In memory of
Wilson Kwok Ying Lam
November 2, 1949 -
March 19, 2024
It is with immense sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Wilson Kwok Ying Lam on March 19, 2024 at the age of 74, after an unbelievably brief diagnosis of cancer. He was surrounded by his two loving daughters throughout his illness and although he will be greatly missed, he is now reunited with his wife of 49 years, Grace Li who passed away in late 2023.
Wilson was born to Wai Fong Chan and Sik Kui Lam, in Hong Kong, China, on November 2, 1949, the third son of seven children. He emigrated to Toronto, Canada in 1968 where he attended the University of Toronto, graduating with a Bachelor of Applied Science (1972) and a Masters of Applied Science (1976). Throughout his university career, he was an active student leader where he organized events for the Chinese Student Association. In 1974, he married Grace Li and started a family shortly afterwards with the birth of his daughters Antonia Lam and Eunice Lam in 1983 and 1985 respectively.
Wilson had great passion for his work in the nuclear industry and dedicated many years at Ontario Hydro on the design and construction of the Bruce B generating station and developed his own computer simulation tools to educate nuclear professionals under his own business, Cassiopeia Technologies Inc. He joined the Ontario Ministry of Energy in 2007 as an influential government advisor to provide analysis and advice on the government's new build nuclear projects. He enjoyed being at the forefront of nuclear technology and policy development and took much pride in bringing nuclear professionals together as part of the Canadian Nuclear Society. In 2020, Wilson received the Canadian Nuclear Achievement Award for Education and Communication between Government and the Nuclear Industry. Wilson was the lead organizer for Generation iV and Small Reactor conferences in 2018 and 2020. While Wilson officially retired in 2020, he maintained involvement with the CSA Group, Canadian Nuclear Society and other industry non-profits as he was committed to advancing nuclear energy as a clean and reliable source of power.
Wilson also had great passion for music, singing, and dancing and was often moved by the beauty of music. He loved ballroom dancing, expressing himself through song, and listening to music from artists of all genres. Throughout his life, he enjoyed travelling with his wife to different parts of the world and immersing himself in different cultures, meeting people, and having new experiences. Wilson and Grace enjoyed many years together travelling the world and raising a family together. He was a generous and engaged father to his daughters Antonia Lam and Eunice Lam (Jason Kraus), and really thrived in his role as a grandfather to his beloved grandsons Ryu and Hikari. As a doting grandfather, Wilson brought out his inner child and never passed up an opportunity to make them laugh, or to spoil them with love and playfulness. His grandsons loved spending time with their Grandpa Willie and will truly miss him.
Wilson leaves behind his siblings Oliver Lam (Mary), Sylvester Lam (Francesca), Wing Leung (Chi Ming), Alice Wah (Richard), James Lam (Wendy) and Chiu Lam (Tamar); as well as his nieces and nephews: Jeanne Lam (Tim), Andrea Lam (Tim), Simon Lam (Anne - Marie), Janice Leung, Joyce Leung (Jeremy), Jaime Wah, Jason Wah (Rachel), Valerie Lam-Bentley (Nolan) and Tiffany Wong (Michael); and many grand-nephews and grand-nieces.
Though he will be greatly missed, his parting sentiment was one of gratitude and appreciation for his family, the medical teams who cared for him, and his adopted home country of Canada, in which he was able to build a comfortable, successful, and fulfilling life from humble beginnings.
In accordance with Wilson's wishes, there will be a small private funeral for close family and relatives on March 30, 2024. This will be followed by a joint celebration of life for Grace and Wilson later this year for friends of the family, colleagues and relatives.
In lieu of flowers, Wilson wished to honour the following organizations for their ongoing research and work in the advancement of Canadian lives: Canadian Cancer Society and the University Health Network Foundation.