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Chi CHAN Obituary
Chi Ping Chan passed away on 29 May 2012 aged 91. Preceded in death by his wife, he is survived by three sons (Dan, Alec and Ming), three daughters (Yiu, Wai and Sue), 10 grandchildren and a great-grandson. Chi Ping, born in Chaozhou China, brought up his family in Hong Kong before immigrating to Canada and has been residing in Edmonton since 1981. Chi Ping, who led by example, spoke not just with words but also through his deeds, was a great inspiration to many. He was deeply loved and will be fondly remembered.
We sincerely thank the staff at the Grey Nuns Hospital for their care. A Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 31 at Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home, 10011 - 114 Street, Edmonton. Chi Ping's Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 1 at Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home, with interment to follow at Rosehill Cemetery. Donations to the Boyle McCauley Health Centre to help the homeless will be much appreciated.
To send condolences please visit:
www.connelly-mckinley.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
70 Entries
July 16, 2012
We donated to the Boyle McCauley Health Centre for Mr. Chan.
Doug Wiltshire
June 13, 2012
I will miss Mr. Chan.
In the eighties, I was in my thirties and getting chubbier by the day. Then I saw him, and I just knew I too could run.
Often, I could only run at night, and even though the temperature had dropped since seeing this fine old gentleman, I went out anyway. I don't know how many times I was asked how I could run in such nasty conditions and told that I was admired for being so diligent, but if Mr. Chan could do it, then I was all in.You had to respect him!
I have been very active all my life since first seeing him, and a number of times I was able to run in the neighborhood and crossed paths with him opposite Ramsay Park.We lived but a few blocks apart. We had some difficulty communicating, but the kind smile and appreciation for staying with him for a bit was always comforting somehow, and instilled a need to do and to try, regardless of the circumstances , has stayed with me all these years.
I feel your loss deeply. His kindness,
goodwill, and his ability to set the bar of life so high for so long will be an inspiration for generations to come. God has blessed his family with a special man, and may his family also feel the warmth of Chi Chan's being for all time.
One can't say goodbye, simply because his spirit has already permeated your heart and mind forever.
Sincerely
Rebecca Freeland
June 13, 2012
I feel so lucky to have known of Mr. Chan. I never met him face to face but I saw him every day on my way to school in Riverbend. My father would give me a ride to school in the winter and we would always honk and wave. My dad always said, "he is one tough guy" and reminded me of Mr. Chan whenever I needed a pep talk. Mr. Chan is part of my wonderful childhood memories (I am now 37 yrs old) and I will always remember him. Our condolences to the Chan Family. Thank you Mr. Chan!
Many Blessings, Rebecca and David Freeland
Brendan + Ann Jones
June 11, 2012
We are so sad to hear about Mr Chan. We met him when we were over in Edmonton which was a while ago now but seems like yesterday. He was a lovely man, very happy to have his family around him. It was a pleasure to have met him and our thoughts are with you all.
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audrey tosh
June 10, 2012
I too have fond memories of Mr. Chan and his big wooly mitts as he smilingly pounded the pavement. Every person who saw him remarked at his strength and resilience. May your family hold him dearly in your hearts and know that this man touched many people with his determination.
Dicky Sum
June 7, 2012
I will always remember him as the one who courageously run though the chilling weather in Riverbend while I watched him though the yellow bus window.
June 6, 2012
oh my gosh. I remember this wonderful man. We left Edmonton 15 years ago but had thought of him occasionally. I am sure he will be sadly missed but rememebered with love.
Elaine M
June 4, 2012
My condolences to the Chan family. I did not know Mr. Chan but feel very blessed to have witnessed him running even on the coldest of days. He truly is an inspiration and such a special part of this community.
Jon Sharun
June 4, 2012
As a child, he inspired me. I attempted biking to school everyday in the freezing cold winter. I think those were magic mittens he wore as I only lasted on year. My condolences to Mr. Chan and the family.
Chow Po chu Desan
June 4, 2012
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Richard Hanelt
June 3, 2012
My condolences to the Chan family. It was a pleasure to care for Mr Chan, I wish I would have known him for longer. He is an inspiration for many.
