In the presence of his wife, Victor Lik To Chen passed away suddenly in his home on the morning of Saturday, August 19th, 2017 at the young age of 62. He was a model son, loving husband, caring father and a proud grandfather. Victor was born in Hong Kong, China, on May 11th, 1955. While working as a bell boy at The Empress Hotel, he met his wife Joyce and soon declared their love in matrimony on November 21st, 1976. With a son on the way, Victor turned his attention to academia and graduated with a certificate from BCIT in Civil and Structural Engineering Technology in 1979, then instructed municipal engineering courses at Camosun College. His career quickly took off, working at the District of Saanich as a draftsman, Engineering Aide for the District of North Saanich, Senior Engineering Technologist for the City of Colwood and finally, Manager of Engineering Construction for the City of Langford. Throughout his career, Victor was instrumental on projects such as Dean Park Estates, Colwood Corners, Bear Mountain Estates and Golf Course, Westhill Development, Valley View Estates, Millstream Connector, Jacklin Road and Costco. A career veteran in all things related to new construction and infrastructure maintenance, he considered Langford a second home for 20 years. He was equally passionate about his hobbies: a veteran marksman in target shooting, an avid golfer, and casual sports fisherman. Victor was a generous soul often supporting Camosun Civil Engineering students obtain cooperative education work terms and serving on the college’s Civil Engineering Advisory Council. He never missed an opportunity to support the annual Golf for Kids charity event. Victor’s legacy, in part, was creating a desirable and vibrant community in the Westshore. He will be deeply missed by staff, mayor, and council and the City of Langford.
Survived by his mother, Min Hsien; siblings, Anna, Francis (Larry), Griffin (Meika); wife, Joyce and children, Andy (Kimmy), Amy (Calvin); his grandchildren, Kaylee, Cameron, Paige and Jordan and many nieces and nephews.
Public memorial service to be held Tuesday, August 29th at 1 pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens in Royal Oak.
Donations can be made to the Victor Chen Memorial Scholarship payable to the City of Langford Engineering Department.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Robert Stoddart
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Paul Thomas Paul Thomas
I just lost Judy after 38yrs a few weeks ago and know how Joyce and her family must be feeling. Victor phoned me to offer his condolences as I do now. R.I.P Victor we love you .
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Sarah Campden Victor was a dear friend to the Thomas Family, as well as a highly respected colleague of mine for many years.
He will be dearly missed by Paul (Senior) Thomas, Paul (Junior) Thomas, Sarah and David Campden as well as Terra Cox. We wish you all peace during this difficult time and will always remember Victor.
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Judy Estrin Dear Joyce and family,
My heart ached for you when you told me of your husband’s passing. There are no words to truly comfort you as you must now go on having had Victor torn away so suddenly. As I promised, I am available to help you navigate some of the issues that you are going to confront over the next few months. You are surrounded by love and friendship. As always, Judy
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Trudy and Dave Lockhart Joyce, Amy and Andy. I am sorry Trudy and I couldn’t attend the memorial ceremony today. We are so very sorry for your loss. Victor was a true gentleman. We had many laughs at the Jade Palace and I especially remember Al, the fortune teller, who predicted that Trudy was pregnant. He knew before we did. It turned out that she really was.
We had a lot of fun at the range. Victor had tremendous shooting skills and loved passing his knowledge on to new shooters.
He will always be missed and never forgotten.
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Bill Yu Dear Mrs. Min Hsien Chen, Joyce and family,
Pastor Poon told us that Victor went to the Lord all of a sudden. Our prayers be with you and the family. May the Lord’s peace be with you and the family during this difficult time.
In Christ.
Bill Yu
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Joe Chan Even though we haven`t seen each other much over the years I remember Victor from the first time I saw him at the Empress. Although I didn`t realize it then, as I have been thinking to those days, he was a very peaceful and thoughtful man. I am deeply sorry for your loss. Much love, Joe
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Dave Michaud Joyce and Family, so sorry for your loss. Victor was a good guy .
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Elaine Chan, Nora & Peter, Colin & Norma, Nelson & Sophia Mrs. Min Hsien Chen, Joyce and family. We are so sorry to hear of Victor’s passing. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
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Dave & Cathy Becker Our condolences to Joyce and family. Victor was indeed a real gentleman, we will miss his ready laugh and his humour. He taught me a lot about shooting, he was always very generous with his time and knowledge. We will miss him dearly.
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Corrine Anderson Falconer Joyce, Andy, Amy and family,
We are very saddened to hear and read about Victor’s passing. He was an amazing, kind man with a beautiful smile. We are so glad we had a chance to get to know Victor during our various bank gatherings. Joyce, we are wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. We are thinking of you and sending lots of love.
Coco, Dave and Ryan
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Terry Stewart It is with profound sadness that I write offering my condolences for Victor. I had the pleasure of playing golf with Victor over the past 20 years. Early in our aquiantanceship we realized that we had worked together as young bucks at the Empress Hotel as Room Service Waiters way back in the late 1970’s. We had the greatest time laughing it up and having a few sips with Ian, Ross and Graeme at a number of Charity Golf Tournaments. Way back when we named Victor “The Snake” and everytime I saw him I would yell out Snake and he would smile and laugh. I will always remember Victor smiling and having a blast! I will be on away and not be able to attend the service on Tuesday.
Please accept my best wishes.
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Daryl Ashby My thoughts and prayers are with you Joyce, Andy & Amy. The memories I share with Victor as my right hand during his time at The District of North Saanich and during all those fabulous times Wendy and I spent with you and Victor at the Jade Palace will never be forgotten. Victor will be sincerely missed in far more ways than what there is space to print.
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Marla and Blake Handley So sorry for your loss. Hugs.
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David Dahl My sincere condolences, Victor was a real mentor to me as I learned to shoot and I always loved his ready wit and humor. Only the good die young.
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Tie Fraser I am so sorry that Victoria passed so early in life. I will always remember him laughing.
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Mike & Maria McEwan Victor was an amazing person and a wonderful friend, gone far to soon. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
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Andrew MacGillivray We were surprised and saddened to hear of Victor’s untimely passing. He was always a good neighbour and contributed much for the various municipalities in which he worked over the years. Our sincerest condolences to Joyce and family.
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Kim Dolezal Po Po and family,
A very loved and beautiful man will be dearly missed by all.
My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
Kim Dolezal (Kim’s Home Daycare)
and family
Kim’s Home Daycare
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Dan & Ginny Thomson Joyce and family, we are so saddened to hear of your loss. Victor was quite the man.
Bob and Phyllis Stoddart
August 31,2017
Joyce and family, we are so sorry to hear of Victor’s passing.
We had many great times over the last 30 plus years shooting at the Thanksgiving matches.
He will be missed by all.