James She Chi Lo

Our most cherished father, James She Chi Lo passed away suddenly in Calgary, Alberta on Friday, November 24, 2023, surrounded by family. Although he had ongoing health problems in the last several years, his death has been a devastating shock to our family and friends.

Dad was born in Weihai, Shandong, China to his parents, father – Lo, Wen Cheung & mother – Lo, Sun Wai Chi. His parents brought him & his four siblings to Hong Kong in the 1940s to start a new life. Early in their relocation in Hong Kong, Dad lost his father to cancer and was left to help support the family as a young teenager. He worked tirelessly at part-time jobs while still receiving his education. In reaching adulthood he applied and was accepted with the Hong Kong Police Force. There he would excel and attained many achievements before moving on to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities.

In 1972, Dad immigrated to Canada with his young family and thru much determination, sacrifice, and hard work, Dad found much success in his own businesses. Throughout his 51 years in Canada, together with our mother, they were lifelong partners in operating numerous restaurants, nightclubs, and bars in Calgary, Banff & Edmonton. With a passion for music, and gifted with a powerful and skilled singing voice, he opened his most treasured business venture ‘Pepperfield – Sing A Long Karaoke Bar.’ The venue gave him the opportunity to get up on stage to sing & dance whenever his heart desired….he was in his element! He was not only a good businessman, but he was an amazing proprietor who always showed his BIG HEART. His charisma, warm smile, genuine kindness, and gentle, fun-loving spirit left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. His staff & customers became his everlasting friends. After their retirement, if he or mom ran into these friends, they would always be reminded of the fun ‘Sing A Long’ days and how much they missed our parents.

Besides his fondness for music, Dad was a great cook and took much delight in planning and preparing dinners for us. Even down to the smallest detail of buying the ingredients, he found much pleasure in grocery shopping, and never considered it a chore. Everyone knew him by name at the stores he regularly frequented. It was always an eye-opening experience to go on a shopping excursion with him! His favorite time of day would be late afternoon when he would enjoy a glass of red wine or beer while preparing his delicious dishes. His infamous Chinese Dumplings were everyone’s favorite!

Dad dedicated his life to providing for and nurturing his family. He instilled in us, his three children, the importance of hard work, perseverance, and the everlasting bond of family. Through his actions and words, he showed us what it truly means to be resilient, caring, and compassionate individuals.

Dad is survived by our mother, May and three children – Eric (Jenni), Pandora, Samuel, and eight grandchildren. Their marriage was an extraordinary 61 year love story. Dad adored our mother and doted on her. She was his TRUE LOVE, and up to his untimely death, they would still hold hands wherever they went.

As we mourn the loss, we find solace in knowing that he is now at peace and resting. Free from the pain and ailments that was impacting him in his last weeks. We take comfort in the belief that he’ll forever be watching over us, guiding us from above, and has now reunited with our loved ones who left before him. Though deeply saddened by his absence, we are immensely grateful for the time we had with Dad and will forever be thankful that we were blessed to have the Greatest Father.

A Celebration of Dad’s Life will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Saturday, December 9, 2023, 10:00 a.m.