Wing Ho Lew

Wing passed away at the ripe young age of 91, in the early morning hours of Friday, November 18, 2022, after a brief stay in hospital. We wish to extend a huge thank you for the excellent care he received from the staff of unit 42 at the Peter Lougheed Centre.

Wing was born in 1931 in Toishan, Guangdong Province, China on June 5, to parents Long Hee Low and Choon Louie. Wing was predeceased by his brothers John Lew Quan (Tenie) and Wing Bin Lau, and sister-in-law Pearl Lau. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce, children Sandra Lee (Jack), Stephen Lew (Erin Webster), grandchildren Allison, Callum, Leila, Rebecca, brother Wing Lam Lau, sister King Soong Lee, and a large, extended family that remains closely connected, despite its numbers and geographic spread.

Having survived the Second World War, Imperial Japanese Army invasions, village marauders, starvation, typhoid fever, a broken arm, and an ocean crossing with his mother, Wing arrived in Canada in 1946. Through diligent work and the support of family, he graduated as the first Chinese Pharmacist from the University of Alberta in 1959. Throughout his career, Wing owned and operated three pharmacies around the Calgary area, most notably in Calgary’s Chinatown. He also had a keen sense for business and worked as a stockbroker for Richardson Greenshields Securities Inc., garnering awards for top sales, and appreciation from his family who was never without food on the table, clothes on our backs, and pencils for completing homework – regardless of how the stock market or economy turned.

At the age of 55, Wing realized the Canadian dream and retired early. After which he proceeded to travel the world, photograph his experiences, and dance the night away with his wife and friends. He always had a story to tell and a listening ear. He lived a life of adventure, knowing he was loved, appreciated, cared for, and respected. He died knowing he lived his life with no regrets, or words unsaid, and just as we would have all guessed, he did it in his own time, and in his own way.

Wing may have been late to his own wedding, but he was always the first to support any who needed his help and was early to touch the hearts of all those who met him. In lieu of flowers and in keeping with his generous spirit, we ask that you make a donation in his honour to the Calgary Chinese United Church (124 2 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0B9), the Alzheimer Society of Calgary at https://www.alzheimercalgary.ca/ , or any other charity of your choice.

Celebration of Life for Wing Lew will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Saturday, July 8, 2023 at 2:30 p.m.