With immense sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Wilson Sze Chong Lai at home on February 20th, 2018.
Wilson was born in 1938 in China. He finished his secondary education in Hong Kong and went to the University of Melbourne, Australia for his university education. After accomplishing his bachelor degree in Commerce, he went back to Hong Kong to join in the family fabric business. With his participation, the family business expanded and flourished. He travelled all over Europe and S.E. Asia in search of fabric and made many long-term friendships with people there.
With the Cultural Revolution in China spreading to Hong Kong, he, his father and elder brother came to Victoria, BC to visit one of their friends. They were introduced to Mr. David Burr senior who in turn introduced the Leland apartment block along Douglas Street for them to buy. There were subsequent purchases after they went back to Hong Kong.
In 1997 when the lease of Hong Kong to the British was expiring, his family diversified their business to Victoria with the construction of the City Centre Plaza and the establishment of Gala Fabrics. For all of these developments, Wilson was the prime mover in the family. He made many friends in Victoria an Vancouver.
He is survived by his 50 years plus relationship partner Douglas, brothers S.N. and Ephrem, sister-in-law Rosa and Judith, sisters Janice and Isabella and many nephews and nieces.
We would like to thank Dr. Rosenberg, Dr.Manning and their staff for all the care given to Wilson.
A Funeral Service for Wilson will be held on Wednesday, February 28th, 2018 at 10 am in The Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, with a Celebration of his Life to be announced at the Service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Victoria Foundation, 703 Broughton Street #200, Victoria, BC V8W 1E2.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Ana Rose Aniban
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William Ninong wilson I will treasure all memory that we have since I was a child. We are very thankful for your kindness.
We always love you
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Janine Deofilo We will missed you so much Mr. Lai. One of the nicest people I’ve ever met in my whole life. We performed in many places because of him at the same time we enjoy a lot and he give so much blessings to everyone also part of laguna. I’m very thankful to you Sir! We will never forget you until we get old. I know you are with God. I Love you sir Mr. Lai.
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charlie agatep Our deepest sympathy to the family of sir wilson. We are the employee and friends from the Philipines.
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Aniban Family There’s no word that can describe what we felt when we knew that Sir Wilson already left us. The person who touched our lives has finally met our creator. He will surely be missed by my family and all of the people who cared for him. One thing is for sure, We didn’t lose him, he will forever stay in our hearts.
We send our deepest sympathy to Douglas and Sir Wilson Lai’s family.
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Kenneth Ninong Wilson, you were a very kind and great man.
Ninong, thank you for being a part of our lives. We will forever value your teachings that you taught us, and they will be an inspiration for us to do good things for other people.
We may not be able to see you again but you will always be in our hearts.
Sincere Condolences.
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Ricky A. Cueto Thank you very much for being a second father to us… you are a very kind and generous man. We thank you for being part of our lives. We love you so much, you will always be in our hearts.
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Leianne and al Sir wilson was a very generous and kind person. He is very helpful to all his employees. Sir wilson u are always in our heart. We love you and me and my family was very thankful to have you. Al and family
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dennis luar sir wilson is a very very kind person. he is my husband boss since 1990 here in the philippines. he have a lot of employee here in the philippines. we are very sadness. sir wilson we love you so much.
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Les Youie OAM Wilson was a loving and caring brother to Joanna(dec.) all her life and he will now be with her again for always in Heaven.
He was was a wonderful brother-in-law to Les and a good friend. He gave and shared whatever he had to all around him.
We enjoyed a number of holidays and cruises together over many years as well as great celebratory dinners for special occasions such as his “Man of the Year Awards”.
We will miss his happy smiling face and share with Douglas, happy memories.
He will remain with us in our thoughts for a long time to come and we know that he is now in peace with God.
Les Youie, Melbourne, Australia.
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Mart Wise As with so many others, Wilson was a huge part of my life since I came to work for him 22 years ago. His kindness, generosity, charm and integrity were an inspiration as we worked together for University Heights. I will always deeply appreciate all he did for me and the thoughtful kindnesses he extended to my family. His two notable sayings, “no problems,only solutions” and “one eye open, other one closed” sum up so much of his approach and philosopy.
He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, especially dear Douglas, Ephrem, Judy, and all his nieces and nephews. My heartfelt condolences and sympathy to them.
Restfull peace to you Wilson, you did well.
