My deepest condolences to the family,  and I am so sorry to hear about William's passing away,  it is also a heart-broken moment for me. William and I got to know each other back to 2016 when I newly moved to Beijing and began my ashtanga practice. he travelled a lot at the time and he was just like a blast of wind which could hardly catch up with. 
Wei, I still remember our first hello and the small talk, you looked so bright, full of curiosity and you were so modest. Thank you for all your trust and sharing about your thoughts, wits, feelings, stories and everything.  you are always a little different, a free soul, like you describe yourself, a peculiar guy. the memories with you are unforgettable which I will cherish all along. 
you are one of my favorite "hello" and definitely the hardest"goodbye" , you will be missed so much. 

Sid and I knew William as a yoga teacher and fellow Canadian in Beijing. We remember his enthusiasm, determination, curiosity, strength, and ability to push himself (and others).  And his laugh! 

We are saddened by the news of his passing, and hope his next journey is a smooth one. 一路平安, William. 





Wei was a good friend. I still have trouble processing that he's not with us anymore. We miss you Wei. 

William came to stay with me in Nelson, BC last September and I also brought him to Yasodhara Ashram, where I lived for two years, and where he always wanted to come and visit. He brought some Baozi and Mantou that his mom made, as I told him I haven't had Chinese food for two years.  We meditated at the Beach Prayer Room for some time and he really liked it there. Today I took the liberty and put his soul on our prayer list, as we chant here every evening at 7.30 pm. Much condolences to the family, and I wish William rest in peace. As his friend said, William helped me as well. He was an inspirational person and a great teacher. He is definitely missed sorely. 

Wei...my wanderlust and gentle soul friend, you will be very much missed.  Although my heart is deeply saddened that you have left us too soon, I know your spirit is soaring above some mountain far away and visiting the mysterious places your heart desires.  I will always cherish our friendship and the times we shared together over coffee or a good meal.  My condolences to your family. 

Soar high my friend...until we meet again.

Wei - full of joy, hope and a life well lived.  Thanks for inspiring us to chase our dreams of youth. 一路好走。
 Your friend, Jim 陈家俊

My deepest condolences to William's family and friends during this difficult time. He lightly touched the earth but left deep imprints on the hearts of those around him. I would like to share one of my favourite memories of William from 4 years ago when he rescued his beloved cat, Xiao Khan. After finding him on the streets of Ulan Bator in Mongolia, William canceled his flight and endured a 20 hour train and bus journey to take him back to Beijing. He was stopped at the border and told he could not bring XK across. He didn’t want to abandon him so he turned around to return to Ulan Bator to figure out another way. The border guards were so touched by William's determination to save XK they finally called him back and allowed them to enter China. It is such a sweet story and truly encompasses William’s character. He never gave up, his sense of loyalty to those he loved was unwavering, and he had a strong moral compass. He was a remarkable person and I feel truly grateful to have been a small part of his life.  Rest in peace, dear William. Thank you for your love, wisdom, and friendship. You will be dearly missed and we will cherish the beautiful memories and carry you in our hearts forever. 

William you were a true friend. Generous, wise, thoughtful and incredibly supportive. From day one, you were there for me if I needed help, and I could always count on you to dispense your signature wisdom and unique perspective. You were like family when I was abroad in China and far from home. I am so grateful I got to celebrate so many big events together like Thanksgivings, Christmases, New Years, birthdays, etc, as well as small ones like climbing my first lead route or accompanying you on Xiao Khan's first "field trip" (the grocery store aka Chez Gerard). You were the zen-filled bright spot in my life. Thank you for being you. You will be tremendously missed. 

My sincerest condolences to the Bi family. I offer all my love and support during this difficult time of sorrow. Please know William/Wei inspired everyone that knew him and made a significant positive impact in his brief time on this world. 

Many fond memories of Wei, from taking him on his first backpacking trip (and trying to keep up with him) to showing up for a Marathon in Toronto, straight from the airport, to run alongside me (and again, trying to keep up with him). Wei was a such an adventurous and free spirit. I remember when he stayed with us briefly in Toronto while studying a York U and he said “Al, the next Summer Olympics are going to be in Beijing in 2008, I think I’ll study Journalism and cover it”. A few years later, when Nat and I moved back to Calgary, we met up with Wei (on one of his trips back home) and he surprised us with a rug that he had gotten when he rode a motorcycle up to Kashmir. A gift for letting him stay with us in Toronto. Wei was thoughtful that way. We will dearly miss him. Rest In Peace my friend.

