Tuk Wah Chan

Tuk Wah Chan was born in Harbin, China on February 18, 1914. She left Harbin as a teenager with only $2 that her mother had given her and began her life's travelling journey to escape the tragedies of WWI and WWII. Even though it was unheard of for a young woman to attend school during war time, Tuk Wah managed to finish a proper education. She later met her love Kung Po Chan. They soon married and had three children Chun Fung Chan, Kai Ying Chan and Kai Tai Chan.

Later the family moved to Hong Kong. It was a very difficult time for the young family since they had little money and did not speak the language. Through determination, Tuk Wah was able to get her family to speak fluent Cantonese. The couple had two more daughters Kai Lin Chan and Kai Ping Chan. Tuk Wah became a private tutor and a Mandarin teacher. Because the family was barely making ends meet, she decided to open a restaurant. She figured she would always have food around for her growing children. She was a very intelligent and strong-willed woman.

Through a good partnership with her husband, the restaurant was successful, but she wanted a better future for her family. Tuk Wah and her husband decided to move the family to Vancouver in 1975. Again it was a difficult time for everyone since none of them spoke English and were not familiar with the Canadian culture. Despite the setbacks presented, she was able to persevere and guide her grown children and young grandchildren.

Because Tuk Wah enjoyed reading and writing, she also decided to write short articles for the local Chinese newspaper. She received many awards for her writing.

Tuk Wah was a very talented and intelligent woman. She with her late husband Kung Po Chan were accomplished restaurateurs. Together they owned seven successful restaurants. Tuk Wah eventually passed on her knowledge of the restaurant business to all her children. She often spoke of the importance of family to her children. She was a loving and caring parent. Anytime her child came to visit, she always asked how the rest of her family was doing. Tuk Wah always wanted to ensure that her family stayed close, no matter what.

During retirement, Tuk Wah enjoyed playing mahjong and cards with friends and family. She definitely was a lucky woman. She always seemed to win no matter who she was playing with and what they were playing. You can usually find her surrounded by a group of people waiting for her to make a bet, so that they could make the same bet. Yes, Tuk Wah was that great!

Tuk Wah lived in Richmond, BC when she died Saturday, July 2, 2011 in Lions Manor Senior's Home. Her last minutes were happy and peaceful as her family stayed beside her bed.

Tuk Wah is survived by her children Chun Fung Chan, Kai Ying Chan, Kai Tai Chan, Kai Lin Chan, Kai Ping Chan; her 18 grandchildren; and 12 great grandchildren.

She lived a long, joyful life and her loved ones were deeply proud of her. Tuk Wah's life will always be cherished and celebrated. She will forever be remembered as the greatest role model. May she rest in peace.