Jack Young Woo 胡昃養

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Jack Young Woo of Vancouver, BC. He passed away peacefully at St. Paul’s Hospital on January 2, 2021 at the age of 86 with his loving family by his side. Jack was predeceased by his mother, father and daughter, Susan. He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of 57 years, Wing Fong; daughters Jean and her husband Vance, daughter Helen; and grandchildren, Brandon, Jared, Cameron, Justin; sister-in-laws Bik Sim Yee and Shuet Ching Mok; brother-in-laws Chong Sun Ma and his wife Lai Sheung Yu, and Kin Sun Ma; nephew Stanley and nieces Tina, Gloria, Amy and her husband Henrique; as well as, other extended family in the US and overseas.

Jack was born on September 10, 1934 in the village of Shenglongli, Hoiping, Guangdong in China 廣東省開平縣勝隆里. In his early twenties, his father sponsored him to come to Canada. Jack had high hopes for an education however, there was no money for schooling. So, he worked as a dishwasher in Vancouver Chinatown close to where he was living with his father. In 1957, he found a job as a cook at a hotel in Port Alice where he learned English serving the local pulp mill workers. After four years, he later returned to Vancouver and became a Canadian citizen in December 1962. He then accompanied his father to Hong Kong where they reunited with his mother. Here, he was introduced to Wing Fong and married a few months later in April. Shortly afterwards, he returned to Vancouver to start a new life and in 1964, started a family. With limited family support for childcare, he worked graveyard shifts for about 35 years at Lilydale where he made many lasting friendships until his retirement in 2000.

Jack was a devoted father, husband, uncle and grandfather who always put family first. He enjoyed the simple comforts of home – a warm cup of tea, listening to the radio, reading the paper, and watching his daily Chinese TV shows. In his retirement years, he was happiest spending time with his four grandsons, swimming at the local pool, and eating out. As an active and lifelong member of the Hoy Ping Benevolent Association and the Gee How Oak Tin Association of Vancouver, he helped promote events, welcomed newcomers and assisted seniors.

He was a hardworking and selfless man who taught us by example to be compassionate, humble, kind, and generous to all. He was also an amazing cook and a “Jack” of all trades who fixed appliances, did plumbing and built a garage. Memories of our times together will be cherished forever and his loss deeply felt. Now, reunited with Susan, Dad can swim every day and eat to his heart’s content.

On behalf of the Woo Family, we would like to thank everyone for their condolences, well wishes and prayers. We really appreciate your thoughts and kind support during this time. Due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, attendance for the Visitation on January 24, 2021 and Funeral Service on January 25, 2021 at Glenhaven Memorial Chapel (1835 East Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC) will be limited to family members only.

The Service and a Memorial Slideshow may be viewed live at 8:45 am on Monday, Jan. 25. 2021 at {https://funeraweb.tv/en/diffusions/23068/wait}. Please share a memory or leave a message for the Woo Family below.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made “In honour of Jack Woo” to the Kidney Foundation of BC: https://kidney.akaraisin.com/ui/generaldonation/donations/start

or to St. Paul’s Foundation of Vancouver (Renal Ward) https://secure3.convio.net/sphf/site/Donation2?df_id=2400&mfc_pref=T&2400.donation=form1

or to a charity of your choosing.