In memory of

趙善一醫生 Sylvester Shin-Yat Chiu

August 8, 1938 -  August 10, 2020

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sylvester Shin-Yat Chiu on Monday August 10, 2020 after a courageous battle with colon cancer. He passed away peacefully with his loving wife of 58 years, Bonita by his side. Just 2 days before, we celebrated his 82nd birthday.

He will be forever missed and loved by his son Shawn (Kelly) and his favourite granddaughter Victoria. He was the loving sibling of Rosa, the late Vincent (Yuri), Rita, Alice, Shin Chung (May), Anne (Bob), and Anthony (Julie), and will be affectionately remembered as the Uncle to Bea (Peter), Mary, Andy (Sabrina), Vincent Paul, Shawn, Clare (Patrick), Michael (Ivy), Cara (Jaime), Stephen (Frank), Margaret (Ray), Christopher, Gary, Kenny (Mary Ellen), and Kin (Hervé). Devoted brother-in-law to Mike (Sandy) and Kim (May Lynne).

Sylvester graduated from McGill University and Mayo Clinic, finding his way to Simcoe, Ontario where he would practice medicine for almost 40 years, taking care of his many patients. However, he loved nothing more than spending time with his family and enjoying a good game of MJ with his wonderful friends.

A privately attended funeral will be held at York Funeral Centre. However, all are invited to join us in celebrating his life on Saturday, August 15, 2020 at 11 am through a livestreaming of the funeral. The link to this webcast will be available at the top of this webpage starting at 10:45 am.

If desired, one can send expressions of sympathy such as flowers or make a memorial donation in honour of Sylvester to Canadian Cancer Society (please see link to charity under donations.)




Guestbook 

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Anne Chiu (Sister)

Entered August 14, 2020 from San Francisco

What a blow to hear my brother passed away so suddenly! It was only last month he sent me a song to critique. I was mentioning to him when this pandemic situation was over, we should have a re-union with everybody in San Francisco and embark on a short cruise so we could enjoy one another's company without any stress. In fact, that was his suggestion before Vincent, our oldest brother past away. However,this time, he replied, "please do not include me, I am not well enough to travel". Following, he asked me to forward one of the songs he sent me so he could complete his Album for Bea to make a CD.

My recollection of my brother went way back when he was a teenager in Hong Kong. He loved to drive nice cars, dress fashionably and played recordings of popular songs such as Elvis, Pat Boone, Johnny Mathis etc. on our new 'Hifi'. I used to ask him difficult science/math questions . He would teach me only on one condition: to pluck all the grey hairs on top of his head. It was only then I realized he had multiple hairs in one hair follicle! He told me he did not want girls to think he was an old man.
Those were the good old days.

I re-united with him in Montreal in 1963 to study Music at Vincent d'Indy. He was newly wed to Bonita then. We had a good time exploring all the good and famous restaurants. During my first Christmas there, I was invited to the McGill University Chinese Student Association and was in charge of the dancing music for the evening. I realized then my brother was very well esteemed by his college friends.

After he retired from his medical practice,he practiced piano and learnt most of the popular songs he liked using his own improvisations through watching u-tube. His dedication to practice put some of my students to shame. The CD Album he leaves for us is his way of sharing his love with us. May he rests in peace and sings with all the angels and saints in Heaven!!!

Mabel and Louis Lee (Friends)

Entered August 14, 2020 from Toronto

Our sincere condolences to Bonita, Shawn & family. Rest in please, Sylvester.

ALFIE LI 

Entered August 14, 2020 from HONG KONG

大家繼續精彩生活,就是給趙醫生的安慰!

節哀順變,願趙醫生一路好走!

Margaret & Ray Gardner (Niece)

Entered August 15, 2020 from Vancouver

We're deeply saddened to hear the unexpected passing of Uncle Sylvester. Thinking of everyone during this time. Uncle Sylvester was a caring, gentle and kind uncle to us and we will miss him. We will never forget how he had to do an impromptu speech at our wedding because my own father bailed. Auntie Bonnie, please take care of yourself <3 xo

Dr Robert & Maria Leung (Best friends and MJ legs)

Entered August 15, 2020 from Mississauga, Ontario

We dearly miss you, See-Hing!
We have lost a Wonderful Friend!

Photos 

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