Fong Shing Shum was born on January 17, 1926 in the Po On area of Shenzhen, China. He is pre-deceased by his parents Fung Chun Shum and King Dai. He is survived by his wife Yee Ping Shum and his four children; Henry (Mei), Wayne (Lynn), Wilson (Joanne) and Fayon (Michael). He was a proud grandfather to his seven grandchildren; James (Stella), Kawan, Curtis, Sarah, Michael, Lucas and Phoebe. He was also a supportive uncle to his nieces and nephew Kelly, Choi, Tom and Chor Ling.

In a pursuit of a better life for himself and then for his family, he traveled to many places. He left China for Hong Kong and went from Hong Kong to Jamaica, then Liverpool, England, back to Jamaica and finally immigrated with the family to Toronto in 1970.

His jobs included being an entrepreneur, an elevator attendant at St. Mike’s Hospital, various cook positions and finally finishing his working years as a chef at the Woodbine Race Track. He loved cooking for his family and his deep fried shrimp was a staple at every family gathering. He also knew everyone’s favorite food and made sure to have it on hand or order it when we went out to eat. Family was the most important thing for him and being a father and grandfather brought him joy.

He was also close to his Hakka community from Po On and Jamaica, some of whom he had known since childhood and who followed similar paths immigrating to Toronto. This community lived close to each other, both in Toronto and then in Scarborough. They were an extension of our family who supported each other through the decades. Thanks to the Po On and Jamaica communities and a special thanks to the Lyn and the Tenn families.

Known as Ba by his children and Gung Gung by his grandchildren, he had a big heart, big smile, a weakness for Kit Kats and loved giving gifts including a bottle of Courvoiser for those who did him a favor.

He was resilient and survived health issues including a brain infection in his early 90's. The last few years were hard as his body became tired but he passed peacefully on Friday June 9th under the considerate care of the doctors and nurses at Scarborough Grace Hospital.

He is at peace and loved by his family. RIP Ba/Gung Gung.