Obituary of Chou Suey Mah

December 3, 1932 – Edmonton, Alberta

August 9, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Chou died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours of Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at the Wing Kei Christian Care Centre in Calgary.

Chou was born in Edmonton on December 3, 1932, and later moved to China in 1937 with his family. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1923 stripped the Chinese, even those born in Canada, of the rights of Canadian citizenship. Upon the repeal of the Act, the family was able to return to Canada after 1947 having lived in China during the Japanese occupation.

Chou was well-known by many people in many different settings. He was a Golden Glove boxer, a restauranteur (College Grill, Olympic Grill, Lee’s Restaurant, and Ingar’s), worked at the racetrack at Northlands, and as a tennis player (Kinsmen Field House, Glenora Club, and the Garneau Tennis Club).

He was the most well-read person in our family and could intelligently opine on local or global issues and especially on subjects of business and investing. In a family with many great cooks, he was, indisputably, the best. His acute sense of taste and commitment to the best ingredients was what made him an extraordinary cook who could make anything. Woe to those who failed to buy exactly what he asked for from the grocery store.

Chou will be missed by his older sisters King Chow (Shord) of California, Sue Woo (Tom) of Montana, Jean Mar (Barry) of Calgary; and his younger siblings Mamie Lee (Jack) of Vancouver and Kee Mah of Calgary. Chou was predeceased by his eldest sister Suey Jin Kung (Kung Yim Cheng) and brothers Ming Mah (Ping) and Hong Mah. He is survived by many nieces and nephews who loved him and will miss him.

God has welcomed Chou to His Presence. Rest Eternal grant unto him, O Lord, and may light perpetual shine upon him.

In living memory of Chou Mah, 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.