Ting Chan

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生平簡介

陳挺先生生於一九二三年一月十六日中國廣東省南海市九江鎮南方龍阜社，為陳汝朝（父）左有（母）之幼子，在家中排行第十一，在鄉鄰中也有「十一哥/叔」的雅號。

陳先生早年在鄉間讀過幾年私塾，自幼在父親的督束下練習書法，最愛柳公權字體，寫得一手好字。移民加拿大初期還會在中僑互助社等社區為僑胞寫揮春賀歲。因父親是當舖朝奉，他也很快學會珠算（算盤）的基本用法，並且勤加練習，融滙貫通，零活運用，給日後到社會謀生打下穩固基礎。他計數的速度比計數機還要快呢。一九三九年，只有十六歲的他便隻身前往香港，開始他在餐飲業近四十年的工作。陳先生從起初當文員，用心學習，努力耕耘，到退休前係深水埗一間茶餐廳的小股東之一。一九五零年，在同鄉介紹下結識九江鎮東方觀蘭里明詠嫺女士。彼此一見傾心、互相愛慕。同年十月在親友見證下共諧連理。夫妻恩愛甚督，共育有四男二女。可以說有一個幸福的家庭。

一九九一年陳先生與太太移居加拿大溫哥華，與兩個兒子和他們的家庭團聚，並於一九九六年成為加拿大公民。來加以後與太太參加英文會話班, 殷勤練習，以期學以致用。蒙主恩佑，陳先生和太太於一九九三年在何漢榮牧師的帶領下決志歸信基督，並開始參加門諾弟兄會頌恩堂崇拜及信德團契等聚會，夫婦倆同沐主恩。一九九九年感恩節正式受洗， 加入教會。

一九九八年十月，陳先生的太太因急性嚴重中風， 住院三天便留下丈夫和兒孫。陳先生其後與陳麗萍女士（麗姨）續絃，眨眼已有二十餘年。多年來有麗姨陪伴，在飲食和身體健康方面，悉心照顧，給他好些實質的幫助。身體方面, 陳先生晚年可謂身經百戰；然而屢次動大手術都有天父保守，化險為夷，使他充滿感恩，也加深了對天父的慈愛和信實的認識，從而信心又進步了。

陳先生待人接物有責任感、為人善良、兼和譪可親，特別對孫塞後輩愛護備至，見到幼少的他們都經常笑到合不攏嘴，陶醉於弄孫為樂之間。孫塞們也特別愛鍚這個慈祥的爺爺、公公、太公、太爺，不時致電或用視像方式問候他。

陳先生生平喜愛閱報，雖然讀書機會不多，但見聞廣博，大多是從閱報而來。退休後也有機會與太太外出旅遊、移民後又回港探望兒孫，不亦樂乎。「飲茶」可以說是他另一愛好。這可能與他在餐飲業工作多年有關。近幾年他最鍾意去時代文華飲茶，雖然行動不良，需要用輪椅代步，但依然風雨不改，定要天天嘆其一盅兩件，過他怡然自得、閒靜的生活。每逢有海外至親探訪，都會「帶」他們去飲茶、閒話家常，共聚天倫於美食當中。文華酒樓老闆和上下員工都認識「陳伯」，每次都親切招待、愛護有加。眾兒女去年在他一百歲生日時也在同一酒樓為他設宴賀壽。

陳先生長袖善舞，愛好做DIY小工程，自己家居每一兩年都會粉飾牆壁(髹油) 。電器傢俱、甚至玩具維修、都是他的專長。六零年代剛搬進蘇屋村，因住836頂樓，他便設計隔熱天花，減低熱量，－時引來不少街坊及房屋暑人員參觀、模仿及推介！他又經常提醒和貫徹「功欲善其事，必先利其器」的原則，可稱得上是「家居工程師」。無怪乎幾年前幼子問老父若有機會讀大學，他會讀那個學科，他毫不猶豫便說「土木工程」。原來這是上帝一早給他的「他連得」-- 天賦的才斡。只可惜成長於戰亂當中，又少年失學，始未能達成他事業方面的理想。但他畢竟都在「社會大學」進修多年、以自己的勤奮，加上各種環境的配合，上帝的恩典，也可說得上不枉此生。

他又是環保先鋒，「廢物利用」「物盡其用」常掛在口邊。自己又身體力行，落實環保。他被受岳母大人的器重、常稱讚他處事「有步驟、有計劃」「亞挺摸過嘅嘢都好嘅」。他辦事的成績亦有目共睹。家居牆壁髹油不費吹灰便煥然一新，每每引來鄰居的羨慕。親自下廚烹調黃鱔羹、落足材料、色香味俱全，家人都來不及給多個讃呢！做叉燒包、腸粉、包粉菓等點心小吃都為家人帶來不小食福和美好的回憶。

