In Celebration of

Wing Suey Yee

December 18, 1932 - March 6, 2023

Wing Suey Yee passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on March 6, 2023 in Vancouver, British Columbia, surrounded by his family. He will be fondly remembered for his earnest generosity towards others and perseverance in the face of a prolonged battle with cancer and other health challenges.
Wing Suey was born in Taishan, China on December 18, 1932, the 2nd youngest of 1 brother and 3 sisters. Despite losing his parents at the age of 9 and 12, he was able to immigrate to Montreal in 1956 to start a new life. After working as a cook in various restaurants in Montreal’s Chinatown, Wing Suey became the owner of King Wah on Rue Saint Denis which he successfully operated for over 30 years. He was well known in the community for his charming personality and strong work ethic which helped his business develop a loyal customer base.

Although he had many personal accomplishments, Wing Suey’s greatest source of pride was his family. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years Wai Kit, his children John (Cindy) and Susan (Haldane), and his grandchildren Justin, Matthew, Madeleine, Sheridan, and Harrison. Wing Suey also sponsored many of his cousins, nieces, and nephews to come to Canada and graciously helped them adjust and find opportunities in their new country.

Along with his wife, Wing Suey loved to socialize and could often be found enjoying coffee with friends at Complexe Desjardins and Place Vertu in Montreal or at Oakridge Mall in Vancouver. He never missed a birthday, graduation, or special event for all those that he loved. His presence at these occasions will be sorely missed.

The family is deeply grateful for the doctors, nurses, and support staff at the McGill University Health Centre/Cedars Cancer Centre and Vancouver General Hospital for their compassionate care for Wing Suey. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Wing Suey’s name to either the Cedars Cancer Foundation or the VGH Intensive Care Unit through the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation.

A celebration of life for Wing Suey will be held at Mount Royal Funeral Complex (1297 Chemin de la Foret, Outremont, Quebec) on March 27th, 2023. Visitation will be held from 11am -1 pm followed immediately by the funeral service and burial.

Guestbook

(5 of 5)

Simon Wong (Friend)

Entered March 25, 2023 from Mississauga, Ontario

I was so sad when I had heard the news that Mr. Yee had passed away. My parents were such good friends with his wife and himself. It all started with my father working for Mr. Yee at King Wah restaurant and from there they became good friends. So much so that we even bought our first 2 cars similar to Mr. Yee's - 1973 Dodge Dart Sport and then the 1976 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. When I was 16 years old, Mr. Yee asked me work at King Wah where he trained me to wait on tables. He would take the time on Saturday mornings to train me for a few hours. I did not expect a salary while I was being trained, but he paid me out of his own pocket. This is what I will always remember from Mr. Yee, his kindness, his constant smile and forever cheerfulness. Simon Wong

Robert Hum

Entered March 26, 2023 from Montreal

To the Yee Family,

Sorry for your loss. My condolences to your family.

Rob Hum & Family

Kay and David Kwan (Relatives)

Entered March 27, 2023 from Ottawa

Our sincere condolences to the Family. We miss Uncle Sam for his pleasant company, his smiles, and friendly conversations whenever we visited Montreal. He leaves behind a great legacy.

Samuel and Helen Tang (Friends)

Entered March 27, 2023 from Vancouver

We never knew Mr. Yee personally, yet when we learned of his passing we still felt a deep loss.

Mr.Yee's energy and pure zest for life instantly rubbed off anyone who met him, no matter how brief. Listening to his life story, we began to grasp how truly remarkable of a man he really was. What it means to be an immigrant and carve out a beautiful and long life from almost nothing. The embodiment of what it means to never give up, not just for yourself, but for those around you as well. .

Mr. Yee was a family man through and through. It is easy to see that the Yee family continues to live for and embody the generosity and ingenuity that Mr. Yee taught.

The Tang family extends our deepest condolences.

P.S. I wear my own name Samuel with some newfound significance after today, in the hopes I can live for and pass on Mr.Yee's life lessons too.

Arthur and Ann Fong (Friend)

Entered March 29, 2023 from Vancouver, BC

Dear John and Cindy and Family:

We are so sorry for your loss, but rejoice with you that Mr. Yee is now in the arms of our Lord enjoying eternal rest. May His comfort and peace be with you during this difficult time and in the days ahead.

Deepest Condolences,
The Fong Family