Dear Uncle Dunston

Some of my most fond memories include being at various tables with you. Whether it be at a dinner table eating steamed seafood or the cards table playing 13 cards with my father and a ya. To this day, I still believe you have the ability to change the tile with a rub of your thumb.

I have learned so much from you in my 30 years. You always were there to offer advice, teaching me right from wrong, the proper way to handle certain situations, and most importantly, how to "bullshit" 🙂.

I am the youngest cousin in the family, however I feel we had a special bond that was based off our common love for good food and the fact that we both don't like gambling. The many nights we spent eating dinner and playing cards are memories that I will forever cherish.

You were always one to liven up any situation/occasion and that is what I admired about you the most. The way you would cheerfully greet me "Jonny Goh!" and the way you lit up the room with your upbeat and not so shy personality.

I am praying for you to return to good health and the opportunity to be able to sit down at a dinner/cards table with you.

We still have much seafood to eat and cards to play!

Bless,

Jonny

“Who does he think he is, he can’t tell me what to do!”

As an angsty teen, that’s what I’d think to myself whenever you would tell me something that didn’t align with my world view or my beliefs... whatever those were. It didn’t happen often, but when it did, it left a mark.

I remember when a family friend was visiting from Peru. It was her last day in Toronto and my dad had to work and couldn’t entertain her. I thought I’d be able to stay home and be a couch potato, let her entertain herself.

But I was naive wasn’t I.

You very sternly told me that when we have guests, we entertain them, we remain hospitable until they leave because well, that’s what decent human beings do.

But rebellious, know-it-all-Candice didn’t see it like that. Instead, I saw it as a hostage situation at the CN Tower. “My uncle is kidnapping me and forcing me to go sight seeing at this over rated tower with someone I barely know!”

It was only years later, that I’d learn to appreciate the important life lessons and advice you were trying to impart on me.

I think about our family, especially my generation and you’re right: our parents did an excellent job raising us.

But you’re missing the crucial role that you played. The ever-present, reliable, credible uncle that we could always count on, at every stage of our lives.

The uncle that knew exactly what to do if we got into car accidents.
The uncle who knew the ins and outs of home buying.
The uncle who knows how to deal with pesky birds and rabbits terrorizing our way of life.
The uncle who knows exactly what to do and say in every situation, even in the situations that hurt the most.

Hi Jeurng Jeurng,

I have very few memories when we lived at chartland or when you were at your old place. It always felt like all my life, your family seemed to live right around the corner. You were my dad's best friend so growing up you guys were always over or we always came over.

And how fun was that?! Promises of ice cream if we could beat you in tennis. Family road trips where we went hiking together (what beats red bean bolo bao eaten in tobermory). McCarthur Mills! Lac Morrensy! All your stories of how you used to climb your neighbours fruit trees and pelt the dogs with a slingshot (they were funny but I always felt a bit sorry for the dogs). All that sling shot training became useful later though, with the pesky rabbit...

You even got me my first job! Remember when we would eat Hong Kong house? I don't think I had ever eaten lemon chicken before. Better yet, I apprenticed under you to learn to bullshit (this is probably the reason why I'm in good graces with my clients). Joking aside, I really enjoy listening to your work stories. The racism you had to endure mirrored my frustrations of being female in manufacturing, especially when I had to go to the southern states. But even then, I can't compare it, because you needed to work so much harder. You're right, our generation is too "taan".

How does someone become so full of wise and sage advice? Theres a running joke that when you hit a difficult scenario you should think WWJJD - what would Jeurng Jeurng do? We called you whenever I got in a spot of trouble: my car accident, stealthily packing up my belongings when I needed to leave ninja style, finding a place to live in Oakville (do you remember that hot dog stand besides cobs bread!). I remember you helping with the details of my dad's funeral your strength and stability of mind was absolutely valued.

I can go on forever listing these precious memories and snippets of the past. You were always there for the good times and the bad, and words can't state how much I've appreciated you over the years. Wishing for good times again.

Love,
Carol

Ho Shun,
Shhhh.... I have to tell you a secret! Jackie once said to me that she’s the luckiest woman in the world. I didn’t understand what she meant at the time because I thought I was🤪; so I watched/observed, and over the years, I realized Jackie’s statement was absolutely fitting.

You’ve done well Ho Shun, in every aspects - as a father, a son/brother-in-law, an uncle, a husband, a friend, and an advisor of all things...

Life’s journey is like a card game - ppl dealt with crappy hands can still come out as winners. I have faith in you that you will win this battle. Regardless of this chapter’s outcome - you know you are loved by everyone whose lives you’ve touched.

You and Jackie are a perfect complement to each other, and a role model couple.

Susan

林可信、人多尊稱為信哥。無論是親朋戚友、長輩或晚輩，鮮有例外。連我這個長輩，身為他太太品嫦的六叔，見面時縂是信哥前信哥後。無它、他是一個備受尊敬之人，有威有勢！

可信出身書香世家，一門俊傑。他本人學貫中西。職場歷任要職。處世經驗豐富。待人接物，面面俱圓，笑容可掬。談笑風生，恢諧有趣。和太太嫦姑一起持家有道，教導兒女有方，個個成材，對他們窩心孝順，實在難得！正是：妻賢兒女孝，人生復何求？

如我沒有記錯，我和可信頭一次見面時，他熱誠地緊握我手，然後問：貴姓名？

我答：馬紹熙。然後我問番佢：未請教？

他答：林可信。

由於我有時聽覺會聽不清楚，我於是問多一聲：可信？

他騎騎笑地答：無錯。但信不信由你！

急才，風趣，幽默。這是林可信給我的第一個印像。

信哥，六叔常常記得起你頭一次的笑容！