With immense sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Wilson Sze Chong Lai at home on February 20th, 2018.
Wilson was born in 1938 in China. He finished his secondary education in Hong Kong and went to the University of Melbourne, Australia for his university education. After accomplishing his bachelor degree in Commerce, he went back to Hong Kong to join in the family fabric business. With his participation, the family business expanded and flourished. He travelled all over Europe and S.E. Asia in search of fabric and made many long-term friendships with people there.
With the Cultural Revolution in China spreading to Hong Kong, he, his father and elder brother came to Victoria, BC to visit one of their friends. They were introduced to Mr. David Burr senior who in turn introduced the Leland apartment block along Douglas Street for them to buy. There were subsequent purchases after they went back to Hong Kong.
In 1997 when the lease of Hong Kong to the British was expiring, his family diversified their business to Victoria with the construction of the City Centre Plaza and the establishment of Gala Fabrics. For all of these developments, Wilson was the prime mover in the family. He made many friends in Victoria an Vancouver.
He is survived by his 50 years plus relationship partner Douglas, brothers S.N. and Ephrem, sister-in-law Rosa and Judith, sisters Janice and Isabella and many nephews and nieces.
We would like to thank Dr. Rosenberg, Dr.Manning and their staff for all the care given to Wilson.
A Funeral Service for Wilson will be held on Wednesday, February 28th, 2018 at 10 am in The Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, with a Celebration of his Life to be announced at the Service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Victoria Foundation, 703 Broughton Street #200, Victoria, BC V8W 1E2.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
32 Responses
Our deepest sympathies are extended to the Lai family for their great loss. While we don’t recall ever having met Douglas, we extend our sincere thoughts to him, and hope all may find comfort and peace in the days ahead.
Uncle Wilson, you were (and still are) a very special uncle. Your generous nature and warm heart were there for everybody. You have touched so many lives around the world, leaving a legacy that will continue for many years to come. Truly, you were one of a kind.
I feel very blessed to have had a close relationship with you, even though we were miles apart. You may have unwittingly upset me at times (!) but it never lessened how much I loved you. I will treasure the memories of times spent with you and Uncle Doug – trips together, you being MC at James’ and my wedding, just hanging out with you at home and being with you when you first became ill in HK. I wish I could have been there for you the last 2 years but I know you will understand that I needed to be in Melbourne with Dad and James. All I can say is, Mum will be so happy to have you with her in Heaven. You can be free again. Rest in peace.
To Uncle Doug, Uncle Ephrem, Aunty Judith, Sam Co Foo, Sam Co Mo, Aunty Janice, Aunty Isabella and cousins. we share this loss together. May God be with you all at this time. Much love to you all.
Ellen,
Melbourne, Australia.
Wilson, you were such an inspiring man who will be missed by many. You touched so many lives in such a positive way, your love for children family and friends is irreplaceable. The girls always loved seeing you with your welcoming hugs and smiles. You will be greatly missed. Condolences to Douglas and your Family. Rest In Peace our dear friend.
Wilson was my boss over 40 years. He had always been a good and generous boss. He was very kind to me and helped me a lot. He will always be in my heart.
My deepest sympathy to Douglas and the Lai’s Family.
Our dearest Uncle Wilson was a kind, loving and popular uncle. We love him a lot and he will be miss by all of us. we like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and Uncle Douglas.
Uncle Wilson was my beloved uncle. I really feel sad and lost for his pass
away. Our deepest sympathy to Uncle Douglas, Uncle S.N.,Eplrem and all the
other Lai’s family and relatives from Mak’s family.
Wilson you may be gone from our site but never our ♥️ hearts
Although we havn’t met for several years Wilson’s departure leave us with a lot of sadness.
Wilson has been a brother, a genuine friend, a great business partner.
We will miss his natural availability, his simpleness, his borderless friendship.
We wish to express to his brothers and sisters, to Douglas and all his closest relatives our warmest condolence.
Alberto and Marilena
Wilson was a wonderful generous kind man. My father Colby and my uncle Frank and the entire Smith and Close families had the utmost respect and admiration for Wilson. Our deepest sympathies to the family from our family
Douglas Hamilton. My Deepest Sympathy on Your Loss Of Your Dearest Friend.
Ephrem and Judith, and All the Lai Family My Deepest Sympahy on Your Great Loss of your Brother Wilson who was a wanderful friend to so many people.