September 15, 1931 – March 15, 2019
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Moon Den Chow. “Denny” to those close to him. He passed away peacefully, asleep in his castle. He was predeceased by his loving wife Yuk in 2013.
Denny was born in rural China, and adopted at an early age. He lived a hard, impoverished youth; but found comfort and joy in the great outdoors and open water. He was an accomplished swimmer and runner. Through hardscrabble wit and cunning he survived the ravages of the Japanese Incursions of China during World War II.
Fending for himself, he struck out on his own and moved to Canton, there he met the love of his life, Yuk. This poor ragamuffin teen was clearly out of his league. He was but a poor farm boy chasing a beautiful girl from a well to do family of means. However, this story has a happy ending. Through a combination of charm, charisma, and yeoman like persistence he won her heart. They were married in 1950.
Denny, never one to sit idle, was always chasing dreams and goals passionately. He convinced his beautiful young bride to give up all the advantages of a comfortable life in Hong Kong; and chase rainbows with him half way across the globe. The goal was to seek a better life and fortune at the “Golden Mountain” aka Canada. Imagine the tales he wove to convince a new mom to uproot her family, and start anew in the western prairies. Ps they emigrated in winter.
Academia was always paramount to dad, and his passion was to be a medical doctor in Canada. Alas, given the geopolitical climate of the time and financial hardship, this was not meant to be. He worked tirelessly at numerous restaurants in North Battleford and Meadow Lake to provide for his wife and then four children.
Always the pioneer and entrepreneur, he and mom risked it all to open their own restaurant in 1972. “Denny’s Steakhouse” was born. Meadow Lake’s first fine dining establishment. It was replete with ornate crystal chandeliers, central air conditioning, custom tile and exterior brickwork, all with T-Bone steaks. These were all town firsts. Banquets and high-end functions flocked to “Denny’s” as it was the hotspot of its day. Dad loved a fine suit, and Denny’s was a damn fine excuse to wear one.
He had a passion for the chromed cruisers of the golden age. His prized ride was a 1978 Sahara Gold Mercury Grand Marquis, 2 door coupe, with a 4 barrel 460 V-8. His love for fishing came second. In fact, it may have simply facilitated his love for the car as it necessitated highway travel.
Dad channelled his artistry and academic drive through his children and grand-children. They have all found success throughout the research, health science, and business sectors. He took great pride in all their achievements.
Mom and dad retired to Saskatoon in 1996, and built their dream home. Their days were spent spoiling and doting on children and grand-children; their greatest joys. They lived long, happy lives reflected in the eyes of all that loved them. It is with this we close our story of life, love and adventure. We will always cherish our time with Denny.
Den is survived by: Children: Lyn, Frances, Betty (Mike), Vance (Leanne); Grandchildren: Diana (Joey), Jonathon (Jennifer), Sean, Arell, Kullen, Daniel, Willow, Lily, Summer, Grayson; Great Grandchildren: Neala, Jonas, Juliana.
Special thanks to the doctors who provided excellent care and compassion to dad. Dr.’s David Reid, Colin Pearce, Paul Murphy, Anil Bedi, Heinre Strydom.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Chapel of Hillcrest Funeral Home, 210 Wess Road (East on 8th Street first right past Briarwood Road) next Saturday, March 30, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to any of the Hospital Foundations.
To share memories and condolences, visit www.parkfuneral.ca “Obituaries-Guestbook”. Arrangements entrusted to Greg Lalach, Park Funeral Home, 306.244.2103.
