Obituary of Pai Lin Li

Pai Lin Li passed away peacefully in Calgary on Thursday, August 11, 2005 at the age of 75 years, with his family at his side. Pai Lin was born in Canton, China, in 1930. He received his education at St. John’s University in Shanghai and the University of Hong Kong. He then went to Glasgow to pursue professional training as a civil and structural engineer. Until his passing, he continued to celebrate Burns’ Suppers and speak fondly of his time in Scotland. He began his career in Hong Kong at the department of Public Works. In 1959 he married Anita Chen. Together with two small children they went to Australia to complete graduate studies at the University of Sydney, with Pai Lin obtaining a masters degree in building science. He brought his family to Canada in 1967, settling first in Toronto, and then Calgary in 1970. He served as Chief Building Inspector for the City of Calgary during Calgary’s boom years. Later he formed his own building and structural engineering consulting practice. He was committed to his professional activities and proud of his affiliations. He was Fellow of the Institution of Structural Engineers and the Institution of Civil Engineers, both of the United Kingdom. Until his passing he served as Alberta Representative of the Institution of Structural Engineers and was recently honoured for his service to the Institution. Earlier, he served as chairman of the Canadian Prairies Group of Chartered Engineers. He was president of the Canadian Building Officials Association and also served on the committee of the National Fire Code. His service was recognized by the Alberta Building Standards Council and the World Organization of Building Officials. Pai Lin was committed to community service and fellowship. He was an active member of the Rotary Club of Calgary and at one time served as a director. Until recently, together with Anita, he hosted club members for ping pong evenings and annual Chinese New Year’s banquets. Even on his many travels abroad, he would ensure that he attended weekly Rotary meetings. He was a committed Free Mason and served as Worshipful Master of King George Lodge, Calgary, and District Deputy Grand Master. Pai Lin and his family were active members of Holy Cross Anglican Church, its predecessor, St. Cyprian’s and more recently, the Calgary Chinese Anglican Fellowship. He was above all a generous and loving husband, father and grandfather. He took great pride in raising his children, had joy in showing them the world and found pleasure in their success and happiness. He will be greatly missed. Pai Lin is survived by his wife Dr. Anita Li; daughter Dr. Alison Li (Dr. Ernst Hamm); granddaughter Clara Hamm; son Bernard Li (Lynn McDonald); brothers, Dr. John Lee (Lucy) of Tulsa, and Sydney Lee (Jane) of London; sister Jocelyn Lee of Los Angeles and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held at Holy Cross Anglican Church (2828 – 19th Street N.W.) on Wednesday, August 17, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. the Rev. Brian D. Way, Presider Graveside Service to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Calgary Rotary Clubs Foundation, specifying “Rotary Club of Calgary”, (310 – 1202 Centre Street South, Calgary, AB T2G 5A5) and the Masonic Higher Education Bursary Fund (330 – 12th Avenue S.W. Calgary, AB T2R OH2). Arrangements in care of McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. TELEPHONE: (403) 241-0044.