It is with immense sorrow but an honor to remember Uncle Gabe on his rightly 71st birthday.

Uncle Gabe's sudden passing has sent a shock wave to the entire LAU family and friends, especially it seems it was only yesterday that we were in Vancouver, working long hours for my father's funeral arrangements and post matters. Uncle Gabe was my most-respected and favorite Uncle. There was so much to learn from him. He was a generous, wise, considerate, caring, trustworthy, and plan-way-far-ahead Uncle. He was also a strict disciplinarian (when we were young) but with a kind heart and good intention: He expected us to do well in life and have good manners.  He taught my brothers and me the classic card game of "Bridge" at a very young age. Winning was his passion, but he never cheated on little kids like us because he was such an honest, devoted Catholic. 

His accomplishments during his life time were endless. The ones closed to my heart were he cared so much about his brothers/sisters that he helped them immigrate to Canada, and took them under his wings in Winnipeg. He was generous: whenever he came to Ottawa for a visit, he never failed to bring me a gift, and insisted on paying for all the meals. He had a very strong, admirable work ethic, was very focus, hardworking and organized. These outstanding qualities enabled him to have a long successful career with the government, as well as completed a haunting, but very important job of publishing my father's life story within a short period of time.

The fondest memory of all was right after my graduation, I came to Ontario to look for a job. It was a depressing time with numerous rejections. Uncle Gabe came for a visit and asked me what I was up to. Reluctantly, I showed him a crude video game that I was developing using a new Commodore 64 (now no doubt is as ancient as Smithsonian). He surprised me by showing his genuine interest and letting out hearty laughs while watching the skiers roll down the slope, bump into trees and hit the water. Little did he know that his subtle don't-give-up encouragement inspired me to continue with my job searching, and eventually landed a dream job that expanded over 30 years. At that same moment, he taught me an important life-long lesson: a little kindness goes a long way. 

I remember someone once said, "Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow. May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow."  Returning home from Uncle Gabe's funeral proved to be a challenging time for me, but it did bring some consolation by taking out all the gifts he gave me over the years to reminisce about the good old times.  

Uncle Gabe was a very devoted family man. He and my aunt had been married for 39 years. He was very proud of his children's great accomplishments, but he was never the one to brag. Nonetheless, it often showed up between lines in his frequent emails: "Joseph (an IT expert) is recommending this stock. What do you think?” It was his way of saying, "This stock will go up, go for it!' or "It was a very tough court case, but Cindy (a lawyer) nailed it.", or "Deb made an excellent choice of following her Mother's footstep of becoming a nurse", “Ah, here's the video of Steven warning Tristan (grandchildren) to keep away from the stairs.”…

Uncle Gabe made a whole world of difference to many people's lives by leaving them a generous legacy. Those who had benefited greatly from his kindness and generosity will no doubt be forever grateful, and I am already on top of that long ‘forever-grateful' list.

Uncle Gabe, Happy Birthday!

I miss you so very much, Angela

Dear Gabe,

You left us so quickly that I still believe that you are with us!  Tuesday before your passing, we were still having coffee together at McDonald as we used to do every Tuesday morning.

Dear Gabe, you were too young to leave this world; you were only 70.  You still had many plans for the future.  Lately, you told me excitedly that you will be moving in the new house you were planning to build. 

Gabe, you had traveled extensively; I still have all the pictures of the places you had seen with Lin.  

I just cannot forget you as we had been fast friends for over 30 years.  Your memory will stay with me for ever.

It was the shocking news, that brought tears to my eyes.On that dreadful day, God decided it was your time, your time to go, so He took your life away. RIP dear uncle.
Thank you my dear uncle for all you have done for us.

May GOD's grace and blessings comfort you and your family during this very difficult time. Rest in peace Uncle Lau.

Dear Lin, Deb (and family),

I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband and father.  Please know that you are in my thoughts during this most difficult time.

Grace Gillis

Dear Lin 
I was so sorry to hear about the loss of your husband. Mary shsred the news and I was shocked and saddened to hear about his death.It will be a difficult time for you Lin and I am so sorry that this is happening to you.

