James Alan Loo (Jim) Sing

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.

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