James Kok Seng Thang, aged 84, of Don Mills, Ontario, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on October 11, 1938, to parents Thang Lin (Father) and Hui Leung (Mother), James was known for his light-hearted wit and engaging stories, which endeared him to friends and strangers alike.

From his early years, James exhibited a strong spirit of independence, coupled with a penchant for hands-on work. At the age of 16, he left home to pursue an apprenticeship as an electrician. During this period, he became interested in the craft of welding, observing and learning from other welders at his workplace. With permission and a lot of determination, he practised using the welding equipment after hours, skillfully teaching himself the intricate art of welding. His self-taught expertise and hard work led him to becoming a welding instructor first in Malaysia and later continuing his vocation in Canada. Along the way, his love of animals, natural curiosity and entrepreneurial spirit, even led him to experimenting with tranquilizing and exporting exotic fish as a brief side business!

In 1966, James crossed paths with Vivian Liew, a meeting that would profoundly shape his life. Vivian became not only his cherished wife but also the caring mother of their two children. James' dedication to his family was evident in his decision to immigrate to Toronto in 1975. Recognizing the promise of a brighter future for his family, he left everything behind and courageously embarked on this new journey. Finding work as a welder, he often accepted overtime work to expedite the process of reuniting with his family in Canada. Over the years, his experience in welding paved the way for him to establish his own consulting business. James loved his work, particularly for the meaningful interactions it facilitated with people in the community; a role he maintained until last year.

To fully appreciate James' life story, it is essential to highlight the transformative cornerstone of his journey. Throughout, James experienced a profound spiritual longing—a mystery he later came to recognize as divine calling. After surviving several brushes with death, James found solace and redemption in accepting Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. This decision not only indelibly marked his life but started a profound transformation that shaped the trajectory of his life until his final days.

James found fulfillment in his involvement in the community, especially through his active participation in church activities alongside his wife, Vivian. Whether playing the piano during fellowship gatherings or visiting the elderly, his contributions were warmly received. In quieter moments, James indulged his passion for music, often found at the piano, lost in song, or enjoying quality time with friends, whether biking or sharing dim sum. James loved his grandchildren and was determined to give them the gift of bilingualism. From the time of their birth, he pledged to teach them Mandarin, dedicating time each week for their lessons and consistently communicating with them in this language. Through his love and unwavering dedication, his four grandchildren now have a working knowledge of Mandarin. Over the years, his generosity and genuine love for family saw him sponsor and take in and care for his nephew from abroad as well as a niece studying from Malaysia. They each have families of their own now and call Canada their home, an enduring legacy of his commitment to family and one that will live on.

James loved nature and we will always remember his stories of youth growing up in Malaysia. He told us of discovering untouched crystal filled caves, swimming by breathtaking waterfalls and exploring the Malaysian rainforest where he would enjoy fresh durian and where tigers roamed. In Canada, he found tranquility in caring for his indoor plants and outdoor garden, tending to a lively mosaic of varied fruits and vegetables with great fondness and care.

James leaves behind his beloved wife, Vivian, their two children, Jonathan and Sze-Sze, six grandchildren, as well as two sisters and many relatives and friends here and abroad.

The family of James will hold a modest Celebration of Life service to honour his memory at York Cemetery, 160 Beecroft Road, on Wednesday, 2nd August, 2023. The gathering will begin with a Wake at 9:30 a.m., followed by a service at 10:30 a.m. All who were touched by James' humble yet meaningful life are warmly invited to join in this celebration of his legacy.