二零二四年七月下旬陳先生身體開始四肢乏力，食慾不振，經醫生診斷証實腎功能已嚴重退化。因為年事已高，經商議後決定讓他順其自然、回家善終。八月十二日上午十時陳先生帶著平安，暫別地上家人，安息在主耶穌的懷裡。在彌留期間，陳先生有麗姨、兩個兒子及兩個孫兒陪伴安慰，又為他讀經祈禱，之前又有不少子孫塞、契女和姨甥女用視像方式與他道別。陳先生離世時面露安詳，享壽一百零二歲。

陳先生的人生充滿傳奇，雖然移民後才信主，但仍可以用「福澤綿綿」、「恩典滿滿」、「子孫滿堂」，作為他一生的寫照。陳先生一生最大的成就是像果實般纍纍的子孫塞、特別是在他晚年帶給他無盡的喜悅。安息前，他有八個內孫、五個外孫、十一個內外塞，現分別居住在加拿大、香港、和美國各地。願榮耀頌讚歸給聖父聖子聖靈、三位一體的獨一真神！

「當 信 主 耶 穌 ， 你 和 你 一 家 都 必 得 救 。」

使徒行傳 16:31

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Mr. Ting CHAN was born in China on January 16, 1923. He passed away peacefully on August 12, 2024, at the age of 101 after 12 days of palliative home care. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife for 48 years (Wing-Han), his oldest daughter (Hope H. K.) who died as a toddler, his son-in-law (Hok-Hoi), his youngest daughter (Mabel Mei-Sum), and all his siblings, as well as some of his nephews. He is lovingly survived by Li-Ping, his wife of the last 23 years, sons Frederick Kwok-Hing, Raymond Kwok-Keung, Kenny Kwok-Hung, Caleb Kwok-Cheung (and their spouses), son-in-law Pak-Kai, daughter Shirley Mei-Kam, thirteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren who are spread in Canada, Hong Kong, and the United States. Mr. Chan retired as a business partner in a restaurant in Hong Kong after almost forty years working in the industry. He enjoyed reading newspapers, doing DIY projects, going to dim sum restaurants, and spending time with his family. He was especially delighted in playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and holding them in his lap when they were little. He accepted Jesus as his personal Savior in August 1993 and was baptized in October 1999 at Pacific Grace MB Church.

Memorial service will be held at Mount Pleasant Universal Funeral Home (3016 East 11th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C.) on September 3, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., followed by Graveside Service at 12:30 p.m. at Forest Lawn Memorial Park (3789 Royal Oak Ave, Burnaby, BC), presided over by Rev. David Chan of Pacific Grace MB Church. A special thanks to the Palliative Care Unit at Vancouver General Hospital and Evergreen Home Care Services for their tender loving home care arrangement and support during the last 12 days of Dad’s life. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Ting and Wing Chan’s memory to Pacific Grace MB Church (2855 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5M 1A9), Canada Cancer Society, or any charity of your choice.

They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household."

Acts 16:31

Relatives and friends are welcome to sign the on-line Condolence Book at Mount Pleasant Universal Funeral Home’s website.

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EULOGY

Mr. Ting Chan was born on 1923.1.16 in Canton Province, China to Yue-Chiu Chan (father) and Yu Zou (mother). He was the eleventh of fourteen children. Growing up, only six of the siblings survived their childhood. He was affectionately known as Brother Eleven or Uncle Eleven by his kinsman.

As a young boy, Mr. Chan studied under a private teacher for several years. His father made sure that he learned and practiced Chinese calligraphy. His favorite style was Liu Kung Kuen regular script. In his early years of immigration to Canada, Mr. Chan shared his talents with fellow immigrants especially during the Spring Festivals to celebrate the arrival of a new year. His father also taught him the basics of abacus. With lots of practice and strong mathematic skills, he became very good in abacus usage. At one time, he could arrive at an answer more quickly than the early generations of calculators. In 1939, Mr. Chan left his hometown for Hong Kong and started a lifelong career in the restaurant business. At the time of his retirement, Mr. Chan was a small partner of a local restaurant which primarily serviced area factory workers. In 1950, he met Miss Wing-han Ming who was also from his hometown. The couple quickly fell in love with one another. In October, they got married with the witness of family and friends. Together, Ting and Wing raised four sons and two daughters. Another daughter, Hope, their eldest, died when she was a toddler. They were saddened by this loss, however, “hope” was what sustained them, and their young marriage which lasted 48 years.

