Wayne Chow
elevated a1YXk January 20, 1935 – November 18, 2022
elevated a1YXk Visitation
Saturday, November 26, 2022 from 10:00 am – 12:00 p.m.
elevated a1YXk Funeral Service
Saturday, November 26, 2022 at 12:00 p.m.
Chapel of St. Joseph – Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home
elevated a1YXk Obituary
Loving and generous husband and father, Wayne Chow of Markham, Ontario, peacefully passed away on November 18th at the age of 87, with the family at his side.
elevated a1YXk He was born Gee-Jung Lam, the youngest of five children (three brothers and a sister) on January 20th, 1935, in the village of Go Kai (High Creek) in Guangdong, China. Orphaned during the war, and separated from his eldest brother, Wayne had to fend for himself. It was serendipity when a kind woman, Lyne Nooy Chow, found him and adopted him as her own son.
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elevated a1YXk Wayne and his mother fled to Hong Kong in 1949, before the borders were closed by the Communists. After spending almost 2 years in Hong Kong, they crossed the Pacific Ocean to join Lyne’s husband Chee in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan.
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elevated a1YXk His first few years in Canada were difficult. He had to learn a new language, adapt to a new school, and work long hours at King’s Café, the family diner his father owned. Wayne settled into his new life. With the little free time he had, he set up an amateur (ham) radio. He had an interest in music and attempted to learn how to play the violin and flute.
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elevated a1YXk Eventually, Wayne moved to the city of Regina and in 1966, he met the woman that would be his wife for 56 years, Corazon (nee Legara). A year later, they moved to Toronto and started a family.
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elevated a1YXk He had adopted a broad skill set through the diverse jobs he held throughout his life. Wayne was an avid bowler – he joined the Lychee Gardens competitive team (and won a few tourneys!). He enjoyed spending time with friends over good food and drink and catching up on news from overseas. He loved to go to dim sum and would order his favourite dishes, Cheong Fun (Rice Noodle Rolls) and Siu Mai (Pork Dumplings)
elevated a1YXk Wayne always had his eldest brother in mind and never forgot him. He managed to reconnect with his eldest brother in the 90s and they kept in touch until his brother passed away.
elevated a1YXk In 2003, Wayne was diagnosed with and survived lung cancer to live on for another 19 years. During that time, he took advantage of his second chance at life and traveled – to different cities in the US, Alaska, China, the Philippines, and the Mediterranean. He was easygoing and didn’t take himself too seriously – he loved to laugh!
elevated a1YXk Wayne is survived by his loving wife Corazon, son Rene, daughter Bella and son-in-law Michael.
elevated a1YXk Many thanks to the wonderful staff at Southlake Regional Healthcare Center who cared for Wayne in his final days.
elevated a1YXk Visitation will be at Holy Cross Catholic Funeral Home (211 Langstaff Road East, Thornhill, Ontario) on November 26th, 2022, beginning at 10:00 am, followed by a Service at noon.
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elevated a1YXk In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation at Donate – Donations (supportthepmcf.ca) (”Give In Memory” Tab/Device Drop Down Menu) or 416-946-6560/1-866-224-6560 (option 1).
elevated a1YXk Interment
Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery
Section 34
Bella, our thoughts are with you and your family. We want to express our deepest condolences for your loss.
Your dad had such an interesting life and I loved that you shared his story with us. He and I are fellow “Lams”.
To the Chow family, I offer my sincerest condolences for your loss. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May your memories of Wayne live on forever.
My dearest Bella,
Our sincerest sympathies are with you, on the passing of your beloved father.
What an incredible life story… his intrepidness, steadfastness, honesty, love of family and faith shine bright through the precious memories you’ve shared of your dad.
Your in our thoughts and prayers… may God comfort and bless you and family. Be gentle with yourself.
Dear Bella and Michael,
We send our deepest condolences to you both as well as your mother and brother, at the passing of your beloved father. It was very interesting to read about his life as I had never heard any of these details. May you all take comfort in beautiful memories of your father.
Dear Bella and family
My sincere sympathies on the loss of your dear father. His was clearly a life well lived, and that is a great legacy, a guide, and a comfort in that loss.
Dear Auntie Cora, Rene and Bella,
I’m so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time. I have so many memories of Uncle Wayne and will always remember his smile and big laugh. Xo
Dear Rene and Family,
I am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Dear Mrs. Chow, René and Bella,
I wanted to offer heartfelt condolences from our family to yours. I’ve known Mr. Chow since I was 2 years old and I remember how kind he was not only as a great neighbour but also as a good family friend.
I cherish the memories I have of him and know that he is in a much better place. Thank you for sharing his experiences; they certainly shaped him into the considerate person he was. I am praying for all of you that you find peace and healing in this difficult time.
Dear Rene and family,
I want to express my sincerest condolences on the passing of your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I hope over time you can reflect on the incredible life he had and the positive impact that left on your life
Dear Mrs. Chow, Rene, Bella and Michael,
We send our sincerest sympathies for the loss of your father. Mr. Chow was a great friend to our family and our long time neighbour. We always enjoyed his company and charm. His smile and laughter will always remain with us. We couldn’t have asked for a better family friend.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and we hope you keep strong during this time.
Love,
Jose, Rani, David and Dasey