Surrounded by the love of his family, Charles Shek passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, at Russell Hill Retirement Residence in Toronto, at the age of 93. He was born on January 12, 1933, in Jiaxing, Zhejiang, China.

At the age of 18, Charles left Shanghai for Hong Kong, beginning what would become a remarkable and enterprising life journey. In Hong Kong, he built a successful career through hard work, determination, and quiet resilience. Over the years, he was involved in several ventures, including the manufacturing of plastic flowers in the late 1960s, working with American greeting cards, and later running his own trading company. His business activities connected markets across Asia and North America, including time spent operating in New York, where he made a home for himself in the heart of Manhattan. His Hong Kong office was invariably stocked with an abundant inventory of beautiful stationary and cuddly stuffed animals, which made the office look like a children’s wonderland. Despite his accomplishments, Charles remained a humble and low-key individual.

In the mid-1980s, Charles immigrated to Canada, becoming a citizen around 1989. He also played an important role in supporting and sponsoring family members in their educational journeys abroad, something he took great pride in.

While he was in Hong Kong and later on in Canada, his family in China experienced hard time for many years. During those difficult days, Charles was his parents’ hope, their comfort, and their strength. They depended on his generous periodical financial support to live a decent life. When it became possible to visit China, Charles reunited with his parents in Guangzhou after many years apart. Then he tried his best to return every year, bringing with him laughter, warmth, and moments of genuine joy. Each visit was more than a reunion; it was a gift of happiness that his parents cherished beyond words.

Charles will be remembered not only for his entrepreneurial spirit but also for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering support for others. He was the kind of person who was always ready to lend a helping hand. Friends recall how he guided them through unfamiliar times and places, offering steady support and friendship when it was needed most.

He had a thoughtful and caring nature, regularly keeping in touch with friends and family to ensure they were well. He also found great joy in life’s simple pleasures, especially sharing meals. A lover of Chinese cuisine, he delighted in gathering with loved ones over food, creating moments filled with warmth, laughter, and companionship. In his spare time, Charles enjoyed travelling around the world, indulging in new culinary experiences, catching up with friends, and playing a game of black jack, or two.

Charles shared a deep and enduring love with his wife, Lillian, who was the love of his life for many decades. Though they were parted by her passing, it brings comfort to know that he is now reunited with her once again.

Those who knew Charles speak of a man with a truly good heart—compassionate, dependable, disciplined and quietly devoted to the people around him. His presence brought warmth, comfort and reassurance, and his absence will be deeply felt.

Charles Shek leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and humility that will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.