Nov 18, 1936 – Feb 4, 2013
The Eng family is sad to announce the sudden passing of Willie Eng on Feb 4, 2013. He will be missed and always remembered by his wife Jane and their children, Daymon (Joanna), Fenton (Susie) and Lannette (Jak New), and his 6 grandchildren Talissa, Ethan, Dylan,Hailey, Kyle, and Carter. He is also survived by mother Mary, sister Louise (Dick Woo), brother Victor (Jane), and sister-in-law Ann, and his many loving nieces and nephews. Willie’s father Eddy and brother Tony predecease him.
Born in Canton City, China, Willie arrived in Canada at the age of 13 and quickly embraced life on Vancouver Island. His teen years were spent assisting his parents, Eddy and Mary Eng, and alongside his brothers Victor and Tony at the Beacon Café in Sidney.He married Jane Chow in 1966 and they quickly established their family in Victoria. As with all his endeavours, he worked hard to put himself through school and became a Chartered Accountant. He operated his own accounting practice in Victoria and spent his free time on the Uplands Golf Course. He was involved in many community organizations including the Victoria Chinatown Lions Club and the Victoria Chinese Chamber of Commerce and helped establish a strong Chinese community in Victoria. His many years in Victoria allowed him to forge life-long friendships that he treasured. His strongest devotion was to his family and his later years were spent enjoying many happy times with his grandchildren. Willie will always be remembered for his charismatic, generous spirit and his love of people. He was an exuberant father and grandfather and a truly unique and special person. Dad, we raise a glass to you at the 19th hole.
A private, immediate family only celebration of life has been held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria Chinatown Lions Club c/o 1883 San Juan Avenue, Victoria, B.C., V8N 2J3. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
33 Responses
Mary and family,
I was saddened to hear of Willie’s passing, as you may remember,
I am the middle son of Frank and Frankie Spear. I remember with
great fondness your family and specially Willie and the friendship
shared by our families, and meals at the Beacon Cafe.
I share some of your pain and wish you and your family – only
good or funny memories, joy and celebration of his life.
with great friendship – Peter
Dear Jane and family,
Annette joins me in sending condolences on Willie’s recent passing. I have fond memoried of Willie’s occasional vacations to Hawaii, bunking in with Viola and Frank Ong. We did manage to get in a couple of rounds of golf as well. We also enjoyed hooking up with you both at dinner in Victoria during our visit several years ago. I will always remember Willie as someone smaller in stature, but bigger than life. Warmest regards.
Will keep Willie and his valued advice with me forever. He was a great guy, mentor and businessman. Next time I’m in the “bird” a toast will ring out to this great man who enriched our community.
How’s business on the other side Willie? Rest in peace.
Dear Jane and Family,
Murray and I were shocked and saddened to hear the news of Willie’s passing. I remember him with a happy heart from my days working with his Family at the Beacon Cafe in Sidney! So many good memories. Our hearts go out to all of you.
Sincerely,
Corinne and Murray Coell
Dear Jane & Family
Our sincere condolences and may your memories of Willie bring you strength at this time of mourning. We will always remember him for his cheerful smile and being considerate of others. May he rest in peace.
Derek & Brenda
Just wanted to say stay strong Eng family. God bless.
Dear Jane:
My very sincere condolences to you and your family on the passing of Willie. I will always remember him for his cheerful countenance and pride in his family.
When you are up to receiving visitors, I like to drop by. I heard from Joan that you have moved. Please drop me a line with your new address. I will be away until March 15th.
Mostly sincerly,
Nanda
To memories of many years ago.
Our sincere condolences.
Judy and Dick
I was so sorry to hear about Willie’s passing. He always had a smile on his face when I saw him and a sparke in his eye. He will be missed.
My deepest sympathies to Jane and his family.
Lesley
To Mary, Jane and Family,
We are very sorry to hear of your loss.
With sincere sympathy,
Lena and Mervin