Mr.Jalanta, one of my best and motivational friend met in the beautiful city Mysore(India).
He has been a very active and friendly guy who always in favour of making things better and make people happy and especially he alway found of meeting with different people and exchanging different thoughts and idea.
I always miss him and pray good for him and may he take rebirth in a very happy and healthy family. Lord Buddha bless him.

I get to know William during a live yoga class back in 2020, and then I attended his yoga and mindfulness studio classes.
He never sees death as a bitter thing. So I wanna tell you guys 3 bittersweet stories happened this April.

-------------1.	A MATTRESS.-------------
Early in April, William messaged me that he’s going to move into another apartment, and since the other apartment has a mattress already, he wants me to have this extra mattress. But I was in a middle of a lock down. On April the 16th, the moment I got released, I went to get the mattress. It’s a six-piece IKEA mattress can be taken apart and put back together, which is super easy to carry and great to sleep on.
But in the middle of the night, William said he found it hard to sleep without the mattress and want it back. So on April the 17th, I brought the mattress back to him.

-------------2.A BOWL OF CACTUS.------------
William used to be an ambassador for the Lululemon Raffles store. And Lululemon send him 3 cactuses in a chic glass vase after he came back to China this time. And one day, the vase was broken, so he put the cactus in a bowl, it’s the one and only bowl he bought. But the thing is, he got no bowl to eat with! 
He gave this bowl of cactus to me on April the 17th, and let me take care of it. Since he said he is going back to Canada. 
And on April the 20th, his birthday, I draw him a card and wrote this line “A bowl of cactus turn your life into a folklore.”

-------------3.	A HUG-------------
On April the 16th when I went to get the mattress he’d gave me. Since the minivan I called came a little too soon, and I had no time to take the whole giant mattress apart. All he said to me is “Enjoy”. 
Later, I found he we-chatted me said “I should have given you a hug.” And I replied “You owe me one.”
On April the 17th, I get my hug, also told him I wanted a hug lasted for like 4 years. I mean, like forever.

I am deeply sorry to hear the sudden passing away of William, our deepest sympathy goes out to his family at this difficult time.
William became part of our life in Mysore, India since 2004. He was named as Jalanta Bodh, meaning " Shining in the virtues of the Buddha “He would come back to Mysore year after year for yoga retreat and would spend time with the children in the campus with different activities particularly with outdoor activities. He would take the children to the nearby hill for trekking on weekends and various other activities.  
One of his recent visits was in 2017 and 2018. He asked me what he could do for the children as he would spend around 6 weeks with his Yoga class. I asked him to take English class and he happily accepted and trained the children for a month every evening and conducted a speech contest " Master of Rhetoric " and appreciated every boy with gifts.  He was very kind-hearted and generous person. Every now and then he would write us and enquire about the wellbeing of the children and everyone.  During our last conversation he was willing to come back to Mysore as usual, but we know that it is never going to happen. 
death is certain for everyone but what one does during his lifetime is what we take. Jalanta has only shared his love and inspired many to lead a simple and fulfilling life. My condolences to his family, particularly to his nephew Jeremy who also spent some time with us.  Jalanta will always remain in our heart. 




I remember being in Kelowna for a dragon boat race.  The women's team just won a hard and competitive race and as we made our way off the dock in excitement, the first team member to greet us was Wei.

Beaming with joy and pride, he raised both hands up in the air and bow down as he chanted, "We're not worthy! We're not worthy!" The rest of the male team members joined in his lead and we celebrated the win. 

Wei, you have always been a leader.  You lead the way and we join in the celebratory events. 

You have what I termed, "stubborn passion." You are passionate and so convicted in all you do that you're stubborn about them until they come to fruition. You master what you put your mind to. So many qualities about you we admire and appreciate. 

Your journey to observe and improve humanity and justice...so admirable by all that came in contact with you.  

My friend, this world...our lives are better with you in it.  

My condolences and heart felt love and support to Wei's family and loved ones.  This world lost an Earth Angel.

OBITUARY

Heo-Wei William Bi

20 April, 1972 – 27 April, 2022

Foster's Garden Chapel Funeral Home & Crematorium

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