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Tomas Wise Wilson was the best example of humanity I can recall generous kind and always wanting the best for everyone. Never judgemental always a soothing presence he will be remembered for his kindness and above all for me as his willingness to offer opportunity to anyone equally no judgement do a job do it well and you will do well this is what he taught me.
My thoughts are with Douglas and all the Lia family.
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Catherine Yeoh & family Alife that touches others go on forever. The passing of Uncle Wilson will leave a deep, deep void in many of our hearts. May the love and tenderness of golden years we spent with him be remembered by all of us. May memories of his kindness and generosity be our strength; may his wits and wisdom wipe away our tears and bring us hope; and may his love of life and jovial nature continue to shine on us.
Uncle Wilson, may you rest in eternal peace.
From Catherine (daughter of Lai Lai Yue) & my Yeoh family extend our deepest sorrow and sympathy to our grieving uncles and aunts of the Lai family, and to Uncle Douglas.
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Georgia Gibbs Wilson was more than a good friend to the Burr family; he was a kind, beloved “Uncle” who was always happy to see us. A gracious and charming gentleman who offered his assistance whenever and wherever needed.
He was elegant, loyal and sincere. He cared first for his family and we remember how proud he was of his nieces and nephews.We offer our condolences to his family, especially to Douglas. We will remember Wilson with great fondness and respect.
Georgia, Imogen, Stephanie and Sam
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Joseph and Lynda Lau We are deeply saddened by Uncle Wilson’s passing. He was well-loved, witty, flamboyant and full of character. We have so many wonderful memories of him that we will forever treasure. We remember Uncle Wilson as a successful entrepreneur and a philanthropist. His big heart touched so many people…from generous donation to the Victoria Hospital Foundations to his philanthropic work abroad.
Uncle Wilson, you will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by your family and friends.
Uncle Doug, Uncle Ephrem, Uncle Sze Nuen, Auntie Janice and Auntie Isabella, wishing you strength and courage in this very sad time.
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Lois Tremblay Just sitting here reading Sunday’s Times Colonist. I am so sorry about “Uncle Wilson”.
I am proud to have met such a fine man!
My sincere condolences to all the Lai Family..
I send my love to all who are grieving his passing.Sincerely, Lois Tremblay
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Jan Collins My deepest sympathy to Douglas and to all the Lai Family. Wilson was a huge part of so many lives – his kindness and generosity touched many and he will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. Rest now Wilson, your work is done.
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Betsy MacInerney Very sincere condolences to all of Uncle Wilson’s family. My thoughts are especially with those of you whom I have shared memories of banquets and visits. Find comfort knowing our Uncle is reunited with many beloved family and friends.
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Annie Sein My very dear friends Joanna and Wilson are together in Heaven. You were both so very kind and generous on earth. Please talk to God and send your blessing to all of us for Peace on Earth. We need your help.
Douglas, please accept my sympathy, be brave and try to enjoy what you can each day. Wilson will be with you spiritually.
Love and sympathy to all of Wilson’s relatives and friends from Annie Sein.
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Matilda Leung We are deeply saddened by the news about our dear Uncle Wilson. He was truly a blessing to everyone and what a warm feeling it had been to be around him. We cherish all the fond moments we shared with him over the years. He will be greatly missed and remembered in our hearts forever. Our thoughts and prayers go with our relatives as we standby Uncle Douglas and the Lai family during this time.
Matilda, Michael, Janice & Gabrielle
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Sue Wilson was loved by so many, he will be sorely missed by Douglas, the Lai Family and his many many friends.
Goodnight and God Bless dear Wilson.
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Lynnie Lew I met Uncle Wilson many years through my sister in law, Ellen. Uncle Wilson was truly an amazing person who will always be remembered for his warm smile, his laughter and kindness.
He will leave a lasting impression in our hearts forever.To Uncle Doug and the Lai Family, may the comfort of God help you through this very difficult time. Words may not wipe away your tears, hugs may not ease the pain. Hold onto your memories of this special man, as they will remain forever. Lynnie Lew
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Dick and Shirley Winstanley Our deepest sympathies are extended to the Lai family for their great loss. While we don’t recall ever having met Douglas, we extend our sincere thoughts to him, and hope all may find comfort and peace in the days ahead.
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Ellen Lew Uncle Wilson, you were (and still are) a very special uncle. Your generous nature and warm heart were there for everybody. You have touched so many lives around the world, leaving a legacy that will continue for many years to come. Truly, you were one of a kind.
