Ernest is survived by his four children, Mavis (Peter), Albert (Ida), Myra (Kevin), and Alan (Dawn); younger brother-in-law, Richard (Chiyoko) and families in Boston; six grandchildren, Adelina (Trevor), Jonathan, Stephanie, Natalie, Lisa and Brendan; and great-granddaughter, Gemma.
Ernest was born on March 4, 1927 in Calcutta, India to Tham Wing Wah and Yu Mei Yuk.
Ernest spent his early career starting December 1950 as a fourth class marine engineer on a ship, which began his world travels. His career blossomed over thirteen years and on different ships as third and second engineer before becoming a Chief Engineer in June 1963 until December 1974. During his 24 years as a marine engineer he circumnavigated the world many times over and always had many interesting experiences which he enjoyed sharing. During this period, he was an adventurer exploring the world and had a keen interest in photography.
He married his late wife, Yin Tong on December 14, 1956 and on December 29, 1974, he and the entire Tam family moved from Hong Kong to Richmond, British Columbia, where he worked as a mechanical engineer with a few different companies and where they lived happily ever since. He chose a quieter life in Richmond, spending time with family and helping neighbors and friends. In addition, he often supported new families to Canada. He did this by sharing his wisdom and knowledge, helping them settle by introducing the new families to the social system and even assist them in obtaining new employment in Canada.
Ernest worked hard to take care of his family and was a loving and caring son, brother, friend, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and recently a great-grandfather. His kind, generous, and helpful efforts were greatly appreciated by everyone around him in Richmond; and his extended families in the Boston and San Francisco area.
Due to health order requirements, the visitation and funeral at Oceanview Funeral Burial Park is restricted to a limited number of registered guests.
All are welcome to attend virtually and celebrate Ernest’s life.
Please contact the family at [email protected] for details and sign in information.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Ernest Tam to the Red Cross at (https://www.redcross.ca), Richmond Hospital Foundation (https://www.richmondhospitalfoundation.com) or Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation (https://rchfoundation.com).
The family would like to thank the staff at Royal City Manor for their effort and care.
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