With the passing of our Chan family patriarch, it feels like the end of an era.

My grandpa was a reserved man. While he was a man of few words, the air of respect he commanded was unmistakable, perhaps gained from his wealth of experience as an entrepreneur. Always a confident figure, he stood tall with an upright posture that persisted over the many years of his life.

As a child, I felt my grandpa had an intimidating presence, but I cherish the little moments where his humorous side would come out. I remember sitting in the living room of the house on Elson Street one particularly boring afternoon, and he and grandma were twiddling their thumbs at lightning speed, making me the judge of this odd competition of speed. As if I could choose between them, his playful grin as he asked me who was the winner will always be etched in my mind.

Grandpa was also a family man. He showed his care for his family by watching others eat, as if to quietly make sure that everyone had their fill. Even oceans apart, he wanted to make sure that his family in Toronto was able to regularly meet and enjoy meals together. He had a particular love for Pizza Hut, which made the occasional restaurant visit whenever we visited Hong Kong incredibly special to know there was an extra level of enjoyment for grandpa.

My grandpa has lived a long and blessed life. While I will miss him, it is also a bittersweet relief to know that he is reunited with grandma in Heaven.

Natalie Lam