Died peacefully surrounded by family on July 2, 2012 in Victoria, BC. Born in Langford on June 19, 1928, Jim was predeceased by his father, Loo Gim Sing; mother, Loo Joan Shee; brothers, Roy, George and Frank; sisters, Mary Wong, Nellie Chan, Marjorie Sing and nephew, Alan Sing.
Survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Nancy; lovingly remembered by children, Kevin (Jill), Valerie Sing Turner, Marilyn Sing (Tim Evans), Jodi Lauder (Kevin). Goong-Goong will be greatly missed by his “pride and joy” grandchildren and step-grandchildren. Also left to remember his remarkable life are his sisters, Elsie and Margaret, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many, many friends and neighbours. Raised in Gordon Head, graduated from Mount Doug. Well-known greenhouse operator and agricultural innovator; in 1960, Jim partnered with federal researchers to develop an on-site research program in hydroponic crop vegetables in concert with a lab at the Saanichton Experimental Farms. This led to hydroponically-grown tomatoes for the 1963 season, marking the first commercial hydroponic greenhouse crop in Canada. His collaborations also led to viable hydroponic commercial production of Long English and White Spine cucumbers and sweet peppers. He also led the eventual merger of the Vancouver Island Greenhouse Growers with the Lower Mainland Growers which has become the “BC Hothouse” brand. His pioneering work was recognized with the Lifetime National Gold Mountain Entrepreneurial Award at a 2008 ceremony celebrating 150 years of Chinese Achievement in Canada. Jim retired from active growing in 1992 but continued to mentor and consult to other greenhouse growers. He enjoyed a retirement that included lots of golf and travel, spending time with his grandchildren and puttering around in his extensive garden producing zucchini, beans, tomatoes and amazing Spartan apples, all of which he shared with everyone he knew. Jim was extremely generous with his time to assist his community; from Treasurer of the Yen Wo Society (Chinese Temple) for over 50 years and President of the Chinatown Care Society, to truck driver for many bottle drives for school band fundraisers. He put in countless hours as a Commonwealth Games volunteer and was a enthusiastic supporter of many charities. Jim was a member of the Uplands Golf Club at the time of his passing and previously a 35-year member of Gorge Vale Golf Club and Victoria Chinese Golf Club. Jim was known for his sense of humour and contagious laugh. An avid gardener, teller of stories, aficionado of smooth Rye, lover of good restaurants and Nancy’s home cooking, Jim’s real passion however, was his family – his dedication and unwavering support to all of us will never be forgotten. Special thanks to the Emergency Room Staff at Victoria General for their compassionate care during Dad’s final hours.
Private Family Service. There will also be a Celebration of Jim’s Life open to all at Uplands Golf Club, 3300 Cadboro Bay Road, Sunday, July 22, 2012 from 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria Chinatown Care Foundation, 555 Herald Street Victoria, BC V8W 1S5, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of BC and Yukon, 107-1001 Cloverdale Avenue, Victoria, BC V8X 4C9. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
29 Responses
Sending this wee sympathy note as I only knew Robbie from long distance, he was such a great support to my beloved uncle at Berwick.
On a couple of occasions, I sent special requests for Robbie to do something for Uncle Mac, which he did most graciously and willingly.
Although I live in Oregon, I was touched by Robbie’s greatness and ability to be a friend.
From your nephew Tim, son of Max and Star, I will never forget going shipping on Saturdays and riding in the big white truck with wood sideboards on Oldfield road and eating the drumstick ice cream treat that you bought me from the corner store. Thanks for taking me to Vancouver in the BMW for business. I pray that Jesus be with Aunty Nancy, cousin Jodi, Valerie, Marylin and Kevin always. I always had fun working at your greenhouse, making boxes and getting paid a penny a box and Greg (my brother) and I having competition to see who could make the most. Rest in peace Uncle Jim.
To Nancy and loving family Jim Sing,
,
We had to search back into our distant memory to recall the last time we had seen you and Jim and your happy family.But it was a very happy memory that was filled with joy and health and a promise of a bright future.
I feel that Jim and I were kindred spirits: We were both the same age and we shared the love of the game.
I have always admired Jim for his love of life and his indominable will to succeed. And I envy his resoucefulness and all his contributions to his community.
Viviane and I send our deep sympathies and we wish you all much love and good health.
Sincerely ,
George and Viviane Quan.
Dear Nancy,
Ron and I would like to pass on our condolences to you and your family on Jim’s passing.
Wishing you and your family many happy memories of your life together.
Diane and Ron
Dear Nancy & family, our condolences on the passing of your dear Jim. We have fond memories of his great personality & laugh. Ray remembers playing golf with him in the Victoria Chinese Golf Club at Gorge Vale. Sending hugs.
Dear Nancy and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing.He always had such a warm and cheery smile to welcome you home from our golf trips.
May the love of your family and many fond memories bring you comfort at this time.
Patricia
Dear Nancy & Family:
We were so sorry to hear of the recent passing of Jim.
Although we have not seen you and Jim in a while, we will never forget Jim`s warm and friendly smile and personality whenever we had the opportunity to meet him at various functions.
Sadly, you and your family must miss Jim so much, but you all have so many wonderful memories to cherish forever.
Thinking of you and your family in our prayers,
With our sincere condolences,
Pam & Victor Chang-Kue
Dear Nancy and Family:
We share your deep sorrow for the loss of a very fine man and a very good friend.
Joan and Walter Muir
Dear Nancy and all the family,
I was very saddened to hear about Jim’s sudden passing.
It was a great privilege to have met him and seen the joy in his face on that evening of the 150 Years Gala when he was presented with his LIfetime Achievement Award.
In subsequent encounters, he was always kind, happy, dedicated to causes and a proud family man.
He will be much missed.
My thoughts to you all,
Amanda Mills