Henry was born September 2nd, 1938 in Miri, Malaysia to loving parents, Nyuk Fah Yong and Kiaw Chin. He was the second eldest son, in a family of nine children.
As a child, Henry was quiet and smart, excelling in mathematics throughout his school years and beyond.
As a young man, Henry was accepted into the Shell Petroleum Company’s Trade School in Seria, Brunei. Here he earned his Electrical Installation certificate in 1958, and immediately began his life long career as an Electrician for the Shell Company. Henry was a dedicated employee. While working at a local power plant, there was a political uprising. His quick thinking and swift actions helped secure the plant and the safety of his coworkers. For his actions, he was awarded a medal of recognition from the Sultan of Brunei on April 1, 1964.
“Back home” in Malaysia, Henry was known as a handsome bachelor with thick 'Elvis' hair. He was even given the nickname “Scooterman”, for his Italian Laberatta scooter which he rode when many of his friends were riding bicycles.
In 1963, the hearts of many ladies were broken when Henry met the love of his life Catherine Phung (Kate), soon after she joined the Shell Company Clerical Pool. They were inseparable after that, marrying in April of 1967. Catherine and Henry were blessed with 2 daughters: Selina in 1968 and Melinda in 1970.
In June 1972, with a strong determination to build a better life for his family, Henry made the brave move to Canada. He first found work in the Northwest Territories, where he was shocked by the freezing cold climate, and endured long hours of work in difficult conditions. Henry struggled as new immigrant in an established Canadian community; however, his hard work and determination soon gained him the respect of his Canadian coworkers. While in Canada, he remained a dutiful husband, father, son and brother, helping to support his family back home and to send his other siblings to school.
Henry eventually settled in Vancouver, where he once again found employment with Shell at the petroleum refinery in Burnaby, B.C. In June of 1973, he was finally able to send for his wife and young children. The following year, they welcomed their 3rd daughter Jennifer. He worked for Shell Canada until his retirement in 1998. During his career, he was motivated to continue his education and expand his knowledge, earning additional certifications in his trade.
Henry’s achievements:
1972 Certified Industrial Electrician
1979 Electrical Contractor
1983 Certified Electrician
The family lived in East Vancouver, calling it home until 1991, after which Henry and Kate made their move to Coquitlam. It was here that Henry spent the remaining years of his life with his family.
In 2001, Henry became a proud Grandpa to Kyra, and his hard exterior was quickly shed. In 2005, he welcomed his second Grandchild, Cade. He spoiled and babied his grandchildren every moment that he could, often sneaking them $5 dollar bills. Henry was incredibly proud of Kyra and Cade, as he watched them grow into kind and loving individuals. Smart like him, they were both honour students in school and Henry was especially proud when Kyra was accepted into UBC in the fall of 2019.
Once retired, Henry and Kate discovered the world of travel cruising where they developed a close circle of “Cruise friends” which included many longtime friends from back home and some new friends made along the way. Together they travelled the world exploring and eating their way through West Coast North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Australia.
When not travelling and spending time with his family, Henry kept busy enjoying many hobbies and pastimes. He loved his garden, and was particularly fond of orchids and roses. He often enjoyed watching Chinese films on his laptop, or reading a good Chinese novel. He was a regular swimmer who also enjoyed the relaxation of a good hot tub. He found serenity in his tropical fish aquariums and an elaborate fishpond containing giant coy. Henry was a self-taught musician who enjoyed singing, and playing the guitar and harmonica. He loved jigsaw puzzles, especially those containing scenic views. Henry was a tech junkie who always had the latest audiovisual gadget such as cameras, video and stereo equipment; this included having both VHS and BETA, a disc movie player, a karaoke machine, and DVD player. Henry was also a true handyman, he spent a great deal of his time fixing and building anything and everything such as tv’s, radios, cars, building shelves, sheds, fences and an elaborate fishpond.
Henry was a dedicated and devoted family man. Known as a strict father, both protective and supportive, he loved his three daughters very much. Henry’s family and friends will always remember him as a generous, good-natured man who loved to joke around and secretly spoil his children. He will be often remembered for his “giant” red Dodge; the backseat piled high with his children, nieces and nephews on numerous family outings and adventures together.
Henry was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, brother-in law and friend. He has left us with many fond and incredible memories, and will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 53 years Catherine, his Daughters Melinda and Jennifer, his Grandchildren Kyra and Cade as well as his brother Wilson, and many sister-in-laws, nieces, and nephews.
Henry is off to join his beautiful eldest daughter Selina, who tragically predeceased him in January 2020, and his 3 brothers and sisters also predeceased.
Henry has left us with many fond memories, which will be kept alive through his friends and family, as well as those who had the honour and privilege of knowing him.
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