Tom Shue Dong Woo

Tom was born on April 25, 1935 in Guangdong (Kwantung), China. As a child, Tom overcame much adversity in his life including surviving war, tragically losing his mother at a young age, and living on his own by the age of 12. Tom persevered through his difficult childhood in China and as a young man, found his way to Calgary in 1956 with the help of his sister Lin.

Tom found work in various restaurants in Calgary to build a new life in Canada. He married May (Cheung Mei Louie) on September 12th 1959 and welcomed their first child, Wayne, in 1960 and their second child, Betty, in 1962. Tom took his knowledge of the restaurant industry and opened Far East Foods with two partners in the early 1970s. Tom and May welcomed three more children, Sharon, Danny, and Khethwen. He remained co-owner and chef of Far East Foods until retiring in 2000.

Tom was a member of the Calgary Gee How Oak Tin Benevolent Association and also served as a board member. Though Tom was a quiet man, he had a colourful personality. He was generous, humble, and a hard worker. Tom enjoyed cooking for his family, family gatherings, eating a good dinner or two, attending horse races, socializing at the association, and sporting new running shoes. He was often seen with either a good cup of coffee or glass of cognac in his hand. Tom successfully built a life in Canada that supported his family which he deeply loved. Despite the hardship Tom experienced as a child, he remained positive and resilient right up to his final days.

Tom is survived by his wife May of 62 years, children Wayne (Sherry), Betty (Brian), Sharon, Danny, Khethwen (John), his grandchildren Andrea, Allison, Jamie, Tyler, Jenna, Owen and Thomas, half-brother Daniel (Pamela) in Calgary, and a number of half siblings in Hong Kong and many nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased by his father, mother, sister Lin Soon Yon, and sister Gnun.

The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank-you for the quality and compassionate care that Tom received at Intercare Chinook Hospice and Wing Kei Crescent Heights.

If family and friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Wing Kei Care Centre at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/39549/donation.