Passed away peacefully on December 21, 2011 at age 92. A native Victorian, Jack was predeceased by his loving wife Bessie; brother Kee; and sister Leona Mah. He is survived by brother Harry (Carol); sisters Jennie Lee, Beatrice Tang, and Ethel Lee-Ott (Edward) of Toronto; he also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and his godson Colin Joe (Donna), and their son Andrew.
Jack and Bessie operated Tang’s Pagoda Clothing Store on Douglas Street for over 50 years. He was a charter member of the Victoria Chinatown Lions Club, and an elder at the Chinese Free Mason (Dart Coon Club). Jack took pride in being a member of the first Victoria Chinese Scout Troop, formed in 1932. He was also a square dancer and figure skater in his younger years. In recognition of his community service, Jack was made an honorary citizen of Victoria. Jack will be sadly missed but not forgotten.
A funeral service and reception will be held at MCCALL BROS., Vancouver & Johnson Streets, Victoria, BC, on December 29, 2011 at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Victoria Chinatown Community Care Foundation, BC Cancer Foundation, or the BC Lions Society for Children with Disabilities. Special thanks to the staff at Ross Place, Selkirk Place, and Glengarry Hospital for the care they gave Jack during the past few years.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
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Roberta Rutledge Engelhart
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Roberta Rutledge Engelhart I have thinking about Jack for sometime. I sent a Christmas card but it was not returned so I had no idea until this morning. I always called him Granpa Jack as my father was a Lion in district B and he and my mom were son #2 and daughter #2. I wish we had known sooner.
To the family you might of found pictures of my daughter Maegan with Jack and Bessie and many I sent them. If you did and would send them to me please email me.
The last time Jack and I talked on the phone we laughed about old times…told him I was not able to come visit him…I became disabled and needed a walker then…now I can not walk since an auto accident.
He wanted me to come so I could copy some of Bessies recipes…which briught
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Bruce & Darlene Chan Dear Family of Jack C. Tang,
Please accept our condolences on Jack’s passing. We have known Jack and Bessie for many, many years and have fond memories of taking our children to sit in front of their store (on chairs provided by Jack and Bessie) to watch the Victoria Day parade. After the parade, Jack and Bessie would host a ‘pot luck’ lunch with Jack happily cooking up the hot dogs and onions.
Jack was a kind, caring and generous man, never speaking ill of anyone and giving freely of his time to anyone in need. We are saddened by his passing and feel blessed to have known him.Sincerely,
Bruce, Darlene, Jason & Andrea Chan.
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Pat Butler (Mar) Dear Jack,
You and Bessie always made me feel so welcomed. Your kindness and zest for life and laughter, truly defined you as the wonderful people you were. You will greatly be missed.
Pat Butler (Mar)
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Jim in Vancouver Dear Uncle Jack,
Your unconditional acceptance, generous heart and open mind, easy laughter and extraordinary hospitality have set an example and a challenge for my life.
I look around my home and see reminders of you and Auntie Bessie everywhere. It is not in physical things, but in the reflections of how you approached life.
Thank you.
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Bruce Hope Uncle Jack, Your gentle way and warm heartedness will always be remembered to all the family, from the time when we were little kids until now. Its no wonder children were drawn to you, because there was no mistaking your love for kids. While we are in admiration of all you have done in the community, as family we will always treasure the years of having Uncle Jack & Aunt Bessie, and then the last few years when it was just Uncle Jack. We’ve been so blessed by your life. Its sad to say goodbye to you, and to what seems like the end of an era on the Hope side of the family. So long, Uncle Jack
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Sherman Lang Uncle Jack, we will always have fond memories of you and Bessie. Thank-you for all the joy and happiness that you spread. How may countless others were lucky enough to have received a little surprise and big smile from you?
Sherman, Pancy & Pencilla
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Judy Hope Dear Uncle Jack, you brought a smile to all of our hearts with your joy and gentleness. We carry you in our hearts. Love from Judy and family in Calgary.
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Jackie Ngai Uncle Jack, You will always be remembered in my heart as a very kind and generous man who always made everyone smile with your treats and balloons. You will be dearly missed.
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alice hope Whenever our family gets together and share memories we always mention visiting Uncle JAck and Auntie Bessie at their wonderful home on Douglas Street. We spent time hunting for the perfect gift for them, something new and exciting that would please them and their extended family. Uncle JAck will be sorely missed by his extended family. He was a brave and wonderful person. Now he is with Bessie, they were a perfect couple.
Condolences to the family, Alice in Calgary
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kim harbottle hello there,
my name is kim harbottle and i’m the daughter of al & joyce harbottle (jack and bessie used to square dance with al & joyce). all of my thoughts and prayers go to jack’s family at this very difficult and sad time
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Madeline Hope Uncle Jack, I will always remember your wonderful smile. Sending lots of love to your family and friends. Rest in peace. Madeline and family.
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Michael Hope So long Uncle Jack. Thanks for the many laughs and cheerful memories.
Michael Hope – Calgary
Brought me to the internet to look up his number and saw that he passed away. My mom Ann Rutledge is 93 soon to be 94 in December will be saddened by the news, as we both talk about the wonderful couple they were and how funny Jack was. I always lived his spoon for sugar.
I am very sorry I did not go to see him but medical issues prevented me. I will miss Jack just as I have missed Bessie…we both loved the yardage stores when they came to Seattle.
Roberta Rutledge Engelhart and family