Obituary of Don Yao Dong HE

August 4, 1966 – Guangdong, China 

March 16, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and dad, Don He, on Monday, March 16, 2020, surrounded by family, after suffering from cancer at the age of 53.

Don was born on February 4, 1966 (lunar calendar), in the city of Guangzhou, China.  He was intelligent, hard working, and brave as a little boy.  He had always had a dream to serve others.  As a result, he joined the police force in 1987 and became a police officer.  He loved his job; as he walked down the streets to provide support and care to those in need as they requested.  He was viewed as one of the most caring police officers by many. In 1994, Don gave up his beloved job as a police officer, and his hometown, to move to Calgary, AB.  Starting from scratch in an unfamiliar environment, he began working as an apprentice in the construction industry in order to have the flexibility to work and take care of his family.  From being a novice to an experienced trade worker, he earned respect and trust from his fellow coworkers as well as his customers very quickly because of his attention to detail and willingness to learn. Don was a wonderful and devoted husband, a dear son, a great friend and an amazing father for his family.  He respects the elders and treats his friends with sincerity, loyalty and righteousness.  It is with these qualities that he had seven good friends during his days as being a police officer, that are so close that they have called themselves brothers. Don missed his hometown and family and friends so much that he travelled back to China even during his battle against cancer. 

He is survived by his wife, June He, his daughter, Sally He, and his sons, Bennie He and Alvin He.

A private Celebration of Don’s life was held on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, for family and close friends only, to adhere to the Alberta Health Service’s restrictions due to the recent Covid-19 virus.  Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Don’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

The family would like to thank the kind staff of Dulcina Hospice for taking such good care of him over recent weeks.  Finally, we are truly grateful for the amazing friends and neighbours who have shared so many wonderful memories with Don over the years. Don’s passion for life, his diligence, kindness, optimism, and bravery along with his smiles and laughter will always be in our hearts.

In living memory of Don Yao Dong He, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB, T2E 2V6,   Telephone: 403-243-8200.

何耀东生平史略

        苍天呜咽，哀乐低回，亲朋落泪。今天，我们怀着万分悲痛的心情，吊念家人何耀东，并向他作最后的告别。首先我代表全家衷心地感谢各位不辞劳苦的来到这里，与我们共同分担这份悲伤。谢谢！

        何耀东，1966年农历二月初四出生于中国广东省广州市增城区。他从小聪明勤奋，勇敢过人，具有远大的理想抱负。1987年加入警队，成为一名中华人民共同国的人民警察。在从警生涯里，他是领导眼里的好民警，同事心中的好搭档。他忠于职守，嫉恶如仇，认真履职，不折不扣。在广州市越秀区大塘派出所工作的日子里，他走街串巷，深入居民家中，嘘寒问暖，为群众排忧解难，是社区内居民最贴心的好警察。

        生活上的他，是一个积极向上，不畏艰难，勇于追求的真汉子。1994年，他放弃了热爱的工作和熟悉的家园，远度重洋，来到了加拿大卡尔加里这片陌生的土地，从零开始，从低做起，从无怨言。随着女儿的出生，为了自由的工作时间，能更好的照顾妻女，他随朋友进入了装修行业，又重新开始。聪明好学、做事一丝不苟的他很快就从一无所知到可以独当一面，获得同行的尊敬，客户的信赖，也结识了好几个志趣相投的朋友。随着儿子们的出生，生活的压力越来越大，他依然凭着自己坚韧不拔的意志和毅力，刻苦耐劳的精神，克服重重困难，竭力毕业的能量，为妻儿撑起一片幸福无忧的天地。生活中的他尊老爱幼，疼爱妻子，是一个好儿子、好女婿、好丈夫、好父亲。对待朋友他真诚相待，义胆忠肝，两肋插刀，对在警校结义的七兄弟更是情系终身！

        天意弄人！一个体魄健壮，威风八面的勇士，竟然不幸被病魔缠上。面对病痛，他乐观、坚强、坚持不懈的与疾病作斗争。患病后的他还心系故乡，带病飞奔万里，回乡探亲访友，把自己最后的欢乐和爱，带回给他所热爱的故乡的每一位亲朋好友，洒向故乡的一山一水，一草一木……就这样，他走了……但愿天堂没有疾病，没有痛苦，我们祝愿他一路走好！

        烟雨凄寒，万里名花凝血泪；音容寂寞，清溪流水是哀声。三更月冷鹃犹泣，万里云空鹤自飞。我们为失去这样一位优秀的儿子、女婿、丈夫、父亲、和挚友而感到万分的痛心和惋惜。同时，我们向一切关心他的人致以亲切的慰问。

        何耀东勤劳、勇敢、正直、善良、乐观、坚强的优秀品质，将激励着他身边的每一位亲朋好友更加热爱生活，他的高大形象，他的音容笑貌将永远活在我们的心中。