In 1991, Ting and Wing Chan immigrated to Vancouver B.C. to join their two grown sons and their families. In 1996, they became Canadian citizens. Upon arriving in Canada, the Chans joined English classes to learn basic conversations and to prepare for the citizenship examination. With God’s richest blessings and love, in August 1993, they came to Christ through Rev. Derek Hong-Wing Ho, a former pastor of their children in Hong Kong Free Methodist Cheung Wah Church, they started attending fellowship and worship services at Pacific Grace MB Church (PGMBC). In 1999, Ting was baptized in the Lord and became a member of PGMBC.

In October 1998, Mr. Chan’s wife had a massive stroke which took her life after only three days of stay at Vancouver General Hospital. He has since remarried with Li-Ping Chen (Lai Yee) who is also from his hometown. Lai Yee took very good care of him for over 20 years. Mr. Chan had several big surgeries over the last two decades, however, our Heavenly Father protected him every time. Because of these experiences, he had learned more of our Heavenly Father’s love and faithfulness. His faith had grown because of that.

Ting was good with interpersonal communication skills and was a highly responsible person. He was kind and approachable, especially to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He had the biggest smile when he was holding these little ones on his lap or simply playing with them. Knowing of his love for them, these grandchildren and great-grandchildren would seize the opportunity to call or FaceTime when they’re able. Those who live in Vancouver would join him for dim sum brunches when their schedules permitted.

Ting enjoyed reading the newspaper. Although he only had a few years of education, he’s extremely well-read, mostly through the newspapers. After he retired, he traveled with his wife and enjoyed returning to Hong Kong to see their grandchildren. Having dim sum brunches (in tea houses) is another hobby of his. This may have to do with his almost 40 years working in the restaurant business. In recent years, his favorite tea house is New Mandarin Seafood Restaurant in Vancouver. Despite his confinement to the wheelchair, he and Lai Yee would visit New Mandarin daily. The owner and the staff were delighted to see him and helped him wherever he could use some help. This could range from saving a table to getting him on to the elevator, and anything in between. When Mr. Chan turned 100 in January 2023, his children helped him celebrate this major milestone by hosting a memorable party at New Mandarin.

Ting was multi-talented. He enjoyed doing DIY projects around the house which included painting and fixing things (from appliances to furniture, and even toys). He was instrumental in installing insulated ceilings in their first low-income top-floor apartment in So Uk Estate. His innovative approach got the attention of the staff at the Housing Authority as well as their neighbors who adopted his techniques to keep their units cooler. When asked in recent years what he would study if he had the opportunity to attend university. His answer was “Civil Engineering.” From what we could tell, he was indeed gifted in this area. No doubt that God had given him these talents. Due to life circumstances when growing up, Ting didn’t have the opportunity to be trained as a civil engineer. Nevertheless, he graduated from “Society University” where he had proved to the world that success was within reach if one worked hard. It goes without saying that it was God’s divine guidance and love in his life that led to his accomplishments, and his life did not go wasted because of that.

Ting was a pioneer in recycling. He often practiced the 3R (reduce, reuse, recyle) principle, and literally made our world greener. He was thought highly of by his mother-in-law saying that he always had a plan, and he would execute his plan step-by-step. The results of his hard work and good planning are evident. When he painted the apartment once every year or every other year, the apartment turned so beautiful as if it had put on a new dress. His neighbors always envied the Chans because this usually didn’t take Ting much effort and expense, and yet the results were remarkable. Ting was also good at cooking delicacies such as yellow eel soup and making dim sum like BBQ pork buns, steamed rice rolls, and pork and bamboo shoot dumplings. His whole family was delighted when he put on his apron to bring them super delicious food and fond memories.

In mid-July of 2024, Ting’s body became very weak, and he lost most of his appetite. After being examined by the doctor, it was determined that his kidney function was deteriorating very fast. Because of his old age, it was recommended that he start palliative care at home instead of staying in the hospital. On August 12, 2024, 10:00 a.m., Ting was ushered to heaven peacefully. He was surrounded by Lai Yee, two of his sons, two grandchildren, and his grandson’s fiancé. During the last 24 hours of his life, many family members overseas and outside B.C. also videoed or called to bid their farewell to “Grandpa.”

Mr. Chan’s life was filled with defining moments. Although he didn’t come to Christ until after he turned 70, we can still characterize his life as “full of blessings,” “full of grace,” and “full of descendants.” While Mr. Chan had many accomplishments, the biggest one in his 102 years of life was his six children, thirteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren who are spread in Canada, Hong Kong, and the United States. May glory and praise be to the Trinity and Sovereign God: the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen.

"Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved — you and your household." Acts 16:31