Ronald “George” Chan

Ronald “George” Chan (Oct 30th, 1923 – March 12th, 2010)

George was a wonderful husband to his wife Lillian and a caring father to his children Linda (Ken), Lorne and Kerry (Darlene) and a proud Grandfather to Christopher and Nicole. Son of Mr and Mrs Robert and Yee Chan Tom Shee Chan and step mother Yuen Yee, George was the oldest of 9 children – Noreen (Wally-predeceased), Gilbert (Dorothy) , James (Beverly), (Wilfred -predeceased) (Mary), Paul (May), Loretta (Ken), Alfred (Dawn) and William (Geraldine).

Born in Victoria, George attended Vic High. George, obtained his real estate diploma at UBC (F.R.I) and was the first Chinese real estate agent in Victoria. He worked at Northwestern Securities and Mayfair Realty. George had also formed a successful development company with his brothers Wilfred and William called Rowils Estates. George was an active member of the community and dedicated many volunteer hours to help his community. He was a member and past president of the Victoria Chinatown Lions Club where he dedicated a lifetime of service. He was a director of the Hoy Sun Benevolent Association. He also served as a director for the Chinatown Care Center.

George and his wife Lil were enthusiastic ballroom dancers and were able to meet a wonderful group of friends to enjoy their love of dance with. George and Lil also loved to travel and have travelled with their children to many different international countries and in recent years have loved to go on dancing cruises with their friends.

George, was an avid fisherman, and loved to go salmon fishing with his buddy, Jeff Shong. They caught many trophy salmon and had many fishing stories to tell about the ones that got away. George was a gourmet cook and loved finding new recipes to try.

Six years ago, George suffered a stroke and he was also diagnosed with the early onset of Alzheimer’s. It has been difficult the last 6 years but the family has become closer. Last year, George was fortunately able to get a placement in a home with health care professionals. His first initial placement was at Mt St. Mary’s, then to the Oak Bay Kiwanis (Alzheimer’s Ward). On behalf of the family, we would like to thank our family doctor, Dr. Lane Woodburn and the Oak Bay Kiwanis staff for the fine care that they took with George.

A Celebration of George’s life will take place in McCall Bros. Floral Chapel, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 10:00 am followed by interment at Royal Oak Burial Park.  We would request that  in lieu of flowers, donations would be made to the Oak Bay Kiwanis Pavilion or the Chinese Care Center.