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Bill Chow Obituary

Published by Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on Mar. 16, 2013.

Bill Chow June 12, 1922- March 12, 2013 Passed away peacefully at Brock Fahrni, surrounded by his family, at the age of 90. Born in Cumberland B.C., Bill was a WWII Veteran attached to the British Army Force #136 in Asia. On returning, he took a horology course and opened Bill Chow Jewellers in Kerrisdale in 1950, retiring in 1988. Bill was a long-time member of the T.B. Vets Branch 44, the Burma Star Veterans Association, the Chinese A.N.A.V. Pacific Unit #280, Chown Mem Chinese United Church and Vancouver Numismatic Society. He enjoyed many years at the Kerrisdale Seniors Centre, especially the dancing. Bill was awarded the Queens Silver Jubilee medal for his dedication, respect and love for others. Bill is survived by his wife Lily (nee Chin) for 54 years. Loving father of Terry (Heather), Janice (Mark), Elaine (Hank) and grandfather of Morgan, Nigel, Tanner, Colton, Brenden, Kyra, Cole and Jazmine. Predeceased by son Donald in 1999. Survived by siblings, Mamie, Park, Wayne, Jack and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ANAVETS 1616 East 22nd Ave, or The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 44, 1410 Kootenay St.

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Recent Activity

December 7, 2013

Murray Walker posted to the memorial.

April 28, 2013

Peter Moogk posted to the memorial.

April 9, 2013

Melanie Chow posted to the memorial.

9 Entries

Murray Walker

December 7, 2013

Hi Lily and family. I just learned, nine months after the fact, of Bill's passing and want to extend my condolences to you all. Looking back, he had a considerable influence in my formative years. He was remarkably tolerant of a pesky neighbor boy asking question after question about everything imaginable as I followed him around his house. He was my first ever employer, a great mentor in the ways of the working world. I think I learned the entire repertoire of popular Christmas songs from the radio in the jewellry store during those holiday seasons I worked there. Bill took me smelt fishing off the beach at English Bay which always seemed like a refreshing bit of "old world" in the midst of a big twentieth century Canadian city. He was everything a young boy could ask for in an adult neighbor.

Peter Moogk

April 28, 2013

Bill was a faithful member of the Vancouver Numismatic Society for currency collectors and is greatly missed by his fellow members. His memory will be honoured at our next meeting.

At the Chinese Emperor's Summer Palace 2012

Melanie Chow

April 9, 2013

Hello Uncle Bill and Aunt Lilly,
Your home was always the focal point of every family gathering whenever we were in Vancouver. From the time we were kids to middle age and even now, as we age into our 50s.
Uncle Bill will be missed by the community and the entire "Chow Clan" for his quick laugh, kind words and amazing generosity. Anita, Alvin and I (Melanie), along with their spouses Don and Stacey and their children Chad, Kevin, Nathan and Nolan learned, the best family gatherings in Vancouver were at your warm and wonderful home, up on the hill (as I used to call it). We would always meet other cousins and their families and get to know the new family members or be re-acquainted with others.
It was always so interesting to walk around your home and see all the different keepsakes and pieces you kept. We could imagine where the items came from or where they had been, before they arrived at your home…until Uncle Bill shared with us, the actual stories behind them…
Thank you for all the wonderful memories….we will truly miss you Uncle Bill. God Bless you and your beautiful family.
Sincerely,
The “Park Wing Chow Clan” from the Canadian Prairies.

Melanie Chow

April 7, 2013

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Julia Mackey

March 27, 2013

Dear Mrs. Chow & Family, I wanted to let you now how very sorry I was to hear of Bill's passing. He and I met at the Vancouver Art Gallery back in 2004, when they had the Canvas of War Exhibit there. Bill was in his Legion Uniform, and I remember chatting with him and interviewing him about his experiences during WW2. He was a very kind man and we kept in touch for a few years. I saw him in the Remembrance Day Parade that year too, and he even kindly drove me to the airport when I was on my way to Normandy for the 60th Anniversary of D-Day Ceremonies. We met a few times for coffee and I always enjoyed his company. He was always so very kind. I wish he had had a chance to see the play I wrote as a tribute to veterans like Bill. It is called Jake's Gift and i wrote it after that trip to Normandy. Had we not lost touch, it would have been wonderful to have him at the show and to meet you all. I am so very sorry for your loss. Bill was a very kind person, and I shall never forget him nor his service during the war and afterwards. Sincerely, Julia Mackey

Bill Chow

March 21, 2013

My deepest sympathy to all your family. J.Alexander

Douglas Chow

March 17, 2013

I'll miss the Uncle whom I spent so many summers with, always asking him "can I see your army uniform?" Practically every summer we came to Vancouver for vacation, and during university every weekend I came over for dinner. I had wonderful childhood vacations in Vancouver thanks to Uncle Bill & Aunt Lil. A home away from home. I'll miss you Uncle Bill.

Merrianne Mar

March 16, 2013

My father Gilbert Mar served alongside Mr. Chow in Burma & Malaya during WWII with Force 136, he often spoke of his friend. Our family sends deepest condolences at this sad time. He will be missed by all.

Merrianne Mar
Paula Mar

Pete Pallett

March 16, 2013

Dear Mrs. Chow & family: Bill was one of the first neighbours I met when we moved in next door to you. He was always so friendly and quick to smile. I remember him bringing us tomatoes and squash from your garden. Most of all, I remember Bill as being the best possible neighbour one could wish for. Mrs. Chow still is, and the family as well. Bill was loved and respected by all who met him. May you find some comfort in your great loss.

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