Sing Tak Fung

Sing Tak (Ling Fong) Fung, beloved father of six, was born in Yan Ping Village, Canton, China some 89 years ago. Following the Japanese invasion of China, he moved to Hong Kong. During the Chinese Cultural Revolution, he and his family emigrated from Hong Kong to join his father in Vancouver’s Chinatown in February, 1969. He saw snow for the first time from the plane when it landed in Vancouver. He spent the rest of his life in a city he loved.

In the ensuing years, he suffered the loss of two wives, Shiu Fong Shum in 1972 and Shuet Chun (Lisa) Wong in 2017. His passing now leaves a huge hole in the hearts of his children (Anna, Jenny, David, Hoily, Jimmy and Wayne), their partners Brent, Carol and Julie, his granddaughter Tanya, his sister Lilian, his stepson Canny, his step-grandsons Jackson and Mickey, and their families.

Sing Tak worked as a tailor in Hong Kong and was meticulous at his craft. He sewed his eldest daughter’s high school graduation dress. After immigrating to Vancouver with not a word of English, he found work as a prep cook in a restaurant where he mastered the art of making “to die for” scalloped potatoes. In order to provide for his family, he moonlighted as a tailor of men’s suits for which he was paid by the piece. Although strict and not demonstrative by nature, he was a kind and loving father. He taught his children math, responsibility, strength of character and love of hockey. After his wife’s sudden death in 1972, he single-handedly raised his six children while working at two jobs.

He remained a widower for 12 years until he met Lisa in 1984. She brought him much love, joy and companionship for some 30 years. Together, they travelled, ate and danced in exotic places. After retiring from his job as a prep cook, he and Lisa opened a small restaurant which specialized in good simple Chinese fare. They ran the restaurant on their own for several years with occasional help from his only granddaughter Tanya, whom they delighted in babysitting.

In retirement, they were active members of the Killarney Seniors’ Group. They indulged in frequent “dim sum” outings and excursions to casinos (he had a penchant for gambling and cigarettes), karaoke bars and coffee shops with friends. Until his recent hospitalization, he loved food. His favourite was barbecued duck with rice. He delighted in making amazing Chinese delicacies and soups as additions to the annual Fung Christmas dinner. Care aides at Lakeview Care Centre used to remark on his amazing appetite despite his slim build.

When Lisa suffered a stroke in 2014, he insisted on looking after her personally in their home even though he was 84 then. She died shortly before his 88th birthday. His long life was a testament to the importance of the three Fs – Family, Food and Friends. Always a humble man, he would be proud to know that he served as a model for what a spouse, parent and friend should be – loving, supportive and caring.

We miss you and hold you forever in our hearts.

A Funeral Service will be held at Glenhaven Memorial Chapel, 1835 East Hastings Street in Vancouver on Saturday, February 23rd at 1:00 pm. Cremation to follow. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GlenhavenMemorialChapel.com for the Fung family.