In memory of

Che-Jick Tam

October 3, 1942 - October 16, 2023

Tony, ah Sir, 植叔, he was one of those to us. No matter how we called him, he was a wonderful man!

Born in Hoi Ping China as the eldest son, he traveled to Hong Kong, started his career as a “barber” - the word hairstylist was not yet in use back then. He met his future wife Miu Kit and had their first child Wing Sze before immigrating to Canada in 1975.
The Tam family is one of the earlier settlers in Toronto. Tony started his business in Chinatown and 東尼髮廊 become “the place” for stylish hairdressing during its heyday. The family grew with the addition of Johnson and Winnie.
Both Mr. And Mrs. Tam were friendly, kind, and generous. Not only they had developed loving friendships, they also provided a roof for many relatives and friends in need of housing in Toronto without expecting anything in return!
Looking back, Tony had a wonderful life. He traveled around the world, children all grown up and had the opportunities to spend valuable times with his two grandsons and one granddaughter. Ah Sir enjoyed life, being a moderate eater, he was in relatively good health despite his indulgence with tobacco and wine. It seemed that during his final moments, Tony looked well, Wing Sze and Winnie fed him, and he wanted to “眠一眠” (take a nap). Peacefully, he left in his sleep with Johnson being there!

We will no doubt miss Tony deeply! Let us also remember all the joyful times that we shared with him. These memories will live on!

Guestbook

(5 of 5)

Andrew (Son-in-law)

Entered October 18, 2023 from Malaysia

Dear Tony, my father-in-law,
Most regrettably, Aisling and I did not have the opportunity to see you at least one more time since our last video call! I am deeply saddened and unpleasantly surprised by your sudden passing, as you were showing signs of improvement!
I have known you and Mrs. Tam for more than 30 years, way before you become my father-in-law! You were “Ah Sir” and were well-respected. You had mostly been on the quiet side with me. As your son-in-law, I enjoyed the occasional cigarettes and bottles of wine with you.
You were very personable and could strike up good conversations with strangers, such as our security guards when you were in Hong Kong, hawkers on the streets of Bangkok during your early breakfast - and I don’t recall you speaking Thai!
You had been most kind looking after my mother and her apartment for many years! I am forever indebted to you for your boundless generosity and efforts!
As a grandfather, I saw the smile on your face when you were with the grandchildren. You did not get to see Aisling much, but you looked happy when facetiming with her!
You had a full life, coming to Toronto with Mrs. Tam and Wing-Sze in the early 70s. As a hardworking family man, you built a well-known business and made many lifelong friends that I later have the privilege to know. Inevitably, as part of the life cycle, after eight decades, you are leaving for the last time. Wing-Sze fed you, you were looking quite well, and wanted to take a nap. You left us comfortably and peacefully!
Tony, I am still trying to process this tremendous loss! Not seeing you when we come to Toronto, no more planning of you visiting us in Malaysia, no longer getting your video calls… Farewell, I will miss you!!

Aisling (Granddaughter)

Entered October 25, 2023 from Kuala Lumpur

親愛的公公,

I will miss the time I saw you in Canada 🇨🇦

Bye Bye 公公!

From 你的孫女安兒

秀妍 (Niece)

Entered October 25, 2023 from Manchester

親愛的三姨丈,

突然收到你離世的消息感到很難過. 雖然不常見面, 但你俾我嘅感覺係一個好nice嘅長輩. 一路好走.

秀妍敬輓

Raymond and Helena Cheung (Distant relatives / clients / friends)

Entered October 26, 2023 from North York

Our deepest condolences🙏 R.I.P Tony

Nancy Chong (Cousin)

Entered October 26, 2023

I have very fond memories of Jet Kel. He was a very outgoing Uncle always present at family socials. I remember when he first arrived in Canada and was training to become a licenced Hair stylist. I was one of the many relatives who’s head of hair became his palette. From basic trims, waiting hours for our hair to take hold of perms to punk spiky burgundy styles, he perfected his craft and ran a successful hair salon. His cheery personality will be missed but never forgotten.