John Chew, of Victoria, British Columbia, passed away on August 20, 2012 surrounded by family. He was born in Victoria November 7, 1924 the seventh of eleven children to Chew Dang and Yee Sze Chew.
John is survived by his wife, Shirley of 57 years; children, Desmond (Joanne) of Vancouver, Nona (Bruce), Christopher of Singapore, Luanne (Craig) and grandchildren Michaela, Elijah, Gareth and Claire; five sisters, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
John was a natural born entrepreneur whose drive and interest in new innovations transformed him from a simple Saanichton farmer, to a successful businessman, who made transactions with a handshake. His core business Chew Excavating Ltd. gave him the opportunity to be involved in real estate development all over Vancouver Island, the mainland and Arizona. He had additional business interests in a waste management company, asphalt recycling, Victoria Harbour Ferries, Victoria Contracting and Municipal Maintenance Corp. and Beachcomber RV park.
John was a founding member of many organizations including the Island Equipment Owner’s Association; Western Pacific Bank, now operating as Canadian Western Bank; and the Victoria Chinese Chamber of Commerce. He was also a member of Uplands Golf Club, Victoria Executive Management Club, and the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce, who in 2007 bestowed him the honour of being the first recipient, of the Governors Lifetime Achievement Award.
John enjoyed giving back to his community by sponsoring many sports teams, including the Chew Excavating Hornets football team, Shamrock Lacrosse players, and Ladies curling. John lived a full life playing the links on his home course of Uplands to Pebble Beach in California, and St. Andrews in Scotland, achieving the elusive “Hole in One” at Makena Resort, in Maui. He also loved to entertain guests on his boat, and fishing the waters of the Queen Charlottes for the big one.
John travelled with Shirley all across Asia, and spent a lot of time in Hawaii and Arizona. He enjoyed vacations with his grandchildren, and gave them putting lessons in the living room.
A memorial service will be held at Centennial United Church, 649 Gorge Road East, Victoria, on Monday, August 27, 2012, 2:30 pm. Reception following.
The Chew family would like to thank the wonderful caring, emergency room staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. In lieu of flowers please remember John by giving a donation to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation. Wilson Block, 1952 Bay St., Victoria, B. C., V8R 1J8. www.victoriahf.ca
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
13 Responses
Just wanted to give my sympathy to the Chew family. I never knew John, but my father Percy McDonald worked for his company Chew Excavating for years, back in the 70’s. He still to this day mentions all the time about how John was the best employer he had ever had. He also always mentions that John had a very kind heart and would go out of his way to help out others. I’m sure John will be deeply missed, and to his family…I’m so sorry for your loss.
Best Wishes: Danny McDonald
I first met John when I joined Western & Pacific Bank in 1987. While he was a true businessman he was also a kind and interested person. My sympathy to all of his family. I know he will be dearly missed but he has left a wonderful legacy of personal values for all to learn from.
Tracey Ball
CFO
Canadian Western Bank
Our condolences to Shirley and family. Our thoughts are with you!
Lorne & Phylis Broughton