawa, he discovered his second passion in life after music: the French language. Later in life, when Lance was no longer able to play the violin, studying French turned into his obsession; and speaking this elegant language became his way of making music. For a number of years, he would make an annual month-long pilgrimage to France - taking classes, exploring, and enjoying “la beauté de la vie”.

Lance was a humble man who loved his family and friends, and excelled in all of his chosen pursuits. We are honoured to have been a part of his life, and will always treasure him in our hearts.

We welcome you to join us in celebrating the vibrant life of Lance where we will share music and cherished memories.

Place : Tenth Church

Address: 11 W. 10th Ave.

Date: Feb. 22, 2025

Time: 2pm

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the VSO School of Music Society if you so wish. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/41406