George Gim Wing Yipp

In the quiet hours of the morning, Sunday, March 28, 2021, George passed into the world of his ancestors. George Yipp was born in Vancouver, BC, October 1, 1929, to Grace (Kam Chin) Chan and Frank (Yoke Fong) Yipp. He was raised in Vancouver’s Chinatown with five siblings: Bernice, Leo, Madeline, Anita, and Jean. His mother remarried, adding two more siblings in Vancouver (Russell and Stanley), and then another two in Toronto (Lucy and Raymond). George leaves behind three of his siblings (Russell, Stanley, and Lucy), many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who mourn his loss.

George had two hometowns—Vancouver and Toronto. After many years working at Russel Metals of Toronto, George returned to the West Coast. Though Vancouver was home in retirement, while able, he regularly visited Toronto for several months at a time to catch up with his numerous friends and family members. George will be remembered as a happy-go-lucky guy, generous in spirit with a depth of musical and film knowledge (self-taught) that impressed those who were formally trained. Over the past decade, his health declined, specifically his mind; George was initially challenged to understand his move to Windemere Care Centre and his loss of independence. Constants in life were his childhood friend, Stanley Chew, and his dear friend, Linda Blanchet, who he met at Russel Metals of Vancouver. Prior to entering care, George and Stanley could be regularly found in a Vancouver Chinese café having a coffee and a bun reminiscing about life. Linda’s family “adopted” George in 1987 and he would join them in annual holiday meals. George was loved by many. The family wishes to thank the dedicated health care providers at Windermere Care Centre for their meticulous attention to George’s well-being. As well, they wish to extend much gratitude to Linda for being George’s ‘rock’ over the years, and especially during these COVID times.

Cremation will be provided by First Memorial Funeral Services; interment will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Toronto, ON. Due to COVID, there will be no service. In remembrance of George, donations may be made to Carnegie Community Centre, https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/donate-to-carnegie-centre.aspx