Kam Yee Wong

We are saddened to announce the passing of Kam Yee Wong, our beloved family matriarch. With her children by her side, our mother and grandmother passed from this life, peacefully, on Thursday April 30. Kam was 82 years of age.

Mom was born in Gow Yee Hong China, the only child of Kwei Yip Yu and Kwok Chun Yu. She arrived in Canada in 1962 and started a new adventure with our dad, Richard, in ‘Gam Saan’ which means Gold Mountain, the name British Columbia was known as to that generation of Chinese immigrants.

Kam worked hard, saved and sacrificed so that her children would have a better life. In her garden she grew beans, sugar peas and winter melon which she served to her family. Popo also took pride in her flower garden and was disappointed that none of her children inherited that particular gene.

Mom was frugal and loved a good bargain. One of her many ‘Kamisms’ was, “you should never pay full price for everyday items”. We will deeply miss her, our special meals, her made up holidays; an excuse to see us when none was needed, and her soup that took all day to make.

PoPo, instilled in us a gratefulness to be born Canadian, the land of opportunity, but to also honour our rich Chinese traditions and ancestors through ritual and devotion. Popo gave us all values and life lessons which were passed on through constant repetition, making sure we will never forget.

Kam is predeceased by her husband Richard and her parents. To mourn her loss, she leaves behind her four children Robert, Judy (David), Debbie, Amy (Arthur), two much loved grandsons Alexander and Matthew, adored bonus grandchildren Erin and Spencer and numerous ‘aunties’ and friends.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to one of her favourite charities BC Children’s Hospital or the Canadian Cancer Society.

A viewing will take place Sunday May 10 between 2-4 at Glenhaven Chapel, 1835 East Hastings St, Vancouver.

Funeral Service will be held on Monday May 11 at 10 am at Glenhaven Chapel, 1835 East Hastings St. Vancouver. Interment to follow at Ocean View Burial Park 4000 Imperial St. Burnaby.