In memory of
Kenny Chek Hong Foo
November 6, 1964 - January 21, 2026
Kenny Chek Hong Foo, 61, of Toronto, Chicago, Katy/Houston, Calgary, Winnipeg, Manchester, and Kuala Lumpur, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Born on November 6, 1964, in Kuala Lumpur, Kenny was the eldest of four brothers. Educated in England since his early teens, he met the love of his life, Chor-Yi Lam (aka Chor/Helen) in Reading, England, at the tender age of 19. It was love at first sight! Everyone knew Kenny had found his soulmate in Helen. From their modest first date at Wimpy’s burger chain, where Kenny “forgot his wallet”, their love affair took them across the pond, back to Helen’s hometown of Winnipeg. For those who may not know, Winnipeg’s well-deserved nickname is “Winter-Peg”, so there is no greater proof of his devotion to her than this willingness to follow her halfway around the world. His love for Helen was profound, unwavering, and absolute. Over the years, he came to realize the secret to a happy marriage was to utter the phrase he spoke most often: “Yes, babe. Whatever you want.” During their 42 years together, Kenny and Helen’s careers moved them to Calgary, Katy, and Chicago, before they eventually retired to Toronto in May 2025 to be closer to their cherished grandchildren and Helen’s family.
Kenny’s love for his sons, Jordan and Brennan, was obvious to all who knew him and he always strove to be a good role model for them. He loved soccer, and shared his passion with the boys, coaching their childhood teams and becoming a positive influence on many young men. He was gratified that, even as adults, his sons would discuss anything and everything with him. Jordan and his Dad would text every weekend about soccer news, exciting Manchester United goals (Glory, Glory, Man United!) or—more often than not—how painful it was to watch their team play. To Brennan, his Dad was his career consultant, financial co-conspirator ($GOOG), and his first call for life’s most pressing questions (like “Why is our sump pump making that noise?” and “How do I fill up my wiper fluid?”). The example Kenny set as a man and a father will forever be a guiding influence on his sons, and they will no doubt look to his example as they raise their own children.
To his beloved grandchildren, he was lovingly known as “Pops”. And to Pops, his grandchildren were his world. There was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with them.
To his in-laws, Kenny wasn’t just a “brother-in-law”—he was a brother from another mother! When Kenny first met Helen’s family, her youngest sibling was only 10 years old. He was a calm and steady force that quickly became a strong and dependable anchor for the Lam family. Whether a situation called for sage counsel or just support, he was always available, present, and invested. His caring manner also extended to his siblings and wider family around the globe.
Kenny was a sharp, rational thinker who approached his career with a consistently positive outlook. He parlayed his skills into a successful 35-year career in finance, energy, and credit. He spent the last 19 years at BP, where he worked with colleagues from many countries. His business successes were notable, but what really made him stand out was his ability to connect with others. He was grateful for the many lasting friendships he formed throughout his career. When he retired in December 2024 and in his twilight moments, his BP family and former colleagues sent tributes attesting to all the ways his kindness, generosity, supportive mentoring, and genuine caring for their welfare touched them. Kenny’s family is so thankful that they were able to read/show him the heart warming messages and videos in his final moments.
To all who knew him, Kenny was known for his optimism, pragmatism, and affinity for fleece jackets. Atypically robust for someone at retirement, he would walk the 35 minutes home from work (in Chicago’s often unforgiving weather); his sons were always impressed by his “Popeye” calves. It was perhaps this otherwise good health that allowed his lung cancer to go undetected until it had reached an advanced stage.
Kenny’s passing has left a huge void in the hearts of all who loved him. Even as his final moments drew near, his thoughts were of his family. He reassured them he had lived a good life and was at peace. He comforted his loved ones, telling them that “Everything will be ok,” and to “Just put one foot in front of the other” when coping with life without him. Ultimately, Kenny left this world on his own terms and with dignity. No words were left unsaid and his legacy lives on in his sons, grandchildren, and the many lives he touched.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Chor-Yi; sons, Jordan (Stefanie) and Brennan (Gloria); three grandchildren (the youngest born just days after Pops’ passing); brothers, Leslie (May) and Gary (James); siblings-in-law, Chor-Shan (Don), Ming (Lorraine), and Kar-Wei (Peter); ten nieces and nephews; and his mother Nelly. Kenny is predeceased by his father Jesse and brother Nigel.
