Mr. Thian Fook Liaw

Thian Fook Liaw was born in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia on July 19, 1929 to Kui Liaw, a bricklayer and rubber tapper, and See Kiew Liaw (nee Ngui). In the mid 1930s, Thian Fook, along with his parents and siblings briefly moved to southern China. They lost much of their wealth returning to the safety of Malaysia, as the Japanese began their invasion of China through Manchuria. By the third grade, his family had run out of money for school and Thian Fook joined his father as a rubber tapper. While working as a rubber tapper, he apprenticed in various trades like plumbing and tailoring. At 20, he moved to Seria, Brunei to work as a lorry (truck) driver. Through this work and his apprenticeship experience, he earned enough money to start his own tailor shop specializing in suits. In 1962, he left his young family behind to start another tailor shop in Bandar Seri Begawan. In 1967, his family joined him in the capital. In 1977, the shop burned down and Thian Fook was forced to start anew. In the ashes of his shop arose a construction and real estate company, which he ran successfully until 1983 when he made the decision to move the family to Vancouver, Canada. He quickly adapted to the new climate and culture of Canada, teaching himself English and becoming a citizen. He also restarted his construction company in Vancouver, building several houses. After retiring in the 1990s, he spent the remainder of his years caring for his grandchildren and enjoying life.

Thian Fook was the living definition of a self-made man. Armed with only an incomplete primary education and his inherent intellect, diligence, and strength, he successfully started and ran his own businesses for decades on both sides of the Pacific. He quickly figured out how to navigate life in a new country, teaching himself English and immersing himself in the community. He kept up with current events and had an encyclopedic knowledge of public transit routes, which he retained long after he stopped taking the bus. Thian Fook was also generous with his money and time. Whether it was helping relatives with renovation projects or donating money to local hospitals, he was never reluctant to give. Above all else, Thian Fook lived life to the fullest. Every holiday and birthday was celebrated with a bountiful meal, shared with his loved ones. He enjoyed singing karaoke, tending to the flowers in the garden, and stopping for chats with neighbours on his walks. He traveled extensively with family and friends, returning to Brunei and Malaysia, as well as China several times. His trips also included several visits to Alberta, a tour of Europe (England, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy), and several journeys to the United States (Oregon and Las Vegas, Nevada). Of course, he also spent much of his retired years doting on his grandchildren. The love he had for his wife, children, and grandchildren was bottomless and it is seen and felt and weaved throughout the story of his life.

Thian Fook will be lovingly remembered by his wife of nearly 65 years, Yit Kiew, his devoted children, James Khin Liong (Lillian), Ricky Khin Law (Diane), David Khin Lin (Jessie), Khing Sang and Yvonne Yun Chin (Allen), and his six grandchildren: Chris and Nicholas (James and Lillian), Alex and Michelle (Ricky and Diane), and Brendan and Isabel (David and Jessie). He will also be remembered by his brother, sister, and numerous nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by two of his brothers. We cherish the numerous memories, trips, delicious meals, laughs and love we had the joy of sharing with him in his long and fruitful life.

A Funeral Service in memory of Thian Fook will be held on Thursday, September 9 at 10:00 am at Forest Lawn Chapel, 3789 Royal Oak Ave, Burnaby, BC. The interment will follow in the adjoining cemetery. There will also be a viewing on Wednesday, September 8 from 4:30 – 6:30 pm at the Forest Lawn Chapel for those who wish to attend.

Family and friends are invited to a lunch reception at Joyful Seafood Restaurant, #150 – 5665 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC at 12:30 pm, following the service.

A life so well-lived ought to be remembered well. We hope you will join us in celebrating the life of Thian Fook Liaw

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestlawn-burnaby.com for the Liaw family.