In memory of

周煥榮 Foon Wing Joe

January 27, 1933 -  May 9, 2020

It is with heavy hearts and deep sorrow that we say good-bye to our Ba Ba, Foon Wing Joe. Sadly he passed on May 9th, 2020 at Sunnybrook Hospital, Toronto at the age of 87. Despite the on-going pandemic lockdowns, his children were allowed to be with him at the end of his life on earth.

Our Ba Ba was born in 1933 in Canton, China. He married our Ma Ma, Choy Wan (deceased 2014) in Hong Kong, the fall of 1950. Together they raised 4 children in Kirkland Lake, Ontario. He is survived by Linda Sui-Ling (Jim), Mabel Oy-Ling (Hayward), Carol Poi-Ling (Ed) and his son, Kim Gim Hong (Winnie). He was the proud Goan Goan / Yeh Yeh to 11 grandchildren: Caitlin, Amanda (Ben), Chad (Ally), Gillian, Brett, Emma, Tate, Erin, Elyse, Elijah, and Janzen.

Dad is also survived by his older sister, Mrs. Seto of Bowmanville and her family, as well as by our aunt "Kilwho", and his devoted niece, Winnie So-Hing Wong Morin and her family.

Dad arrived in Canada shortly after his marriage, in 1951. He spent some time in Texas, Nova Scotia, Barrie (ON), and Toronto before becoming a partner in a Chinese restaurant (Paris Lunch) in Kirkland Lake. Our Mom and Linda, joined him in 1959 in Toronto. He was a successful business man and provider for his growing family. Eventually, in 1981 they followed Linda to Toronto, and bought their home on Leyton Ave, Scarborough. There were many happy celebrations in that house.

Our father was a gifted gardener - always so thrilled to show us how well his winter and bitter melons were doing. He had a passion for the Toronto Blue Jays and the Raptors. He loved to travel and we have fond memories of Caribbean family vacations, a trip to Disney World (Florida) and California. He fulfilled a bucket list to take a cruise a few years ago. His Hawaii trip, 5 years ago was a highlight. He forgot his watch at home so we took him to Wal-Mart and he picked out a US 20.00 gold colour watch. He was beyond happy - he felt like a rich man.

Goan Goan / Yeh Yeh was rich in many ways. He found a soul mate in our mother. He raised devoted children and most importantly, his grandchildren were a source of pride and joy. He loved and adored them all.

Our Dad was also a scratch and win enthusiast. His enjoyment was well known. When Dad passed, many of Chad's friends purchased scratch and win tickets in Dad's honor. Our Dad, a mini celebrity!

We would be remiss if we didn't mention that our sister Mabel was Dad's main caregiver and confidant the last 6 years. Mabel took care of all of Dads medical appointments and took him grocery shopping. Thank You Mabel.

Ba Ba taught us to work hard, to be kind, gentle and to be thankful for life's wonderful moments. We will miss your mischievous grin and your gentle ways. We will miss your memories of your life before us and especially your stories about us and your grand babies. Ba Ba, we know Ma Ma has been waiting a long time for you. We can imagine you and Ma Ma enjoying a meal of fish or lobster heads and getting a table of Mahjong going.

Ba Ba, until we meet you and Ma Ma again, we will take care of each other.

Guestbook 

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Diane Morin (Daughter of Wing’s niece Winnie Morin)

Entered May 15, 2020 from North Bay, Ontario

My deepest condolences to the family. Wing Goan Goan was a really great man, and our families shared many great memories growing up. He was like a grandfather to us, and was always welcoming when we came to visit. We will miss him and his contagious giggle. Sending lots of love to the family during this difficult time.