Tim Young
June 3, 2012
I will always remember Mr. Chan (aka Mr. Ninja). His commitment to training and excellence have been a great example. I didn't know him personally, but I feel a connection to him -- a rare comradery. I really appreciate the courage he had to be himself, and do his amazing thing and not being afraid to stand out so boldly from the crowd. I'm an ultra endurance athlete now, and I grew up along his route. He helped to influence me. Now I'm out all year long , including the worst winters we've seen, when no one else is there. I don't know how he managed to go shirtless though -- he's a more rugged man than me. But if you see a guy biking like a madman with a massive backpack on, (sometimes carrying the bike through the snow,) or skiing through Terwillegar Drive / the River Valley / Fox Drive / all over in odd places, that's me, along with a little bit of the flame that he helped to pass on. Thank you Mr. Chan.
Lorette Lown
June 2, 2012
I enjoyed seeing him run daily...from my car on the way to work. He was truly an inspiration. I always wondered how he tolerated the freezing weather with scant clothing. Lorette L
Kelly Wiens
June 1, 2012
I never met Mr Chan in person, but he was truly an inspiration to me and my kids. We wish you all sympathy as you adjust to the loss.
Jennifer K
June 1, 2012
Even though I never met you Mr. Chan, I will never forget you. During the 12 years when I lived in Edmonton, seeing you running in the bitter cold of winter brought a smile to my face. You always seemed so happy while you were running. You were an inspiration.
Melanie Spencer
June 1, 2012
An inspiration to everyone. May the memory of this inspiring man live long.
My condolences to his family and friends.
Brian
June 1, 2012
His inspiration is a legacy for all of us to follow, the will to fight , the will to live . RIP
June 1, 2012
I have absolutely no idea who Mr Chan is but after reading what is being said about hiim on Facebook I know he will be missed by all who knew him. His family and friends have my heartfelt condolences.
June 1, 2012
I saw Mr Chan every morning on his run near Riverbend. One morning, it was -37C and we saw him wearing a tiny, thin t-shirt. It was confirmation of how cold it was that even Mr Chan had to put a small shirt on!! Warm memories......
C Ralston
June 1, 2012
Growing up I recall seeing Mr. Chan year after year at different legs of his runs. His strength and persistence against bad weather inspired strength and determination within myself. RIP Mr. Chan and know that there are many who didn't know you personally, but will remember you always. Thank you for your indirect inspiration.
Christine Forth
June 1, 2012
I remember seeing Mr. Chan every morning on my way to work, jogging shirtless all through Edmonton's brutal winters, with his woollen mitts and hat, and how he always had a smile and a wave for everyone who greeted him. His relentless daily run and his smiling face were such an inspiration. Many condolences to the family. You can be very proud of a brave and determined man.
Nic Davies
June 1, 2012
Even though I never got the privilege to meet this wonder of a man, I wish him the best on the other side. God Bless.
June 1, 2012
You will be missed, thank you for providing me such fond memories in the community for years; many blessings to your family.
Karin K.
Patrice Levin
June 1, 2012
Like the ravine, On 40th, hockey players and rafters alike - he was a feature of this neighbourhood. Neither rain, nor sleet, nor hail or snow... kept him away. Farewell Mr Chan. I wish I had taken the time to say hello. Patrice Levin - Edmonton
Steve LaPointe
June 1, 2012
As a Nearly Daily Fixture to the neighborhood I recall seeing Mr. Chans determination and shear will. Running past every day on my way to school and seeing him all the way through university for nearly 30 years He was an inspiration to put aside roadblocks to achieve your goals. Even though I always thought he was a little nuts for running shirtless in the winter. There will be a noticeable absence in Brander when I go visit my folks. You will be missed RIP Mr. Chan.
Nandita Mani
June 1, 2012
What an inspiring individual -- I had never met Mr. Chan, but saw him each and every morning as I drove to school -- he made a difference to SO many people. I am very sorry for your loss..he will be greatly missed..I think I will go for a run in his honor :-)
June 1, 2012
I wrote this on the original FB post and thought I would share this here.
The city of Edmonton should name a section of his regular route to Chi "Ninja" Chan in honour and to remind the rest of us that our health is invaluable to everyone who cares for us.