I feel very blessed to have had a close relationship with you, even though we were miles apart. You may have unwittingly upset me at times (!) but it never lessened how much I loved you. I will treasure the memories of times spent with you and Uncle Doug – trips together, you being MC at James’ and my wedding, just hanging out with you at home and being with you when you first became ill in HK. I wish I could have been there for you the last 2 years but I know you will understand that I needed to be in Melbourne with Dad and James. All I can say is, Mum will be so happy to have you with her in Heaven. You can be free again. Rest in peace.
To Uncle Doug, Uncle Ephrem, Aunty Judith, Sam Co Foo, Sam Co Mo, Aunty Janice, Aunty Isabella and cousins. we share this loss together. May God be with you all at this time. Much love to you all.
Ellen,
Melbourne, Australia.
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Shane and Ashley Moss Wilson, you were such an inspiring man who will be missed by many. You touched so many lives in such a positive way, your love for children family and friends is irreplaceable. The girls always loved seeing you with your welcoming hugs and smiles. You will be greatly missed. Condolences to Douglas and your Family. Rest In Peace our dear friend.
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Barbara Wong Wilson was my boss over 40 years. He had always been a good and generous boss. He was very kind to me and helped me a lot. He will always be in my heart.
My deepest sympathy to Douglas and the Lai’s Family.
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Ed Lau and Christine Our dearest Uncle Wilson was a kind, loving and popular uncle. We love him a lot and he will be miss by all of us. we like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and Uncle Douglas.
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Mak Fuk Wah Lawr Uncle Wilson was my beloved uncle. I really feel sad and lost for his pass
away. Our deepest sympathy to Uncle Douglas, Uncle S.N.,Eplrem and all the
other Lai’s family and relatives from Mak’s family.
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Sylvia Welch Wilson you may be gone from our site but never our ♥️ hearts
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alberto Cattoni Although we havn’t met for several years Wilson’s departure leave us with a lot of sadness.
Wilson has been a brother, a genuine friend, a great business partner.
We will miss his natural availability, his simpleness, his borderless friendship.
We wish to express to his brothers and sisters, to Douglas and all his closest relatives our warmest condolence.
Alberto and Marilena
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Shannon and Jason Close Wilson was a wonderful generous kind man. My father Colby and my uncle Frank and the entire Smith and Close families had the utmost respect and admiration for Wilson. Our deepest sympathies to the family from our family
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Frances M. Smith Douglas Hamilton. My Deepest Sympathy on Your Loss Of Your Dearest Friend.
Ephrem and Judith, and All the Lai Family My Deepest Sympahy on Your Great Loss of your Brother Wilson who was a wanderful friend to so many people.
Dear Sir,
As I return to this page and contemplate your presence on the internet, perusing your photobooks and pictures, and reminiscing about our shared moments, I find myself grappling with a myriad of emotions. Uncertainty fills my heart as I ponder whether my feelings will manifest as happiness or sadness.
Observing the vast multitude of individuals who hold you in high esteem, expressing their adoration and admiration for your virtuous character, brings a measure of solace to my soul. Amidst my sorrow, witnessing the widespread love and appreciation bestowed upon you provides a semblance of comfort.
From my earliest years, I carry vivid memories of the times we spent together, etching in my mind the moments when I proudly extolled your virtues to my classmates and friends. There was a time when I harbored the fervent desire to accompany you to Canada, yearning for the opportunity to share in your experiences. Alas, little did I foresee that the Divine would summon you from our midst so unexpectedly. How I wish I had seized every moment to relish your presence fully.
Regrettably, circumstances now prevent me from visiting you, but I solemnly pledge that I shall make a diligent effort to enrich myself so that one day I may undertake a pilgrimage to pay my respects. On that momentous day, I shall offer the most exquisite sympathy flower as a token of my profound appreciation, for you bestowed upon us boundless love and selfless support to my family without seeking recompense.
You are an indelible presence in my life, and I anticipate our eventual reunion with fervent eagerness. In striving to emulate your exemplary qualities, I promise to conduct myself with the utmost integrity and compassion. Thank you, for your unwavering dedication and loyalty to your workers in the Philippines. The love and admiration we hold for you are immeasurable.
With deepest gratitude and heartfelt regards,
Ana Rose Aniban