Michael Tam

Michael was born August 1, 1962 in Hong Kong and immigrated to Canada with his parents on April 10, 1965. With English as his second language Michael’s early years in school were difficult. However, with dedication and many hours of hard work he eventually overcame the challenges and was even awarded academic honors in school. He graduated from Central Memorial high school in 1981 and was awarded a B.Sc. at the University of Calgary majoring in: geology, geophysics and physical geography. After graduating from university, Michael was employed by different companies as a geologist which included: Amoco, Exxon Mobile, Shell, and Husky. Family was important to him: Michael was a good and obedient son who did many tasks for his parents and often looked out for his younger brother as a child.

Michael was an avid athlete and loved to work out. He was a member of the track team, as well as the chess and library club in school. Also he was fascinated by history, especially the battles of World War II and the Mongol empire. He loved the arts: poetry, painting and drawing. A sample of his work is displayed at his last residence. Beyond just academics and sports, Michael worked hard to improve himself with things such as memory courses and following his spiritual beliefs. In his later years he became a Christian.

At the memorial service held in Michael’s last place of residence there were many kind words spoken of him. Some mentioned his great sense of humor and his ability to strategically use puns and one-liners to lighten up the mood and to lift everyone’s spirits Other’s mentioned his love of the arts, the original Star Trek series and above all his fiancée Bev. The one common theme in many of the comments were about his kind and gentle nature. Perhaps the one comment that best summarized Michael was from one of the people who knew him the longest: “If he could, he would help the whole world (the most wonderful guy).”

Michaels beloved pet was a cat named ‘Tigger’ to whom he referred to as “Tigger-girl” or “his baby”. Even though the veterinarian had a grim prognosis for Tigger when she fell ill Michael refused to give up on her. When Michael’s brother was going through his things in order to prepare for the memorial, he found a card from the doctor applauding Michael for how long Tigger managed to live and how happy and healthy she appeared to be during that time.

Michael leaves behind his parents Tommy & Susie, and a younger brother James.

His other family who knew him in Calgary include: uncles Dennis (Ting Fong) So and Ting Sun So; aunt Sadie (Sau Sik) So; cousins Alex and Lawrence So. Michael’s family from outside of Calgary include: aunt Yuk Lan Ho Tan; cousins Tammy Wu, Ramon Tam, Alice Tam, Annie Ip, Larry Tan, Howard Tan, and Judy Tan.

Michael was predeceased by his grandmothers Chi Chui Chan Tam and Kam So; uncles Tony Bark Koon Tam, Pei Chuen Tan; aunt Sandy Tam; cousins Henry Tam and Angel Tam.

A Funeral Service will be held at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery), on Sunday, May 12, 2019 at 2:00 PM. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family, via the website: www.fostersgardenchapel.ca

The following are the lyrics of a song from the movie “Billy Jack”. Both the song and the movie were among Michael`s favorites.

One Tin Soldier composed by The Original Caste

Listen people to a story

That was written long ago,

'bout a kingdom on a mountain

And the valley folks below.

On the mountain was a treasure

Hidden deep beneath a stone,

And the valley people swore

They'd have it for their very own.

Go ahead and hate your neighbor,

Go ahead and cheat a friend.

Do it in the name of heaven,

You can justify it in the end.

There won't be any trumpets blowing,

Come the judgment day,

On the bloody morning after

One tin soldier rides away.

So the people of the valley

Sent a message up the hill,

Asking for the buried treasure

Tons of gold for which they'd kill.

Came the answer from the kingdom,

With our brothers we will share,

All the riches of the mountain,

All the treasure buried there.

Now the valley cried with anger,

Mount your horses, draw your swords

And they killed the mountain people,

So they won their just rewards

Now they stood before the treasure

On the mountain dark and red

Turned the stone and looked beneath it

Peace on earth, was all it said.

Go ahead and hate your neighbor,

Go ahead and cheat and friend,

Do it in the name of heaven,

You can justify it in the end.

There won't be any trumpets blowing

Come the judgment day,

On the bloody morning after

One tin soldier rides away.

Michael Tam’s family would like to thank the staff and residents at the location where he lived for their kindness, compassion and friendship with Michael.