On January 4, 2020, our beloved Dad, Chung Sun (James) passed away peacefully at Mackenzie Richmond Hill Hospital. He is now with the Lord in heaven and no longer in physical pain.
Dad was born on May 18, 1930 in Yantai (Chefoo), Shandong province, China, as the youngest of 5 children. He grew up in a time when the Japanese had invaded China and civil war took away all the available opportunities in the region. So, he made his way to Hong Kong in 1950 and worked for his uncle for 10 years before one of his clients wanted him to meet his daughter Hui Sang (Helen). After a brief courtship, they married and had two children while operating a textile business. In 1965, the family emigrated to Canada and opened a gift store before moving to Toronto's New Chinatown in 1970 where the business transformed into a Chinese books, magazine and media store bearing a third son along the way.
Dad had to retire due to a recurring illness in 1985 where he sold his business and invested in commercial real estate. For the next 20 years, these investments allowed Mom and Dad to live a comfortable lifestyle of travel and spending time with our families. He also actively served in a growing and dynamic Christian community church (RHCCC). In 2005, he contracted Parkinson’s Disease and another incurable illness which progressed rapidly to a point where he had to stay in a long-term care facility for the remaining 4 years of his life.
Dad’s life has been an incredible journey. He was an ordinary man who produced extraordinary results because God had blessed him whether he was in health or in illness. Dad will be remembered for being a shining example of his faith, love for his family, business acumen, strength and great sense of humour. He was and will always be beautiful. He loved Mom, his children, grandchildren and the Toronto Blue Jays. Sadly, we will miss him, but we are also joyful that because we believe as he has believed, we will see him again in heaven. Love you Dad, always.