It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Soo Yin Wong on March 30, 2025 at the age of 94.
Soo’s memory will live on through his loving wife of 67 years, Yu Choi; daughter Marilyn, son Freeman (Sharon), daughter Lana (Randy), grandchildren Thomas, Simon, David, sister Veng Jin Gee; along with numerous nephews, nieces and friends. He was predeceased by his father, Him S. Wong and mother, Shun Wan Wong, and sisters Jean Chin and May Yuet.
Soo was born and raised in Toisan, Guangdong, China and immigrated to Halifax in 1952. After 6 months, Soo and his father moved briefly to Montreal before settling in Moose Jaw. Soo knew he had to have good English skills and proudly passed his Grade 12 English exam at Peacock Technical High School. In Moose Jaw, Soo’s first job was working at the Exchange Café where he established himself as a hard worker. In 1958, Soo returned to Hong Kong to attend the wedding of his dear friend Mr. Tap Quon, where he met Yu Choi. They married on March 16, 1958.
Soo was a self-employed business man owning Cy’s Lunch Café and then the Coin-Op Cleaning Center laundromat which he sold when he retired in August, 1995. Soo raised his family in Moose Jaw and enjoyed living in a small town with a close community of friends. It was his one wish that his children all graduate from University.
Soo was an active member of the Moose Jaw Chinese Association and the Chinese Men’s Club. An avid sports fan, his favorite hockey team was the Montreal Canadiens. He was a proud season ticket holder to the Saskatchewan Roughriders football team and enjoyed trips to Regina to watch the games and go out for dinner with his good friends Tap and Gale. In his retirement, he enjoyed walking, travelling and spending time with family and friends. He also supported other Chinese families new to Moose Jaw with helping them set up their own businesses. Soo was widely known in the Chinese community as someone who would always lend a helping hand to others.
Soo and Yu Choi moved to Vancouver, BC in the spring of 2016. Once in Vancouver, they reconnected with many friends and regularly attended Wong’s Benevolent Association dinners. Soo will always be remembered for his gentle spirit, soft laugh, quiet wisdom and easy-going nature.
The family extends sincere gratitude to the doctors, nurses, staff and caregivers at Vancouver General Hospital for their kind and compassionate care.
A private celebration of life will be held for family and close friends in Vancouver, BC, on April 17, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Vancouver General Hospital or the BC Cancer Foundation.