Ferra-Lynn McCaffery
June 1, 2012
I haven't lived in Edmonton for nearly 15 years and I don't remember much about the city but one of the things I do remember, is seeing Mr. Chan running each morning--no matter the weather!
He will be thought of fondly whenever I see a jogger braving the harsh elements of a Canadian winter.
L Betke
June 1, 2012
It always brought a smile to my face to see him out for a run. He was a fixture of the south side! My condolences.
Carolyn D.
June 1, 2012
Mr. Chan was one of the first 'sights' I saw when my husband and I moved to Brander Gardens - literally within minutes of coming here. I saw him running on a number of those first days and thought what tenacity he had. Indeed, now I know the rest of the story, and he was demonstrating so much to all of us. Thank you for sharing Mr. Chan's story. May you have a full heart with all the blessings he has given you.
Dr. Jean Walrond
June 1, 2012
My daughter sent me this message because you, Mr. Chan provided some meaning to our family. I remember on one morning I had to stop to let the police know that nothing was wrong with you/this gentleman when they felt that an old person running shirtless on a cold day was an odd site. We treated you as part of our community; we looked out for you. Thank you Mr. Chan and RIP. Walrond-Patterson Family.
Jag Mollerup
June 1, 2012
It was such joy to see him run, every day, for all those years. Although I never met Mr. Chan, I feel I have lost a family member.
Condolences to the family and prayers for his soul.
Well done Sir!
Connie Varnhagen
June 1, 2012
I always enjoyed seeing Mr Chan braving the elements on his daily run.
Liandrah Macklem
June 1, 2012
what an inspiring sight he was in the mornings on cold winter days! Somehow, seeing him jog by shirtless in weather that seemed too cold for words would give me faith that everything was going to be fine and that we really can respond to whatever life throws at us in whatever way we choose! Thank you, Mr. Chi Chan! Until now I never knew your name, but I will never forget your essence of bravery and strength that you shared with us.
Melissa G
June 1, 2012
Sorry for your loss. While I did not know him, he was quite well known in the neighbourhood of Riverbend and was always the talk of the town. RIP. You were inspirational!
Lisa
June 1, 2012
I have never met Mr.Chan, but upon reading something through a few people I came to realize just from what I read that he must have been a true amazing dedicated man with love for everything in life...truly inspiring! My thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family.
Leah Phillips
June 1, 2012
What a great spirit! His presence will be missed.
Sue Barnsley
June 1, 2012
I am saddened by your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
As I drove down Riverbend road I would always watched for Mr Chan. I wondered where he had gone when I no longer saw him. Thank you Mr Chan for the lessons that you taught: no matter what life throws at you, you get up, put on your hat and your mitts and face it with tenacity and determination. You will be missed.
Abi Roberts
June 1, 2012
I saw Mr. Chan running every morning on Riverbend Road when I delivered papers, over 25 years ago. (I was a Edmonton Journal carrier for 6 years.) And yes, he wore no shirt except when it was -30 he would wear a coat. My condolences to his family. May he rest in peace. I am glad he lived a good and long life.
Caitlin McMenamin
June 1, 2012
Respect.
David Palaypay
June 1, 2012
I don't know you but your story is inspirational! For those who get affected with bodily issues you DID something about it, may it be a legacy for your kids, grandchildren and future generation to follow by!!
Rory Dilio
June 1, 2012
I grew up watching you run through my neighborhood, and the amazement of your shirtless, huge mitt runs in -30 weather never wore off, you were an inspiration. RIP Mr. Chan.
Alby
June 1, 2012
I never met Mr Chan and never even knew his name until today - but I remember well seeing him running with those GIANT mitts swinging at his side. I grew up in south Edmonton but have been living in the US for 3 years - the memory of seeing Mr Chan running brings a smile to my face. He was as much part of the Edmonton landscape as anything I can remember! It is with great sadness that I hear about his passing. May his family find comfort in knowing that he had such a positive affect on so many people during his life. God Bless.
James I
June 1, 2012
For years I saw Mr Chan run his route like clockwork, no matter what the weather. In earlier years his route was astonishingly far ranging. He was made of tough stuff, and always ran bare-chested, even on the coldest winter mornings. He was a great sight, and attribute, in our corner of the city.
