Chuk, 91, of Brampton, passed away on October 10th, 15 days before his 92nd birthday, after a long and fulfilling life.
Chuk was predeceased by his youngest daughter Linda. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Yuet Yau, children, Yokeling (Stan), Florence (Jeff), Nathan (Alice), Peter and grandchildren Cameron, Steffani, Daniel, Noel, Reilly and Kate.
Chuk loved fishing and always tried to have the best lush green lawn in the neighbourhood. He also enjoyed being the best afterschool grandpa to his grandkids who lived close by.
Chuk was born on October 25th, 1932 in Guangzhou, China. He immigrated to Canada, solo, in 1950 where he joined his Uncle Jack at his Chinese restaurant, Wong’s, located on Main Street in Brampton.
This is where he learned the art of apple pie making. An apple pie recipe he kept closely guarded to himself. It was just something about that flaky crust that made it stand out. Every Fall, at the crack of dawn, with a bushel of carefully selected apples from the local apple orchard, he would bake up a dozen pies with the closely guarded recipe (stored in his head) and his pastry technique away from prying eyes.
Family and friends would come out of the woodwork to come by, collect and savour the pies. The annual pie baking wound down as he got older with inquiries from friends and family inquiring the when abouts on the next batch and most importantly if he would share the recipe. The sporadic request would bring a smile to his face and he remembers how it brought smiles to everyone’s faces when he was able to make them. Did he share the recipe? Maybe, maybe not. If so, his kids have been sworn to secrecy.
I’m sure he’s dusting off the pie plates and baking up a storm now. Every time we smell apple pie baking, we will think of you Dad.
Anyone who wishes to celebrate Chuk’s life are welcome to join the family on Saturday October 19, 9am at York Cemetery Funeral Centre, 160 Beecroft Avenue, Toronto, Ontario.