A Celebration of Life will be held in May (date TBD). In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre or Sunnybrook Hospital (Odette Cancer Centre). Please see links to charities under the Donations tab.
Born on November 6, 1964, in Kuala Lumpur, Kenny was the eldest of four brothers. Educated in England since his early teens, he met the love of his life, Chor-Yi Lam (aka Chor/Helen) in Reading, England, at the tender age of 19. It was love at first sight! Everyone knew Kenny had found his soulmate in Helen. From their modest first date at Wimpy’s burger chain, where Kenny “forgot his wallet”, their love affair took them across the pond, back to Helen’s hometown of Winnipeg. For those who may not know, Winnipeg’s well-deserved nickname is “Winter-Peg”, so there is no greater proof of his devotion to her than this willingness to follow her halfway around the world. His love for Helen was profound, unwavering, and absolute. Over the years, he came to realize the secret to a happy marriage was to utter the phrase he spoke most often: “Yes, babe. Whatever you want.” During their 42 years together, Kenny and Helen’s careers moved them to Calgary, Katy, and Chicago, before they eventually retired to Toronto in May 2025 to be closer to their cherished grandchildren and Helen’s family.
Kenny’s love for his sons, Jordan and Brennan, was obvious to all who knew him and he always strove to be a good role model for them. He loved soccer, and shared his passion with the boys, coaching their childhood teams and becoming a positive influence on many young men. He was gratified that, even as adults, his sons would discuss anything and everything with him. Jordan and his Dad would text every weekend about soccer news, exciting Manchester United goals (Glory, Glory, Man United!) or—more often than not—how painful it was to watch their team play. To Brennan, his Dad was his career consultant, financial co-conspirator ($GOOG), and his first call for life’s most pressing questions (like “Why is our sump pump making that noise?” and “How do I fill up my wiper fluid?”). The example Kenny set as a man and a father will forever be a guiding influence on his sons, and they will no doubt look to his example as they raise their own children.
To his beloved grandchildren, he was lovingly known as “Pops”. And to Pops, his grandchildren were his world. There was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time with them.
To his in-laws, Kenny wasn’t just a “brother-in-law”—he was a brother from another mother! When Kenny first met Helen’s family, her youngest sibling was only 10 years old. He was a calm and steady force that quickly became a strong and dependable anchor for the Lam family. Whether a situation called for sage counsel or just support, he was always available, present, and invested. His caring manner also extended to his siblings and wider family around the globe.
Kenny was a sharp, rational thinker who approached his career with a consistently positive outlook. He parlayed his skills into a successful 35-year career in finance, energy, and credit. He spent the last 19 years at BP, where he worked with colleagues from many countries. His business successes were notable, but what really made him stand out was his ability to connect with others. He was grateful for the many lasting friendships he formed throughout his career. When he retired in December 2024 and in his twilight moments, his BP family and former colleagues sent tributes attesting to all the ways his kindness, generosity, supportive mentoring, and genuine caring for their welfare touched them. Kenny’s family is so thankful that they were able to read/show him the heart warming messages and videos in his final moments.
To all who knew him, Kenny was known for his optimism, pragmatism, and affinity for fleece jackets. Atypically robust for someone at retirement, he would walk the 35 minutes home from work (in Chicago’s often unforgiving weather); his sons were always impressed by his “Popeye” calves. It was perhaps this otherwise good health that allowed his lung cancer to go undetected until it had reached an advanced stage.
Kenny’s passing has left a huge void in the hearts of all who loved him. Even as his final moments drew near, his thoughts were of his family. He reassured them he had lived a good life and was at peace. He comforted his loved ones, telling them that “Everything will be ok,” and to “Just put one foot in front of the other” when coping with life without him. Ultimately, Kenny left this world on his own terms and with dignity. No words were left unsaid and his legacy lives on in his sons, grandchildren, and the many lives he touched.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Chor-Yi; sons, Jordan (Stefanie) and Brennan (Gloria); three grandchildren (the youngest born just days after Pops’ passing); brothers, Leslie (May) and Gary (James); siblings-in-law, Chor-Shan (Don), Ming (Lorraine), and Kar-Wei (Peter); ten nieces and nephews; and his mother Nelly. Kenny is predeceased by his father Jesse and brother Nigel.
A Celebration of Life will be held in May (date TBD). In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre or Sunnybrook Hospital (Odette Cancer Centre). Please see links to charities under the Donations tab.