Dear Amy and family,
We are very sorry to hear of your great loss.  I was fortunate to start my immigration career at WIA with Gabe as manager.  He was a great mentor and kind, caring person.  Thinking  of you at this very sad and difficult time.  Joan Pullen and Ray Wiebe

I am so sorry for your loss. Sending our heartfelt condolences from our family to yours. 

Bluma and Dale

I would like to convey my deepest condolence to the Lau family as well as Deb/Danny on the sudden passing of Gabriel. From the first time we met during the wedding of Deb and Danny we just seemed to hit it off.  I enjoyed the times we met again during the visits they made to Ottawa. We had a chance to have a great talk again during their last visit to Ottawa in October 2012.  He was a special man and I will definitely miss him. I have attached a copy of the group picture taken during their visit to Ottawa in October 2012.

I have lost a great colleague and friend.
Gary Komar

I was shocked and saddened to hear of Gabe's all too early passing. I worked with Gabe for many years and was always impressed by his fairness, integrity, humility, and dedication to duty. He was a kind and carin man whom I was blessed to have worked with. Please accept my sincerest condolences on your terrible loss. Although regrettably I won't be able to attend the funeral service, I will remember him in my thoughts and prayers.

I am very sorry for your loss. Gabe was my manager at the airport when I started with Immigration, and what a great start he provided. He was an amazing mentor and a wealth of knowledge. From our morning coffee breaks which were quiz and training sessions, to the group crossword puzzles, jokes and stories of the Gobi desert, I have wonderful memories of those times. In sympathy,

Gabe will be missed greatly. I had the pleasure of working with him  at Canada Immigration Centre, Winnipeg. I found him to be a GREAT MENTOR.

My deepest condolences to the family of my old assistant manager and good friend Gabe Lau.  He was a very special person and someone I was honored to work with.  Rest in piece Gabe.  

Michael & Lourdes Scott

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

Dearest: Great Auntie Lin, Cousins Deb, Cindy and Jospeh...

I love you all, you are the sweetest family I have ever had the pleasure of knowing AND calling family so thank you.  Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time, and though Rey & I are not able to be there during these difficult days and weeks, please know that we are there in spirit with you every moment of the way.

I also wanted to say, that although your Hubby and Father is no longer with us, EVERYONE of us in the family and all your fortunate friends and coworkers will always be able to enjoy his presence and spirit, as his love and ways are mirrored through your beautiful selves as he lives on within you.

We love and miss you, and hope to give you big hugs in the near future...keep a smile in your heart and allow the tears to flow anytime.  Though he is no longer here in body, he is IN EVERY OTHER WAY ALIVE AND THRIVING all around us, I hope this brings a tad of comfort during these days and weeks.

Warmest regards and love;

In Loving Memory Honouring our Dearest Uncle and Great-Uncle Gabriel,

We've lost a very dear, caring and kindhearted Uncle and Great-Uncle... There are no words to express our deepest sadness. We not only admired our Uncle and Great-Uncle as a man of many talents and wonderful MJ team spirit, we also thank him for being the 'Sunny Character' in our lives. Uncle's and Great-Uncle's great sense of humour, funny jokes, i.e., "The Toothpick" and stories brought us endless joy and laughter. 

Though we all didn't get the chance to say goodbye and feel like it was too soon for you to part, we know in our hearts you are smiling down upon us comforting our souls with fond memories of you and reminding us to celebrate your spirit and allow ourselves to be reminded of the importance of being united as a family.

Thank you Uncle and Great-Uncle Gabriel for all the love that you have showered upon us. The genuine care and concern you've shown us over the years meant a lot to us...we are forever grateful for your love and compassion.  

You are forever missed and loved... Together with us in hearts...forever with us in fond memory...Rest in peace with your three beloved brothers.

It will be the little things that you will remember, the quiet moments, the smiles, the laughter and the knowledge of his wisdom. And although it may seem hard right now, it will be those memories that will help to push the pain away and bring back the smiles.
I always felt relief in knowing that Dan had such a wonderful family around him while he was so far away from his own.  The respect and love that was felt for Gabe could be felt by everyone and I understand how much he will be missed.  I wish I could put my arms around you and somehow ease your pain.
Such a tragic loss of an amazing  man.  He will be missed, my heartfelt condolences to Lin, Deborah, Cindy and Joseph....Myra

Dear Lin, Deborah, Cindy and Joseph: I am sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Gabe. My thoughts and prayers are with you .

