Hua Hsu

Hua Hsu passed away peacefully and lovingly surrounded by his family on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born in the beautiful mountains of Yangmingshan, Taiwan, where his love of nature began. He was a loving husband of 55 years to Cayetana, an adoring father to their three children Albert (Janet), David, and Jeanne (Alfred) and a proud grandfather to their five grandchildren Connor (Anica), Mia, Jacob, Megan and Lauren. He was a devoted son to his mother Hanna, until her passing three months ago, and was also predeceased by his beloved father, Tien Lai. He is fondly remembered by his older brother James (Marjorie), younger sister Angela (John), and their extended families.

Hua immigrated to Canada in 1968 to pursue a career in biochemistry. He graduated from the University of Alberta earning a PhD in Plant Physiology and Biochemistry while learning English as a second language. It was there that he and the love of his life, Cayetana, met as graduate students. He had a distinguished career with Alberta Agriculture for over 25 years with ambitions to help “feed the world”. As a scientist, Hua was dedicated to furthering research and lab techniques for maximizing soil fertility and animal nutrition at Alberta Agriculture. His development of new techniques led him to represent Canada in training fellow agricultural scientists overseas in China and Bangladesh.

As a pillar of the Edmonton Taiwanese community starting in the early 1980s, Hua served as president of the Edmonton Taiwanese Association and helped many new immigrants from Taiwan settle in Canada. Hua devoted much of his personal and professional time to promoting Taiwanese culture in Edmonton. He was a constant fixture at the Taiwanese pavilion at the annual Heritage Festival, providing leadership, performing cultural dances, and displaying his Chinese calligraphy skills. His love of music and the arts led him also to pursue his passion for singing as a member in several choirs, performing at various cultural events.

Hua retired in 2003 but continued to nurture his love of learning and exploring the world. He had a fondness for traveling to Asia and Europe and maintained a healthy lifestyle. He enjoyed swimming, walking, playing bridge, and golfing with friends and family. He also learned Tai Chi and began teaching classes at Southgate Mall in Edmonton. These classes became an inclusive way of promoting health and wellness in his community. Even in his early eighties, his love of music prompted him to start taking piano lessons. Hua and Cayetana then moved to Calgary to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

In time, after the planting of many seeds throughout his life, Hua gave his life to Jesus. He loved to study God’s word and worship the Lord at both the Chinese United Church and Centre Street Church in Calgary, and through his online Bible Study Fellowship men’s group. It was his faith and trust in his Saviour that sustained him and gave him peace throughout his courageous battle with cancer, and into his final journey home to be with the Lord.

Hua’s kindness, generosity, and infectious smile will always be remembered by all those whose lives he touched. He dedicated his life to serving others and never wavered in his hospitality and willingness to help anyone in need, from strangers to lifelong friends.

Hua’s family would like to express their gratitude to Wheels of Hope, and his care teams on Unit 64 at the Foothills Hospital, Unit 95 at the Arthur Child Cancer Centre, and Dulcina Hospice for their compassion and kindness while caring for Hua throughout his final days here on earth.

For those that would like to send flowers, please ensure that they arrive at Foster's Garden Chapel by Wednesday, August 20, 2025 by 5:00 p.m.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Foster’s Garden Chapel (3220 – 4 Street N.W.) during a Visitation at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Memorial Service at 10:00 a.m. Hua’s urn will be interred at Queen’s Park Cemetery (3219 – 4 Street N.W.) during a private family service the following day.

In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to Canadian Cancer Society, Calgary Chinese United Church, and Centre Street Church.