Ronald Lou-Poy

LOU-POY, Ronald February 9, 2022 On February 9th, 2022, Ronald Lou-Poy was called to the highest court. Surrounded by the love of his devoted wife, May, and children, Patrick and Anne Marie, he passed peacefully, but not before saying that he was happy, fulfilled and wanted to go to Chinatown for noodles and a beer. His loss brings great sadness to family and friends but also great joy in knowing the full life that he lived. Ron was a proud third generation Victorian. In his youth he attended George Jay Elementary, Chinese Public School, and helped out at his father's wholesale fruits and vegetable company. Upon graduating from Victoria High School he was destined for secretarial college. The astute advice of his revered high school counsellor and long-time mentor (Lawrie James Wallace, CM) convinced his father that Ron should go to university. He attended Victoria College (UVic forerunner) and the University of BC, B.Comm., 1957, Bachelors of Law (1960) before being called to the Bar in 1961 and articling for Crease Harman & Company. There he enjoyed a long and storied career of 52 years, achieving managing and senior partner. Ron's deep-rooted love and devotion to family, friends and the community gave impetus to his lifetime of public service. He relished the countless hours involved with organisations, foundations, committees, and boards (Kiwanis Club, the United Way, Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, Crime Stoppers, Victoria Police Board, MacPherson Foundation and others). Ron was an original director of the UVic Innovation and Development Corporation, and served two terms on the UVic Board of Governors. In 2004, he was elected UVic's 9th Chancellor and served two terms. He delighted in the honour of celebrating the educational achievements of others. Ron's lifetime of unwavering service to the community earned him recognitions and accolades; Queen's Council, Honorary Doctorates of Law (UVic) Queen's Jubilee medal, Freemason of Saanich, and the Order of Canada. Ron's private life was defined by his love of family and friends. During his time at UBC, he courted May (B.Sc & Pharm) with the help of music legends, like Sinatra and Nat King Cole. He grew to know May's family, as her two older brothers and three younger sisters also graduated from UBC. Ron and May married and returned to Victoria where they lived on the same street for over 60 years welcoming their own children and grandchildren. On the arrival of his own children, Ron started going to church a little more often and working on weekends. He instilled in his children his love of golf, tennis, skiing, travel, and celebrating with family and friends over a shared meal. As an avid golfer, Ron could be found on the greens at Uplands Golf Course, an active member since 1970, or at the Oak Bay tennis bubble. Family ski trips always included a well-deserved apres-ski plate of nachos, beer and a great Sean Connery flick. Ron especially enjoyed the ease of guided travel, visiting sites, meeting people, tasting exotic fare, and going with the flow all the while, with a good book in hand. Hosting was his forte, his generosity was boundless, and the bar was always open. Known for his constant wit, Ron loved to tell a good joke, but often erupted in laughter before delivering the punchline. He is fondly remembered for leaving his party in stitches. Maybe it was the way Ron saw May as his equal that won her heart or that he was always happy to dance. His family often watched in awe as one led and the other followed, gliding across the dance floor in fluid harmony. His love and devotion to his wife, family, friends and community taught us that like a dance, "sometimes you get to lead and oftentimes you have to follow, and that is the rhythm of life". Ron was the perfect partner, father, grandfather. He was always right on tempo and never missed a beat. His kindness, patience, generosity and mischievous humour defined a life well lived. He had a zest and great appreciation for life and all those he met along the way. He is survived by his loving and devoted spouse of 64 years, May, his children Patrick (Shauna), Anne Marie (Jamie) and grandchildren Matthew, Marcus, Davis, Curtis, Amelia, and Wyatt. He has been reunited with his father (Harry Lou-Poy), mother (Alice Lou-Poy), sister (Nancy Lou-Poy) and other wonderful family and friends. A celebration of Ron's life will be held at a later date. Flowers gratefully declined, those wishing to make memorial donations in memory of Ron, please consider: The Victoria Chinatown Care Foundation Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association University of Victoria Child Care Centres (the Lou-Poy Childcare Centre): https://extrweb.uvic.ca/donate/child-care Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallgardens.com