Donna Duncan

Please accept my deepest sympathy of the passing of Mr. Gabe Lau - He was a great colleague and mentor. Mr. Lau was a great role model and someone I always looked up to. One of a kind. Thank you for your wisdom.

Xenia

Dear Lin, Deborah, Cindy and Joseph.  Not  only did we like and respect Gabe, both Elizabeth and myself considered him a very good friend.  I will miss our get togethers especially our ride to and from the airport where we could really talk and the get togethers at the Cassino's and friendly arguements over the payment of the lunch/supper bills.  He was a great father, grandfather and provider and dependible friend.  There will be something missing on our  visits to Winnipeg.  Again Gabe, thanks for all those memories over the past 7 years.  Love always Elizabeth and Peter

Dear Lin, Deb, Cindy and Joseph:
I am so terribly sorry to hear of the sudden passing of Gabriel.  He was such a generous soul who never failed to make me feel welcome during my visits to Winnipeg.  I sincerely wish I could do something to somehow lessen the pain you must be feeling in your hearts. My thoughts will be with you and your family during your time of grief.

Dear Amy, Deborah, Cindy and Joseph: We are so saddened to hear of Gabe's sudden passing.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.  Rob and Sandy Cullum

Mr Lau, as I've called him these past 8 years, was as great a father in law as one could ever hope to have. I will always appreciate how he welcomed me into his family right from the start. He always provided me wisdom in times of doubt and offered a helping hand in times of need. Some of my best memories of him involve overalls and shovels. For a man in his 60s he sure put his all into landscaping!  I am eternally grateful to him for raising my loving wife, Deborah and being a wonderful grandfather to our two boys, Tristan and Steven. He did an amazing job in his second career as early childcare provider while we searched for those elusive daycare spots. He was a great man and I will miss him so very much.   

I love you Baba,

Dan

It is sad to see our uncle Gabe passed away suddenly.

He was a very passionate, generous and humble man.
Whenever you needed a helping hand, he was always there, ready, with a smile.

Uncle Gabe sponsored my family and I when I was young, to start a new life in Canada.  I am and will be forever greatful for what he has done for my family and I.

He is, and will be, respected by all his family and friends forever.

To my Aunt, Deborah, Cindy and Joseph, our deepest condolences, our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this time.

Simon, Winnie, Michelle, Grace and Victor

Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one.
Dave and Liz

Dear Amy and family: It's so shock and sad to learn the passing of uncle Gabriel.  His generosity and kindness will always be remembered.  May our dear lord give you comfort in this difficult time and his blessings be upon your family.   
Samson, Jacqueline, Theodore and Jonhansel

Dear Lin, Deborah, Cindy and Joseph:

Please accept my heartfelt condolence for the sudden loss of my friend and classmate.

Gabriel will always be remembered in my prayers.

Sincerely,
Kar Wing

Gabriel Ping Yuen was my classmate in Wah Yan (class of 1961). I met him again in Montreal in 1967 when he accepted an opening with the Canadian Immigration Department. He hosted a dinner for me when I arrived Winnipeg in 1979. We were in Hong Kong for our class reunion in 2011 (50th anniversary). He will be missed by all his friends.
My condolences to Lin, Deborah, Cindy and Joseph.
Patrick Chun-Chiu Choy

Apr 20, 2013

Dear Lin, Deborah, Cindy and Joseph:

Very sorry to learn that my dear friend and WYK classmate Gabe passed away so suddenly.

Please accept my deepest condolences.

Sincerely,

Hin-Shing (F5B classmate, 60-61)

In loving memory of the greatest UNCLE and a wonderful person.  You will always live in our hearts and prayers.  

Luke & Mory

Dear Aunt, Deborah, Cindy and Joseph,

Please accept our deepest sympathies of the passing of dear Uncle Gabe.  

Sincerely,

Ron, Eloisa
Melanie, Thomas, Natalie
Kelvin, Adaire

OBITUARY

Mr. Gabriel Ping Yuen Lau

17 July, 1942 – 16 April, 2013

Thomson In The Park Funeral Home and Cemetery

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