November 30, 1932 - September 12, 2020
88 years old. A Celebration of Longevity.
Tom - Shiu Fan, born in Qiaolincun Village, Taishan, Guangdong, China on November 20, 1932, emigrated in the early 1950s to Vancouver, was sponsored by his Grandfather Fong Tom.
He peacefully passed away in Vancouver, B.C. on Saturday, September 12, 2020 with Lyall (Joni), Julie, Jack at this bedside. Living with 5 years of dementia did not stop him from waiting for his family as he passed 2 hrs after they arrived.
He was predeceased by his wife, Lai Ying )nee Lee (1935-2001), his mother Wong Ying Tom (1906-1963), and his grandfather Fong Tom (1881-1956); all are resting at Forest Lawn, Burnaby, B.C.
Shiu is survived by his 3 children, Lyall (Joni), Julie, Jack (Jaylene); his 4 grandchildren, Crystal, Robert, Jessica, and Amanda.
Shiu had a varied career ranging from delivering money by bicycle for a bank in Taishan, China, to farming with his grandfather in Powell River, B.C. and working as a fabulous cook in Vancouver, B.C.; Hotel Grosvenor, Blue Horizon Hotel, Vineyard Restaurant.
He married his wife, Lai Ying (nee Lee), in 1958 in Vancouver, B.C. soon after she arrived from Taishan, China. He started his family with 2 children in Powell River, B.C., and 1 child in Vancouver, B.C. and became a talented cook at home and at work. Shiu specialized in Western & Chinese dishes and was an expert on quality cuts of meats. The family favourites, naming only a few, were his Prime Rib, Short Ribs, Chow Mein, and Tapioca Pudding. He loved cooking for them; food was his expression of his love for his family.
Besides crafting at his meticulous cooking, feasting with his family, he enjoyed playing Mah Jong, going to various casinos to play the slot machines, and building structures for his vegetable garden of moqua, chayote squash, green beans and others.
Shiu centered his life around loving his family by providing and caring for them. He spoiled us with his fabulous cooking and providing after school meals for the 3 older grandchildren. We will meet him again.
Due to covid-19, the family will be holding a small graveside service on Monday, September 28, 2020 at 1p.m. Thank you for your love and support. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Fan Tom to: Yaletown House Foundation, 1099 Cambie Street, Vancouver, B.C. V6B 5A8 Tel: 604.689.0022 [email protected] www.yaletown.org
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