Alec was a remarkable man, physician, father, husband, and grandfather. He was born in Shantou, China to Dr. Tsoh Chen Pan and Mary Honora Ewing-Chow. Alec was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Peter. Alec survived the Second World War before coming to Canada in 1951 with his brother, Peter, from Hong Kong, where they had been studying at the Diocesan Boy's School, to attend United College in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Alec and Peter spent summers working at a brick factory for 70 cents an hour, waiting tables at Ken’s Café, lumber jacking, and fish-guiding to pay for their education. They both entered medical school at the University of Manitoba, where Alec trained in his chosen specialty, Internal Medicine. For two summers between medical school, Alec and Peter worked at the TB Sanatorium in Ninette, MB, under Dr. A.H. Payne, an experience that resulted in many close lifelong friendships. Alec continued his training in Cardiology and Respirology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, before returning to Winnipeg in 1964 to begin his private practice in the St. Boniface area. He was dedicated to his patients, admitting both to St. Boniface Hospital and to the Victoria General Hospital – the latter especially so that he could provide in-hospital care to his numerous Chinese-speaking patients living in South Winnipeg. Alec considered it a privilege to have been able to look after many of his patients for decades, until his retirement in 2003.
Alec enjoyed visiting his brother Peter and family in Kenora, fishing, playing the piano (obtaining his ARCT and often accompanying Peter on the violin), and listening to jazz and classical music. He loved photography, and enjoyed a trip to Churchill to photograph polar bears. He was an active member of the Chinese United Church for over 50 years, a role which included head of the Official Board for over 17 years, choir director, organist, and pianist. Alec was on the Board of Governors of Providence College, and was honored with an award for Distinguished Christian Service in 2002. His faith remained strong throughout his lifetime.
Alec’s travels took him to Trinidad, Australia, Alaska, Israel, the South Pacific, the Panama Canal, China, Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore. A special highlight was his 60th Diocesan Boy's School reunion in 2010; he reunited with many friends and relatives. He was also able to locate and visit, for the first time, his parents’ home in Malaysia, where they had moved while Alec and Peter were studying in Canada.
Above all, Alec’s joy came from his family – his beloved wife, Eudora, whom he met and married in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, in 1970; his children Janice (Bryan), James (Ann), and Janelle (Dave); and his grandchildren Lukas, Logan, Nevaeh, and Rayna. We will always treasure the memories of dad`s long, warm hugs. He cherished each of us, and was so proud of his children's and grandchildren's accomplishments.
A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 10:00 am at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard.
Thanks to James and Janelle and their families for traveling to Winnipeg from Calgary to visit often. Thanks to Janice and Bryan and their boys, who were always just steps away, next door.
For the past several years, Alec remained at home in Eudora's caring hands, while suffering with Parkinson's Disease. She wholeheartedly and completely fulfilled her promise to care for him at home until the end of his days. There are no words to thank you enough, Mom. We will always have wonderful memories of the times we spent together with you and dad. Dad, you will be greatly missed by your family, and your many, many friends and patients.
“Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” Matthew 28:20
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18