It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sui Fong (Gilbert) Chan on August 8, 2024. He passed away peacefully at the age of 84.

Gilbert was born on October 25, 1939 in the Guangdong Province of China. While he trained to be a teacher, he had greater ambitions to immigrate to Canada. Upon arriving in Vancouver, he heard about more potential opportunities in Toronto, and quickly made the cross-country trip by train.

Like many Chinese immigrants at the time, he went into the restaurant industry, and developed his cooking skills at many fine Toronto restaurants. It was while working at Lichee Gardens in 1966 that Gilbert was introduced to Estella Ing by her brother, a fellow chef. Gilbert and Estella got married in 1967. Together, they settled down in Burlington, Ontario where Gilbert joined his sister and brother-in-law at Lum’s Restaurant. It was here in Burlington where Gilbert became the devoted dad to three daughters, Karen, Debbie and Pamela.

In 1979, the family moved to Thorold and opened their own Chinese/Canadian restaurant, named Fong’s. Gilbert's cooking was the star of the show. The restaurant became a staple in the community, serving hungry customers for 22 years. Gilbert and Estella officially retired in late 2001, but remained busy, tending to their farm in St. Catharines, traveling the world and playing with their grandchildren, Alexander and Ryann. Three more grandchildren, Juliet, Eleni and Adrian, would keep Gilbert busy after Estella’s passing in 2010. We take great comfort in knowing that Gilbert and Estella are now reunited.

The daughters would like to express their thanks and gratitude to the staff at the AgeCare Brant, a long-term care residence in Burlington, for their quality care.

The funeral and burial will be held on Saturday August 17 at 1pm, at the Elgin Mills Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Centre, 1591 Elgin Mills Rd E, Richmond Hill. Please join us as we celebrate Gilbert’s life. He was many things to many people - a dear father, brother, uncle, friend - but through it all, he was also the kindest man. We are all better people to have known him.

If desired, donations in his name can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, or a charity of your choice.