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
We will missed you so much Mr. Lai. One of the nicest people I’ve ever met in my whole life. We performed in many places because of him at the same time we enjoy a lot and he give so much blessings to everyone also part of laguna. I’m very thankful to you Sir! We will never forget you until we get old. I know you are with God. I Love you sir Mr. Lai.
Our deepest sympathy to the family of sir wilson. We are the employee and friends from the Philipines.
There’s no word that can describe what we felt when we knew that Sir Wilson already left us. The person who touched our lives has finally met our creator. He will surely be missed by my family and all of the people who cared for him. One thing is for sure, We didn’t lose him, he will forever stay in our hearts.
We send our deepest sympathy to Douglas and Sir Wilson Lai’s family.
Ninong Wilson, you were a very kind and great man.
Ninong, thank you for being a part of our lives. We will forever value your teachings that you taught us, and they will be an inspiration for us to do good things for other people.
We may not be able to see you again but you will always be in our hearts.
Sincere Condolences.
Thank you very much for being a second father to us… you are a very kind and generous man. We thank you for being part of our lives. We love you so much, you will always be in our hearts.
Sir wilson was a very generous and kind person. He is very helpful to all his employees. Sir wilson u are always in our heart. We love you and me and my family was very thankful to have you. Al and family
sir wilson is a very very kind person. he is my husband boss since 1990 here in the philippines. he have a lot of employee here in the philippines. we are very sadness. sir wilson we love you so much.
Wilson was a loving and caring brother to Joanna(dec.) all her life and he will now be with her again for always in Heaven.
He was was a wonderful brother-in-law to Les and a good friend. He gave and shared whatever he had to all around him.
We enjoyed a number of holidays and cruises together over many years as well as great celebratory dinners for special occasions such as his “Man of the Year Awards”.
We will miss his happy smiling face and share with Douglas, happy memories.
He will remain with us in our thoughts for a long time to come and we know that he is now in peace with God.
Les Youie, Melbourne, Australia.
As with so many others, Wilson was a huge part of my life since I came to work for him 22 years ago. His kindness, generosity, charm and integrity were an inspiration as we worked together for University Heights. I will always deeply appreciate all he did for me and the thoughtful kindnesses he extended to my family. His two notable sayings, “no problems,only solutions” and “one eye open, other one closed” sum up so much of his approach and philosopy.
He will be sorely missed by all who knew him, especially dear Douglas, Ephrem, Judy, and all his nieces and nephews. My heartfelt condolences and sympathy to them.
Restfull peace to you Wilson, you did well.
Wilson was the best example of humanity I can recall generous kind and always wanting the best for everyone. Never judgemental always a soothing presence he will be remembered for his kindness and above all for me as his willingness to offer opportunity to anyone equally no judgement do a job do it well and you will do well this is what he taught me.
My thoughts are with Douglas and all the Lia family.