Johnny Ming Hung Cheung

Johnny Ming-Hung Cheung was born in Swatow, China in 1937, grew up primarily in Hong Kong and attended La Salle College for boys. He was a very cheeky and mischievous boy, who loved to laugh and play pranks on everyone, especially his sisters. For fun, Johnny loved kite fighting with his friends from the roof of his home. Johnny always had a soft spot for animals. The family had farmland in Hong Kong, which was ultimately a sanctuary for dogs that friends could no longer care for. When he was younger, Johnny frequented the property to help take care of the animals. Up until his death, he was always surrounded by the family pets.

As a child, Johnny learned how to swim by following his older brother to practices. His parents did not know he had such a love for swimming until he made newspaper headlines after a competition; Johnny held the Hong Kong record for backstroke for a short period of time. As a teenager he participated and won the cross harbour (Victoria harbour) swim from Kowloon to Hong Kong. He went on to represent Taiwan in the Asian Olympic Games in 1964 and was their flag-bearer. Not only was Johnny a competitive swimmer, but also an avid water polo player and had a love for all sports throughout his life, especially his beloved Canucks. From a young age, Johnny’s passion for food pushed him to learn how to cook. The Cheung house had large frequent gatherings and all the children had cooking jobs. As a result, he passed on his passion to so many of our friends.

Most of Johnny’s fondest memories were related to travelling all over Asia for swimming competitions. After high school, he took a job as a seaman. He spent at least a year travelling Asia, Africa and South America for his job and his adventures did not end there. In July 1967, Johnny left his job as a banker in Hong Kong and moved to Vancouver, BC to work as a Flight Attendant/Customer Service Director with CP Air/Canadian Airlines. He primarily flew routes to Asia, Hawaii and Mexico, coining Honolulu and Tokyo as his second/third homes. However, of all the travelling Johnny did, he would always say his favourite place was Vancouver. He loved being home, close to his family.

Johnny was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother and was loved by so many. His calm demeanor and patience will always be remembered. Throughout Johnny’s life, he always helped the less fortunate and saw people based on who they were, not where they came from. He would find a lighter side to life and taught his daughters to try and find humour even in the darkest times in life.

Johnny passed away peacefully on March 27, 2023 in his home surrounded by his family following a short illness. He maintained his wit and sense of humour right up until his final moments. To honour Johnny’s wishes no funeral will be held. The family requests to those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to the BC Cancer Foundation or Union Gospel Mission.

Johnny is survived by his daughters Ngaire and Katrina (Kelly), grandchildren Riley and Aidan, wife Patricia, and his siblings George (Grace), Winnie, Tony (Peggy), and Ray (Angela) and countless nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, his sister Anita and brother Jimmy.