Mrs. Patricia Kam Ting Yu

I feel the winds gently blow

My life was good, and looking back

I feel content and happy to go

Tribute to Patricia Yu

Patricia Kam –Ting Yu passed away peacefully on July 8, 2012 with her sons at her bedside. She is survived by her loving Husband of 48 years, Thomas, sons, Patrick (Adriana) and Terence, grandchildren Trevor, Adam, Nathan, and Markus, and her siblings Laura (Ben), Elizabeth, David (Cissy), James (Kathleen) and their families.

Patricia was born in Hong Kong, the first of nine siblings. She helped her parents raise many of her siblings. She met Thomas in 1948 and married in 1963. Patricia and Thomas immigrated to Canada in 1968 with her their infant sons in tow. Despite not knowing what lay ahead, and having little money, Patricia and Thomas were determined to provide the best opportunity for their children to be raised in Canada. With the help and assistance of extended family (Grace and Jack) Patricia and Thomas landed in Vancouver. The early years in Canada were difficult and both Patricia and Thomas struggled financially to raise their family of four. Eventually, both found work and despite financial hardship, Patricia managed to sponsor some of her siblings and parents over to Canada as she promised them she would.

Having a good education was one of Patricia’s core values. Initially trained as a social worker after graduation from HKU, she found it necessary to obtain further education when she first immigrated to Canada. So, without a second thought, Patricia, then in her early thirties and taking care of her two young children, went back to school and obtained her B.A. from UBC. Later in deciding to pursue a real estate career, she returned to school and completed a 4-year certification in real-estate (R.I. BC) through UBC. She instilled in her children the importance of education and working hard. One of her proudest moments was when her eldest son graduated from medical school and her youngest from law school.

Patricia was always caring of others. She was a kind hearted and a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She was the matriarch of her family and passed down the foundation and values that continue to live on through her children and grandchildren.

Her pride and joy were her four grandsons. She loved each one of them equally. While during her medical treatments, she would always be available to look after them and even attend their school performances.

Patricia had many passions. She was an artist and accomplished ballroom dancer. She especially enjoyed the friendship of her fellow dancers. She was also a seamstress and loved to design and sew her own ballroom dance outfits. She loved to travel and together, Thomas and Patricia visited many foreign lands. They have enjoyed many exotic ports of call including Russia, Europe, Asia, and Egypt. Patricia was also an excellent cook, and her family will miss her tasty signature dishes.

Her life was a rich tapestry of many accomplishments. She taught us about strength, love, courage and faith. May her graceful spirit continue to live in all of us.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to the BC Cancer Foundation, Dr. S. Lam Lung Cancer Research Fund in Patricia’s memory would be greatly appreciated.

http://donate.bccancerfoundation.com/goto/PatriciaYu