It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Ian K Choi. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife and daughter, his sister, his brother, his relatives and friends.

Ian’s exuberant laugh, generous heart, deep kindness, and boundless zest for life brought warmth to everyone who knew him.

Born in Seoul Korea in 1946, he spent his early childhood years living through war and its aftermath. In 1966, Ian and his family came to Canada with nothing. A dedicated and hard-working young man, Ian thrived, with his family, and with perseverance in learning and growing each and every step of the way.

A graduate of the University of Toronto in Mechanical Engineering, Ian built a robust and dedicated professional life. With his entrepreneurial spirit, he brought immense dedication, faith, and vision to all his ventures, including the family-run restaurant business in downtown Toronto and throughout the GTA. He lived with great vibrancy — a passionate, trophy-winning table tennis player, a devoted and enthusiastic family man, a professional engineer and a spirited entrepreneur.

His devotion to his wife Sandra, daughter Charlene, and his family, along with his pioneering spirit and hard-working dedication were at the very core of his life. Wherever he went, Ian carried kindness, constancy, and joy with him — whether sharing laughter with his “50 Year Club” friends or welcoming new friends along life’s journey, Ian looked out for others, recognizing and celebrating their strengths and best qualities.

A natural mentor and loyal friend through his younger days to his elder days, Ian found joy in subtly bringing people together — friends, family, and community alike — over shared meals, laughter, and conversation. He also loved travelling, playing golf, and reading. In his younger years, he was an active athlete. Later in life he enjoyed the peaceful moments spent outdoors: working in the backyard, playing soccer with his grandson, walking through the park. Always in pursuit of new skills and knowledge, Ian continued to dream up new business ideas and new ways to build and grow together.

Ian will be forever in our hearts. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his devoted wife Sandra, his loving daughter Charlene (Luke), and his adoring grandson Auden, He is also survived by his sister Irene (Bob) and his brother Alan (Tina). He is the proud uncle of Robert (Agnes), Kris, Janet (Harry), Monica (Thai), Edward (Justeen), Jamie, Shannon (Sheridan), Trevor (Jessica), and grand uncle of Kristian and Aksel.

He is preceded in death by his parents Donald Dong Ho Choi and Soon Hee Choi, and his older brother Stephen (Julie).

Visitation, Service, and Interment will be held on Wednesday, November 12, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at York Cemetery and Funeral Centre (160 Beecroft Road, Toronto).

Thank you for sharing in the celebration of Ian’s remarkable life.