Winnie Wong-Morin (neice)

Entered May 15, 2020 from Barrie

Mr. Wing Joe was my uncle, my best friend, and most of all, he was like a father to me.
My fond memories of my uncle went way back to my childhood. In my grade 3 final exam, I came first in my class. My uncle and aunt sent me $10 Cad to buy a watch as a reward for my achievement. That was my only watch and I worn it every day until I left Hong Kong. In 1970, sponsored by my uncle, I came to Canada as a student. During the three years I attended college, he supported me as one of his children.
On my wedding day, my uncle walked me down the aisle. He was more nervous than I was. His arm was shaking. He prepared the most delicious dinner for about 100 guests at his restaurant and brought over to the Legion where the reception was. Our guests would never forget the Birds Nest Soup they had that night.
4 years ago my mother had an open heart surgery. For 6 months, I was back and forth from Barrie to Toronto, staying with my uncle. He drove me to the subway station in the morning, and picked me up from the subway station in the evening. He already had supper prepared waiting for me. After supper, we watched the Blue Jays games together. He was a big Blue Jays fan. Of course I will remember our fun trip to Hawaii 5 years ago.
My uncle never took life for granted. 8 months ago, he was very ill and was hospitalized for 2 weeks. In celebrating his recovery, he treated 18 of us to a 10 course delicious banquet.
This kind man had earned his wings, joined all the angels in Heaven, and united with his beloved wife. He left behind a wonderful legacy… 4 loving children and 11 grandchildren.
Uncle Wing, thank you for giving me an opportunity to have a better life in Canada. I love you, I miss you and you will forever live in my heart.

Forever your loving neice Winnie (So Hing)

Edward Ross (Friend of Winnie Morin, nièce of Mr. Joe)

Entered May 15, 2020 from Larder Lake, Ontario

My condolences to Mr. Joe’s family, especially to Winnie Morin his niece. I recall Mr. Joe from his time at The Paris Lunch in Kirkland Lake.

Bill Warren (Friend)

Entered May 15, 2020 from Roseneath

I am so sorry for your loss buddy 😥, your Dad sounds like an amazing person. Seems like you didn't fall to far from the tree! Two amazing Dads 😊

Ken Louie (Friend)

Entered May 15, 2020 from Lindsay, Ontario

Spent many mealtimes with the Joes back in the day. Wayne (Wing) taught me a lot about cooking when I worked with him in the kitchen at the Paris Lunch.
Sincerest condolences to the entire family on the passing of a special man. RIP Mr Joe....

Life Stories 

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Linda (Daughter)

Entered May 26, 2020 from Oakville

Story from Jo-Ann Barty:
We were your father's neighbour for years till we moved to Saskatoon. When he was in Toronto we would water his garden and how we were rewarded on his return...we ate for days from the dishes he would cook for us.....such a sweet and caring man....so sorry for your families loss...xxoo

Linda (Daughter)

Entered May 27, 2020 from Oakville

Toronto Subway Memory
Dad was fond of telling us the story about the opening of the Toronto subway station in 1954. That day the rides were free and he remembers riding the subway up and down Yonge Street for hours. Back in 1954 there were only 12 subway stations. It started at Union Station and ended at Eglington Ave. Dad and his friends were young and carefree and just enjoying life.

Linda (Daughter)

Entered May 27, 2020 from Oakville

Diamond Ring
Our parents were married in 1950 and were together for almost 64 years until our mom's passing in 2014. I recall that a diamond ring was ordered from Hong Kong many years after their marriage when they could afford it. The ring was custom made by our grandmother's goldsmith nephew. This ring is a reminder of a very happy union. We are very pleased that Chad has proposed to Ally with this lucky ring (2020). Given the longevity of our parents marriage, Chad and Ally's future together will also be a success. Goan Goan and Poh Poh will be at Chad and Ally's wedding in spirit and will be raising a glass of scotch to Chad and Ally's happiness on that special day!

Linda Joe (Daughter)

Entered May 30, 2020 from Oakville

Our cousin Jane, this year (2020) did an extensive search for Dad's half siblings. Given the newness of our new found relatives, Dad didn't get the opportunity to meet Betty and Blair in person. However, Dad was able to FaceTime with Betty at his sister, our 4th aunt's (Jane's moms) 95th birthday party earlier this year.

Linda Joe (Daughter)

Entered May 30, 2020 from Oakville

Story from Jean-Paul Legault: My Dad told me that when he walked the beat in the winter, he would always duck into the Paris to warm up and visited the kitchen. They appreciated a policeman dropping in and fed him well. He said they had the best food in town.

Photos 

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