Nov 18, 1936 – Feb 4, 2013
The Eng family is sad to announce the sudden passing of Willie Eng on Feb 4, 2013. He will be missed and always remembered by his wife Jane and their children, Daymon (Joanna), Fenton (Susie) and Lannette (Jak New), and his 6 grandchildren Talissa, Ethan, Dylan,Hailey, Kyle, and Carter. He is also survived by mother Mary, sister Louise (Dick Woo), brother Victor (Jane), and sister-in-law Ann, and his many loving nieces and nephews. Willie’s father Eddy and brother Tony predecease him.
Born in Canton City, China, Willie arrived in Canada at the age of 13 and quickly embraced life on Vancouver Island. His teen years were spent assisting his parents, Eddy and Mary Eng, and alongside his brothers Victor and Tony at the Beacon Café in Sidney.He married Jane Chow in 1966 and they quickly established their family in Victoria. As with all his endeavours, he worked hard to put himself through school and became a Chartered Accountant. He operated his own accounting practice in Victoria and spent his free time on the Uplands Golf Course. He was involved in many community organizations including the Victoria Chinatown Lions Club and the Victoria Chinese Chamber of Commerce and helped establish a strong Chinese community in Victoria. His many years in Victoria allowed him to forge life-long friendships that he treasured. His strongest devotion was to his family and his later years were spent enjoying many happy times with his grandchildren. Willie will always be remembered for his charismatic, generous spirit and his love of people. He was an exuberant father and grandfather and a truly unique and special person. Dad, we raise a glass to you at the 19th hole.
A private, immediate family only celebration of life has been held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria Chinatown Lions Club c/o 1883 San Juan Avenue, Victoria, B.C., V8N 2J3. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
-
Queenie Mow Chee
-
Vicki Jan Dear Jane, Sorry to learn of Willie’s passing.
Extending our deepest sympathy in your sorrow.
Love Vicki and Kevin
-
Rommel & Leona Loof To Jane and family,
It is with great saddeness that we hear of Willie’s passing. Our deepest condolences go out to you and your family at this time. It brings us to remember all our times spent during the “Concord” days.
Rommel and Leona Loof
-
Peter Spear Mary and family,
I was saddened to hear of Willie’s passing, as you may remember,
I am the middle son of Frank and Frankie Spear. I remember with
great fondness your family and specially Willie and the friendship
shared by our families, and meals at the Beacon Cafe.
I share some of your pain and wish you and your family – only
good or funny memories, joy and celebration of his life.with great friendship – Peter
-
Annette and Wendell Pang Dear Jane and family,
Annette joins me in sending condolences on Willie’s recent passing. I have fond memoried of Willie’s occasional vacations to Hawaii, bunking in with Viola and Frank Ong. We did manage to get in a couple of rounds of golf as well. We also enjoyed hooking up with you both at dinner in Victoria during our visit several years ago. I will always remember Willie as someone smaller in stature, but bigger than life. Warmest regards.
-
Bryce Jackson (Hidden Dragon Old Chinatown) Will keep Willie and his valued advice with me forever. He was a great guy, mentor and businessman. Next time I’m in the “bird” a toast will ring out to this great man who enriched our community.
How’s business on the other side Willie? Rest in peace.
-
Murray and Corinne Coell Dear Jane and Family,
Murray and I were shocked and saddened to hear the news of Willie’s passing. I remember him with a happy heart from my days working with his Family at the Beacon Cafe in Sidney! So many good memories. Our hearts go out to all of you.
Sincerely,
Corinne and Murray Coell
-
Derek & Brenda Chow Dear Jane & Family
Our sincere condolences and may your memories of Willie bring you strength at this time of mourning. We will always remember him for his cheerful smile and being considerate of others. May he rest in peace.
Derek & Brenda
-
Paul Watts Just wanted to say stay strong Eng family. God bless.
-
Nanda Joe Dear Jane:
My very sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of Willie. I will always remember him for his cheerful countenance and pride in his family.When you are up to receiving visitors, I like to drop by. I heard from Joan that you have moved. Please drop me a line with your new address. I will be away until March 15th.
Mostly sincerly,
Nanda
-
Judy and Dick Zala To memories of many years ago.
Our sincere condolences.
Judy and Dick
-
Lesley Green (from Clapp & Company) I was so sorry to hear about Willie’s passing. He always had a smile on his face when I saw him and a sparke in his eye. He will be missed.
My deepest sympathies to Jane and his family.
Lesley
-
Lena and Mervin Lee To Mary, Jane and Family,
We are very sorry to hear of your loss.
With sincere sympathy,
Lena and Mervin
-
Janet and Ken Leffek Dear Jane and family,
It was a sad shock to read of Willie’s passing. Although we usually saw him only once a year, at Christmas, he was always friendly and cheerful, a really upbeat person, and he added much sparkle to the party. His passing will leave a great void in many lives, most especially in those of the family.
We send you all our heartfelt sympathy.
Most sincerely, Janet and Ken
-
Helen & Larry Wong Dear Jane & family,
We were so sad to hear about Willie’s passing. We have fond memories of his exuberant energy and how he embraced his many interests, including all his activities with the Chinatown Lions Club. He has truly left the world a better place.
We are thinking of you and send you our heartfelt condolences.
