Raymond Way Moon Eng

Raymond was born in China and immigrated to Canada with his mother and sister in 1950. He attended Strathcona Elementary School and Brittania High School. He met his soul mate, Nancy and they married in 1959. Their first daughter, Yvonne was born a year later, followed closely by Lorraine, Elaine, Victor, Laura and Bonnie.

Raymond started working in the family poultry shop in Chinatown with his father and uncle. His career in the public service at the Liquor Distribution Branch lasted 25 years until his retirement in 1995.

He is infamous for his marathon driving road trips across the USA and Canada with his family where they visited Disneyland, Yellowstone National Park, Mount Rushmore, Washington D.C., New York City, Montreal, Toronto and many stops inbetween.

Raymond liked to be the “first” to have new items. Hence, the 8-track sound system, IBM selectric typewriter, Cusinart pasta maker, Pong video game (thanks, Dad!), and the innovative Betamax.

Life truly began after retirement for Raymond and his wife, Nancy as they enjoyed a passion for travel that took them around the world to destinations such as China, Taiwan, Singapore, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, the Panama Canal, Belgium, Switzerland, France, Italy, Holland, Germany, England, Russia, and the Caribbean.

Gatherings at Queen Elizabeth Park with the Tai Chi group and coffee times with the gang at McDonald’s and the Oakridge Food Court were daily rituals where they enjoyed conversing with all their friends.

His other passions included photography, ballroom dancing, tending to his vegetable garden, growing exotic Chinese vegetables, cultivating his precious Chinese pear tree, spending time with and indulging his grandchildren.

Raymond loved his role of grandfather the most and he cherished the time spent with his grandchildren, Jacqueline and Nicholas driving them to various lessons and attending recitals. The grandkids especially enjoyed his singing and storytelling on these car rides. He was so devoted in his “unofficial” role as chauffeur that he offered to drive Jacqueline to and from UBC.

The saying “still waters run deep” certainly applies to Raymond. He will be remembered as a man of few words, and strong belief in his commitment and devotion to his family.

Our father taught us by example, to be humble, to be generous, to be graceful and that there is nothing more important in life than loyalty and family. His legacy will live forever through the lives of his children and grandchildren. Mom lost a loving husband, best friend, and her other half. We love you Dad, rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the BC Cancer Agency or VGH Palliative Care Unit.