at 74 years of age. Predeceased by his mother, Sui-Lau Chang, and his father, Wing-Yan Mak,
Chi-Sum will be lovingly remembered by his wife Sin-Yee of 48 years and his children, Anton
(Luisa), Susanne (Jean-François), and Vincent (Elizabeth). His grandchildren Benjamin,
Gabriela, Isabela, Aurélie, and Julien will miss their beloved Yeh-Yeh/Gung-Gung. He also leaves
to mourn his siblings Pui-Ling (Kam-Wai Wong, deceased), Sik-Nung (Wui-Gong Chin), Edward
(Lily), George, and Charlie (Cindy), as well as numerous uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews, nieces
and friends.
Chi-Sum was born in Guangdong, China in 1945. In 1965, he immigrated to Montreal to join his
mother and siblings. In his early years in Canada, he worked in various restaurant establishments
and apprenticed to eventually become a cook. Chi-Sum then continued to work as a cook for
nearly 26 years, spending the majority of his years at Yangtze Restaurant, a beloved Montreal
institution. His dedication to such hard work and demanding hours defined the family life of those
early years, but amongst his family and those who knew him best, he was a driven and intensely
focused “self-made man”, acquiring extensive knowledge on many topics, including financial
investments and home renovations. Over time, his judicious and savvy investment sense led him
to purchase residential properties which he renovated in preparation for rental. His
entrepreneurial drive allowed him to retire from his restaurant job at the age of 45. This career
change redefined family life, allowing him to be more present throughout his children’s
adolescent years. As the years passed, and the children eventually moved into their own homes,
family visits to his children’s home were often intertwined with repairs of locks, dripping faucets,
and installation of light fixtures.
His daily life was characterized by his devotion to his wife and family life. He was happiest
cooking side by side with Sin-Yee, creating elaborate dinners during family gatherings and
holidays. He was a simple and humble man who enjoyed small pleasures, such as his daily walk
through Outremont or his morning coffee with the daily Gazette. He was committed to helping
his extended family. He sponsored many family members for immigration to Canada and helped
them to integrate and establish strong roots in Quebec and Canadian society. His greatest pride
was in his children’s and grandchildren’s achievements.
While he was a man of few, and carefully chosen words, we understood him through his
contagious smile, his warmth and his acts of generosity and kindness. He gave advice sparingly,
but it was always brief, well-reflected, and to the point. We will all do our very best to continue
to honour your deep-seated respect for honest, hard work and the importance of family. Dad, we
love you very much and we will always remember you.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 9th, 2020 from 1:00pm – 9:00pm at Centre funéraire
Côte-des-Neiges 4525 Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, Montreal, Qc H3V 1E7. A private burial
with immediate family will be held on Wednesday, June 10th, 2020. In lieu of flowers, kindly
consider a donation to the Cardiology Department at the Jewish General Hospital Foundation.
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