Thomas K
June 1, 2012
My condolences to The Chan family. He inspired many with his commitment to better health. May he rest in peace and he will never be forgotten.
Candice N
June 1, 2012
I have never met him, but R.I.P Mr. Chan, you were a real man!
Austin Cooper
June 1, 2012
So sorry for your loss, I never knew him, but he seemed to be an inspiration to many people, Rest In Peace Mr. Ninja
June 1, 2012
My thoughts go out to the family and friends, what an amazing man. I only knew him as the riverbend jogger and he will be sadly missed.
Kevin Solez
June 1, 2012
Like many who have posted, I never met Chi Chan, but saw him jogging when I lived in Riverbend from 1987-1994. I suppose we kids thought he was crazy. In adulthood, his actions no longer seem crazy, but powerful and inspired. He must have been a very wise man, and a large presence in the lives of those who knew him. I send my condolences to his family.
Marcus Fung
May 31, 2012
Dear Chan Family,
Yes, like somany others,
i grew up some 19 years ago,
taking the bus and saying This Old mAster
running shirtless, in the weather...
He fulfilled all of my kung-fu fantasies growing up as
a child, and i can hardly believe he only just passed now,
... Do you have any more pictures to share of
this beautiful human being...
I am sogreatful to know that he has touched so many lives...
Loving kindness,
a
The Taylor Family
May 31, 2012
You will be forever missed and forever remembered. You are an inspiration to all that nothing can keep you down. Keep on joggin!
Catharine Preston
May 31, 2012
My condolences to the Chan family. I was one of the many kids who passed him on the school bus every day. He inspired me to be a runner. I passed him on the bus every day. Thank you for all of the memories. I didn't know you at all, but your determination changed me forever.
May 31, 2012
A man who touched more people's lives than he will ever realize.
Daphne Quigley
May 31, 2012
I am sorry to hear of Mr. Chan's passing. I have seen him run often and have been inspired by his tenacity. On days where I didn't want to keep running, seeing him jogging along with such consistency and joy would reinvigorate me to continue and truly brighten my day.
My thoughts are with his family during this time.
Jay Scott
May 31, 2012
This man was a really great inspiration, I grew up watching him while I rode by him on my way to school. R.I.P MR Chan, I bet you inspired a lot of people.
Jon Dubue
May 31, 2012
Never would I have thought that a man I never met would inspire me so much. Rest in Peace Mr. Chan. Your hard work and dedication is beyond compare and I look to aspire to your greatness at some point in my lifetime.
Rest well, you've earned it.
Ing-Ling and William Po
May 31, 2012
With our deepest sympathies and condolences to Sarah, So-Kuen Dr Doyle-Chan and the Chan family. Ing-Ling William, Nathan and Michelle Po Here is an article written on facebook by our son Nathan Po on Mr Chan (also known and nicknamed as Mr Ninja) by students in Riverbend area.
Goodbye Mr. Ninja -Written by Nathan Po
He was a familiar sight for anyone who grew up in Southwest Edmonton. I remember riding on the school bus in the dead of winter, dressed in my warmest winter clothes, and driving by this elderly man running outside in the freezing cold, naked from the waist up but for a toque and big oven-mitt style mittens. For years we'd drive past him at different stages of his run and we knew he was running for miles and miles, day in and day out - regardless of rain, snow, sleet, or Edmonton's dreaded wind chill. As we drove by, the kids would whisper to each other that he had been a ninja in a former life. “There's Mr. Ninja!” we'd call out whenever we saw him. We all thought he was awesome.
Mr. Ninja used to live on the block that I grew up on, and I knew he was actually Mr. Chan. I would see him drive by in his minivan, often with his kids and grandkids in tow - always with a big smile on his face.
I remember one year, he started carrying a big cassette player with him while he ran – we're not talking a walkman here – but a tape deck with a speaker. My mom told me that he had taken up working on his English during his runs.
A little while ago, I noticed Mr. Chan's picture on the Wall of Achievement at the Kinsmen Sports Centre. The write up said that his commitment to exercise arose in part from being diagnosed with type II diabetes, something he was determined to fight with exercise and a healthy diet. It went on to say that after the onset of arthritis prevented him from continuing his daily runs, he began swimming 5 days a week at Kinsmen and continued to do so at the age of 91. Mr. Chan is quoted as saying: “Exercise is important to stay healthy and strong. When I'm strong I can do anything. I am happy.”
