Check Lai Low, 91 passed away on Nov 1, 2020. He was predeceased by his wife Wai Ching Low and his daughter Linda Weir.

Check was born in 1929 in Taishan City, Guangdong, China, to Gee and Guoy Lau. In 1949, after years of surviving the strife of war-torn China, Check, along with his cousin and aunt, emigrated to Canada. The journey began with a long and arduous voyage by sea to Vancouver. From there, they made their way to Ontario. Check found work as a chef, primarily at Cantonese restaurants in Peterborough and Scarborough.
Check was known for his strong work ethic and his creative efforts to add Canadian food to the menus of Asian eateries. His reputation grew and he moved on to Toronto, eventually partnering in his own restaurant operation. Through his business partner, he met Wai Ching, his wife-to-be. Their family grew to two sons and three daughters and the union lasted until Wai's recent passing.

Check greatly loved being a Canadian and bragged about it constantly when traveling abroad. At the same time, he stayed true to his Chinese roots. Travel for the Lows included trips to China, where they delighted in visiting a school they helped establish in Check's village. In his off-time and eventual retirement, he could often be found in Broadview's Chinatown, where he was a popular character. He frequented the local cafes, and enjoyed holding court with friends, many of whom had also immigrated from Guangdong. For laughs, he would hand-deliver random, unsolicited cups of coffee to unsuspecting friends (and sometimes strangers) in the various Broadview shops. He was an integral part of his Cabbagetown neighborhood and will be remembered by all for the delicious chow mein he prepared for its annual street fair.

He is survived by his children, son David of Amsterdam,The Netherlands; his son and daughter-in-law, Andy and Julie of Whitby, Ontario; their children Samantha, Michael and Matthew. His daughter and son-in-law, Anne and Kelly McDonald of Las Vegas, Nevada; their children Cody and Spenser. His son-in-law, Gord Weir (Linda, deceased daughter), their children Matthew and Eric of Toronto. His daughter and son-in-law, Sandra and John Mecher of Halifax, Nova Scotia; their child Nathaniel.

Due to coronavirus health concerns and restrictions, there will be no formal services. A small private viewing and graveside remembrance for immediate family is planned instead. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to Diabetes Canada (www.diabetescanada.ca) in the name of "Check Lai Low". Link to charity is under the donation tab.