Helen & Larry
-
Bill Barratt To Willy’s family
My sincerest condolences. I have very poignant memories of working with Willy and his friends in the founding and establishing the Western & Pacific Bank of Canada (now the Canadian Western Bank).
Yours sincerely
Bill Barratt
-
Joyce and Garry To Jane and Family
I am so sorry to hear about Willie’s passing. He is in Heaven and with God now.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time.
Love Joyce and Garry
-
vilma sequeira Deepest sympathy. will remember him in my prayers.
Vilma
-
Dominic & Lita Vessio We were so sorry to learn of Willy’s passing. He was a kind and gentle man who always had time to make one feel special. Once, when Lita and I were in Victoria, Wendy took us to see Willy at his office and, even though he was obviously busy, he took time to visit with us and made us feel so welcome. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
-
Phil and Carol Winterbottom Dear Jane and Family,
Carol and I are very saddened to read about Willie. Although we haven’t seen each other for many years we have a connection that goes back over 50 years. We remember the fun we had at dinners, dances and each other weddings, so long ago. Phil remembers his trip to San Francisco in Willie’s little Morris Minor. We are pleased to read about your famiy, who we know will be a great help and comfort to you. With very deepest sympathy to you and your family,
Phil and Carol Winterbottom
-
Dave& Lynn Marshall To Willie’s family. I first met Willie when he came to Sidney School.. he was in Grade 2 with me for one day, and of course he moved on until the teachers decided where he should be placed. He ended up graduating with my husband from NSHS. We saw him last year at a school reunion, it was great to see Victor with him. Many a good meal was had at the BEACON CAFE! The Engs were a great , hard working family. He shall be missed. Thinking of you at this sad time. Dave&Lynn Marshall
-
Muriel Ho Hi Jane!
So sorry to hear about Willy’s passing. My love and deepest sympathy to you and your family.
If you’re ever out this stop by to visit.
Love, cousin Muriel
-
Don Dobbie Jane & family – my sincere sympathy.
What a shock. Stopped in to have a chat with Willie not too long ago, saw him at hockey game, last year. He was his usual self, full of life, updated me on all his family, and queried the health and wellbeing of my family. Told me that the family home was up for sale, so assumed that he was preparing for retirement, as if he ever would be.
-
Jo-Anne Kern Dear Jane and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of Willie’s passing. You were the best of neighbours, and Willie was especially good to my children. My son Troy had a good friendship with Willie and will miss him a lot.
Please take care.
Jo-Anne
-
Ali Leclair Sorry to hear about your loss. My deepest sympathy.
-
Jack Chan My deepest condolences to the family. Wil has been a mentor and a friend to me and my brothers for many years and he will be sadly missed. Until we meet again………..
-
joan lew Hi Jane,
So very sorry to hear that Willy has passed away – our thoughts are with you and your family.
May the fond memories you have help you through this very difficult time.With sincere sympathy,
joan lew & family
-
Patrick and Victoria Dear Auntie Jane and Family,
My deepest condolences. I always remember Uncle Willy as a man who enjoyed life to the fullest, surrounded by family and friends on any given occasion. His irrepressible personality could fill a room and even as a young child playing with my brother at Daymon and Fenton’s Saanich home, I could appreciate his spirit.
He has a wonderful legacy of family and friends to carry on his memory and must be very proud.
Sincerely,
Patrick, Victoria, Madeleine and Mackenzie Nolan-Eng
-
Elaine Rigby Jane, Daymon, Fenton & Lannette
The sudden loss of Willie was of a great shock to me. Not only was he my boss for several years, he was also my friend even after my retirement. We shared many hard working days and even evenings together. Willie never left any task unfinished for the day. After my retirement, I learned to golf and told Willie that someday we would have to have a game together. So instead of a game Willie, I will have to salute your spirit with a glass on the 19th hole.
With sincere sympathy to all the family.
Elaine & Mike Rigby
-
Ming @ Nancy Eng Jane and family,
Our heartfelt condolences on your sudden loss of a loved one. We will always remember the happy times we shared at your ” country estate” and at your home in the Uplands.
with deepest sympathy,
Ming and Nancy
-
Lorne Chan We will always remember the fond memories of when our families would get together. Willie and Dad were very great friends who shared a lot of great food, vacations and fun times together. I remember the years of service our folks dedicated towards the Lions Club. It was fun and rewarding at the same time.Your dad was our family accountant for many years.
We share in your loss and are thankful for the great times that we were able to spend with your dad.
Yours sincerely,
Lorne, Lillian, Linda and Kerry
-
Verna & Herman Leung Jane & Family
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Our deepest sympathy
Verna & Herman
-
Colin Johnson My condolences for your loss. Willie was always welcoming and inclusive.. He was one of those rare people that had an infectious personality and gave you energy. You left your interaction with him feeling better after than before.. Celebrate his life and hang on to the memories.
God Bless
Colin
Dear Jane,
Our deepest sympathy on your sudden loss of Willie. I will never forget the first time we all met, -through Uncle Jack & Aunty Bessie Tang at your first home in Saanich in 1971. You all were such wonderful hosts!
You have been a very gracious and faithful wife and good mother, and we hope this loss will just serve to deepen the bonds you have with your children and grandchildren and friends.
Prayers for Willie and our condolences to you and your family.
With aloha,
Queenie & Wilbert