Mr. Chan passed away on Tuesday at the age of 91. He was a beloved father and grandfather and I know that with his amazing dedication and determination he was a true inspiration to more people than he ever knew – way cooler than being a ninja in my books. Goodbye Mr. Chan, you won't be forgotten.
Here's the obituary and online guest book from the Edmonton Journal:
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/edmontonjournal/obituary.aspx?n=chi-chan&pid=157857421&fhid=14815
-Nathan
Photo: Goodbye Mr. Ninja
May 31, 2012
Mr. Chan was an inspiration. I often noticed him running as I drove to university, reminding me that anything is possible.
~Some girl in a car, Edmonton Ab
Chris
May 31, 2012
RIP to the Riverbend Runner, I never knew your name but now its good to put a name to the face. I remember seeing him run while on my way to school on the school bus even when I was dressed in layers he would be just wearing his gloves and no shirt.. you will always be remembered by all the kids in Riverbend
John Hagg
May 31, 2012
RIP Mr Chan.
Daniel Raw
May 31, 2012
I never knew Mr. Chan personally but he sounds like a great, dedicated man who fought till the end for what he believed in. Much Respect
Another Riverbend Kid
May 31, 2012
Sincerest condolences to the family of Mr Chan.
I remember marveling at the fortitude of the man who could jog bear-chested despite the frigid Edmonton winter weather.
While we congregated near the junior high before our classes, Mr Chan would wave hello as he passed by, and sometimes stop to talk to us kids. His genuine good-nature was obvious. He spoke of his daughters kindly, grinning as he showed us a small piece of white paper with English words that they had translated for him.
M
May 31, 2012
My condolences to the Chan family.
I saw this inspirational man everyday for years when growing up and my parents would always say "that's how you stay young". Every time I saw him in the dead of winter he brought a smile to my face.
Deb Colvin-MacDormand
May 31, 2012
Mr. Chan was an inspiration to the imaginations of my sons. For many years we would see him jogging through our neighbourhood, and my youngest son called him The Lost Ninja. Together we created a story about him that was like a legend until a year ago when we began writing a book for middle readers inspired by his actions. He will be remembered by 3 people who never even met him. We send our condolences to his family.
Some kid on a bus...
May 31, 2012
My condolences to the Chan family.
RIP The Riverbend Jogger. I grew up watching Mr Chan jog every morning on the bus ride to school. I didn't know him but I saw him everyday for the better part of 5-6 years. Definitely a dedicated man and I'm happy I can put a name to the face. May his family have the strength and courage to get through these trying times.
May 31, 2012
My deepest condolences to the Chan family. Although I never knew Mr Chan personally, he was ever present in my life growing up in Riverbend. An inspiration to me an my family.
Christine Hillas
May 31, 2012
May 31, 2012
Sincere sympathies to Ming, Wendy, Ashley, Christine and family. Sending gentle hugs from Pat & Michael's in Picton, Ontario.
May 30, 2012
Many years ago my husband and I and our young children could not believe what we were seeing; an elderly gentleman running with no shirt on in freezing temperatures in January. Being concerned we contacted the EPS. Little did we know many others did too. Chi ran all the time like this. Chi was an amazing example of the human spirit - we will never forget you - God Bless - Jacqueline & Family
Janet Cashin
May 30, 2012
To the Chan Family,
Our deepest condolences on your loss. We are strangers to your family but I feel I must tell you the inspiration your father was to us. Each day my husband Terry, while driving to work, would see your father run on the Rainbow Valley bridge and although having arthritis, he was inspired to attempt running. Terry has since run marathons and this year after watching her father run for ten years our daughter ran her first marathon with her dad in St. Albert two weeks ago. A beautiful moment to see father and daughter run and all because of your father - and his determination and his inspiration. Although we didn't know him personally, we will never forget him. Bless each and every one of you.
Diana Korolak
May 30, 2012
My deepest condolences to Sue & Gordon and the family.
Diana Korolak
Edmonton Police Service.
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