February 28, 1933 - February 20, 2021
Dean Wah Louie of Nelson, BC passed away on Saturday, February 20, 2021. He was 88 years of age.
A family service for Dean was held on Friday, March 05, 2021 at Nelson Memorial Park Cemetery with Reverend Ken Siemens presiding the service and interment.
Dean was born on February 28, 1933 in Fook Sen village located in Toisan, China.
He was the eldest son, in a family of 7 children. With his large family facing economic instability and financial hardship, Dean felt obligated to seek a better quality of life for them. His dreams were simple. He wanted to work and he wanted to provide for the people he loved.
With these goals, Dean left his home country and made the brave, solo move to Canada in November, 1952. Nelson BC was the destination, as he was also tasked with caring for an elderly uncle who lived there.
Dean's work journey was long and challenging but his work ethic was impeccable and admirable. In a career that spanned 57+ years in the restaurant industry, Dean persevered long hours, strenuous work and minimal time to to earn a modest income.
Across the decades, he worked in many restaurants, in many places and was self-taught in perfecting his amazing knife and cooking skills. His turkey feasts, split-pea soup, apple pies just to name a few ... were legendary. Along the way, Dean forged many valued, long-lasting friendships.
In 1955, Dean met his wife and love Susan Show Ha Wong. They married on January 10, 1961. Together they raised a family of four kids. Dean devoted his life to providing for his family here, as well as for his family in China.
On his time off , Dean enjoyed the pleasure of time with family and friends. His warm smile and gentle manner revealed a man who was loving, kind and generous. He also enjoyed puttering in his garden, working on home projects, trout fishing and Hockey Night in Canada. In recent years, Dean endured many health challenges and overcame them with enormous courage and strength.
Dean is survived by his children daughter Nancy and husband Philip Witter of Spokane, WA; son Terry and wife Michele of North Vancouver; daughter Shelley and husband Darren Lammle of Nelson; daughter Lynda of Nelson; grandchildren Brent and Matthew Witter; Eric Louie; Nathan and Evan Lammle.
Dean was predeceased by his beloved wife, Susan in 2008; his parents, two sisters and his brother in China; his uncle Wing Louie in Nelson.
Our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Phillip Malpass for his tireless dedication, compassion and exceptional care of Dean through the years. Words will never be enough to thank you.
Much appreciation also, to the exceptional sta at Kootenay Lake Hospital for all your wonderful care.
Dean was an amazing husband, father, grandfather and friend. Through sheer perseverance, resilience and tireless hard work, he not only met but exceeded - many times over - his goal of providing for his family. Dean triumphed for us and we his family, are forever indebted and grateful. His strength, kindness and generosity touched all those who knew him. Dean will be greatly missed but never forgotten.