Gordon Ping Mah

Gordon was born in Toisan, Guangdong, China on October 19, 1935. He immigrated to Canada in 1952 and settled in Calgary. He brought his future wife, May, to Canada and married in 1959. Soon after, they had four children within as many years. He was a devoted Dad who worked hard to raise a beautiful family while always putting their needs above his. He also made it his mission to improve the lives of others including the sponsorship of many family members from China.

Gordon was a charismatic man with a true entrepreneurial spirit. At different points in his life he bought and sold real estate, owned and operated a convenience store, opened a couple of restaurants, taught Chinese cooking classes through SAIT and tried his hand in the video rental business. Through his extensive cooking knowledge his final venture was as sous chef at the Carriage House Inn where he took great pride in his work.

Besides food, Gordon had varied interests that included playing Mah Jong and watching wrestling, action movies, football, and nature shows. He took great pleasure in socializing with friends and could be found most mornings at his local coffee shop energetically debating politics and catching up on current events. From earliest memories to most recent, Gordon’s family benefitted from his love of food and cooking. His kindness, giving spirit and joy for life will be forever missed.

Gordon is lovingly remembered and survived by his children Lily DeClavasio (Lucio), Howard Mah (Lori Lee), Ernie Mah, Diana Dumoulin (Sean) and seven grandchildren; Lucas (Jill), Rachel (Rory), Olivia (Robbie), Kendra (Jakob), Justin (Melanie), Nicki (Rhys) and Evan. He missed being a great grandfather by a couple of weeks with his granddaughter Olivia due with a boy in September. Gordon is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife May, father Joe Ping and mother Gee Shee.

The family would like to sincerely thank the nurses and staff of Extendicare Hillcrest and Bow View Manor for their support and compassionate care.

A Funeral Service will be held at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Interment to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery, 3219 – 4 Street N.W.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, if desired, a donation may be made in Gordon’s name to a charity of your choice.