Obituary of Frank Pak-Hang Tam

October 11, 1948 – Toishan, China

November 11, 2022 – Okotoks, Alberta

Frank Tam of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 11, 2022, at the age of 74 years.

He is survived by his loving wife Josephine Tam (née Ma); three sons, Anson Tam (Amanda), Bowen Tam (Kim), and Calvin Tam (Sherry); two grandchildren, Pierson Tam and Ellora Tam; one brother Tom Hum; one sister Teresa Mak; and numerous nephews and nieces.

He was born in Toishan, Guangdong, China where he was raised through primary school and the difficult years of the Great Leap Forward when food was scarce. He would spend some summers in the city of Guangzhou, riding a riverboat along the way.

At the age of 13, he moved to Hong Kong with his family in the pursuit of a better life. Alongside school, he worked and studied hard independently, without relying on social welfare or support. Soon afterward, he moved to Canada in 1969 to study Electrical Engineering at the University of Saskatchewan. He would eventually meet his wife Josephine in 1977, launching the start of a fruitful and prosperous life in Calgary.

Throughout his life, Frank worked hard to provide for his family so they could have whatever they needed to thrive. He deeply loved his family and was always concerned with their wellbeing. When the first of the grandchildren arrived in 2009, he was incredibly happy. He took every opportunity to spend time with them, whether it was going to the zoo, taking them to the top of the Bow Tower, or taking them on day trips to the mountains.

He was also a passionate traveler. Alongside his loving wife, he had the opportunity to travel across the world including multiple European countries (France and Austria were a favorite), Japan, and the Middle East. From summer family road trips down the West Coast to site visits in the Russian Arctic Circle, he was always happy to travel anywhere. He was both a highly successful engineer and a dedicated mentor to many, happy to share his time for others to succeed. Finally, he was a man of value. No matter the situation, he always had an eye for value and ensured he got the highest quality for what was spent.

Frank was an incredible son, husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. The entirety of his family and friends will deeply miss him forever.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Friday, November 25, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Mountain View Memorial Gardens. Reception to follow. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email donorservices@cancer.ab.ca. 

In living memory of Frank Tam, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.