Stephen Hon Kit Law

Stephen lead an extraordinary life of 82 years. He forged a life that will have a lasting legacy for generations to come. Truly an immigrant's story of how he came to Canada and eventually settled in Port Alberni, BC for 54 years before relocating to Vancouver for the final few years of his life.

Stephen was born on March 10th, 1942 in Kainping, Guangdong, China. He is the eldest son of seven children (four brothers and three sisters) from father, Law Kum Ming, and mother, Hui Shau Ling. At a very young age, Stephen learned to take care of himself as it was customary for children in China to reside in the school and be autonomous.

Stephen's journey was courageous and exhilarating. Yet mindful, strategic and bound by duty to honour his family abroad, ensure survival and adaptation to his final destination in Canada. He made his way from mainland China to Hong Kong where he earned a diploma in civil engineering at Tak Ming College in 1966. A year later, he arrived to Vancouver's Chinatown. Humble beginnings and perseverance, he found community that helped him weave through the intricacies of living in the Canadian culture.

Curious in nature and adventurous, Stephen took the time to explore parts of British Columbia before settling permanently in Port Alberni in 1968, a small town notorious for industry in forestry and salmon and a hub for the arrival of many new immigrants during this era. Port Alberni, a Chinese community strong in spirit; it is here he began his tenured employment of 38 years within the softwood lumber industry and the very town he met the love of his life, Lisa. Together, they built a life filled with love and devotion to raising their four children.

Stephen's memory is honoured and kept alive by his loving wife Lisa, his children: Lilli, Alvin (Yen), Anna (John) and Simon (Alina)and his cherished grandchildren Liam, Kate, Alex and Everett.