ForeverMissed
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Michael Tang, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully in Vancouver on July 8, 2021. He left to join his wife Ivy, leaving behind daughters Michelle and Grace, sons-in-law Elio and Louie, and much cherished grandchildren Alessandro and Isabella. 
家父鄧紀菁於二零二一年七月八日在溫哥華安祥地與世長辭,享年八十二歲。他離開了我們,到天國與愛妻鄧陸錦英重逢相聚,留下大女文思及細女文恩,女婿Elio 和雷得榮,孫仔鄧驊及孫女鄧嬅。
Born in Hong Kong in 1939, Michael was the eighth of ten children. After graduating from St. Louis School, he matriculated at Northcote Training College of Education, and started his career as a teacher. Right before Michelle was born, he switched careers and entered IBM, which took him and the family to Colorado. A few years after returning to Hong Kong, he started his own company. After his semi-retirement, the family moved to Vancouver, where he continued to teach around the world. In his retirement, he was also active in promoting health awareness in the Chinese community in Vancouver.  
鄧紀菁在1939 年出生於香港,在十兄弟姊妹中排行第八。從聖類斯中學畢業後,他在羅富國師範學院接受培訓,並開始了他的教師生涯。就在 Michelle 出生之前,他轉行進入 IBM。這將他和家人帶到了美國科羅拉多州。回港數年後,他創辦了自己的公司。在他半退休後,全家搬到了溫哥華,而他在往後幾年繼續了在世界各地任教。退休後,他還積極推動溫哥華華人社區的健康意識。
Michael was a kind, selfless and strong individual. He was always encouraging and saw the brighter side of things right up to the end. His passion was traveling. Work brought him to all corners of the world and he made good friends everywhere he went. With family on different continents, he enjoyed extended stays in different countries and cultures. He always appreciated exploring and sharing good food and music with all. 
他是一個善良、無私和堅強的人。他總是積極鼓勵他人,並至最後在每件事情也能看到光明的一面。他最喜歡旅行,工作也讓他週遊世界,到處都能交到好朋友。還有他總是喜歡與所有人探索和分享美食與音樂。

Funeral service will take place in Richmond on Wednesday, July 21st, with evening prayers on Tuesday, July 20th. Please see details below. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Vancouver General Hospital and University of British Columbia Hospital Foundation (link) in his memory. 
葬禮和火化告別儀式將於七月廿一日(星期三)舉行,而前一晚七月廿日(星期二)將有晚間祈福。詳情請參閱以下信息,並請考慮捐贈給溫哥華醫院和英屬哥倫比亞大學醫院基金會 (鏈接) 代替鮮花以紀念他。
Thank you all for your support during this difficult time. We sincerely invite everyone to celebrate his life whether in person (with most Covid restrictions lifted recently), or virtually on this memorial website. An online gathering will also be organized at a later date. We would love for you to share your photos, videos, stories, and tidbits about Michael in the "Gallery", "Tributes" and "Stories" tabs. 
我們全家非常感謝您們的關懷,慰問和祝福。我們誠摯地邀請大家出席有關儀式,而教堂及葬禮場地現今都放寛了早前對疫情的限制。如各下能抽空出席,煩請告悉我們以便作出適當安排。我們亦希望各位至親好友們能在這紀念網站的"Gallery", "Tributes" 和"Stories"頁面和稍後的在線聚會中(日期待定),跟大家分享他的照片,視頻,點滴和故事。謝謝您!
Dad, we miss you immensely and think of you every day. 
爸爸,我們非常想念您,每天都會想起您。

Funeral services 喪禮詳情:
July 20, 2021 (Tuesday) 七月廿日(星期二)
    • 5-6pm   Visitation (open casket) 瞻仰遺容
    • 6pm      Evening prayers (Father Richard Au) 晚間祈禱 (歐健明神父)
    • Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church 烈治文加拿大殉道聖人天主堂 (5771 Granville Ave, Richmond BC, V7C 1E8
July 21, 2021 (Wednesday) 七月廿一日(星期三)
    • 10-11am  Visitation (open casket) 瞻仰遺容
    • 11am       Funeral Mass (Father Richard Au) 葬禮彌撒 (歐健明神父)
    • Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church 烈治文加拿大殉道聖人天主堂 (5771 Granville Ave, Richmond BC, V7C 1E8)
    • Livestream on Youtube at this link 按此鏈接在Youtube 上直播
    • 1pm Witness Cremation 火化告別儀式
    • Arbor Cremation Centre 素里 Arbor火葬場 (14644 72 Ave, Surrey, BC, V3S 2E7)
    • 2pm Lunch 纓紅宴
    • Empire Seafood Restaurant 帝苑皇宴 (London Plaza, 200-5951 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC, Canada V6X 2E3)
July 27, 2021 (Tuesday) 七月廿七日(星期二)
    • 12pm  Interment at Ocean View Cemetery Chapel Courtyard 在本那比 Ocean View 墓地教堂花園下葬 (4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby BC, V5J 1A4)
August 11, 2021
August 11, 2021
Our family loved Michael since being neighbors in Colorado. Both Michael and Ivy were kind and generous and left nothing but a great impression on all of us. One thing I really like about him was his very sly sense of humor. All my best to you Michelle and Grace.
Jim Jr, Florida
August 9, 2021
August 9, 2021
I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Michael. I read the other tributes and agree to all: he was generous, kind, hardworking, and loved his family very much. I remember a wonderful meal in Hong Kong that Michael ordered when I was visiting in 1993. An unforgettable experience with Ivy and Mike and you girls. And of course, I have many memories of when you lived across the street from us in Boulder. Blessings and peace on you, Michelle and Grace and your families. Mike and Ivy are together in heaven, rejoicing to see each other again.
July 30, 2021
July 30, 2021
Michael will be remembered as a gentle, kind and generous good friend whom I have known for over 10 years.
I knew Ivy for 60 years from Hong Kong, being classmates of Northcote Teachers Training College.
Both are wonderful people.
July 24, 2021
July 24, 2021
Michael was kind, pleasant, generous, humorous & knowledgeable, a perfect gentleman! A perfect host, too !
He & Ivy entertained our group
(Ivy's classmates) with warmth & hospitality, always treating us with good food, as Michael was a true gourmet! We played mahjong, sang, danced & had lots of fun! Yes, those were the days!
The happy hours we spent at their lovely home will always be cherished in our memories!
We really miss the "smiling couple" Michael & Ivy! 23 July,2021
July 20, 2021
July 20, 2021
Uncle Michael was the perfect host, always cheery, warm and welcoming! I remember fondly his hospitality (along with Aunty Ivy's) whenever I visited Michelle after school or on the weekends in their lovely Wang Fung Terrace home. I would stay for hours. They would feed me, and chat with me. Uncle Michael always made me feel special, asking me thoughtful questions and encouraging me. He was the same way with all our classmates. When we were partying in the living room, he'd be right there in our midst like one of us! He was loved by all. He was gracious to a fault, always treating everyone so generously. We especially cherished the time we met up for dinner in Richmond a few years ago (Eric and kids)- even when we insisted on picking up the bill, he managed to "retaliate" with boxes of fresh mangoes and blueberries! Typical Uncle Michael! Not to mention the time he gave us much needed utensils and linen when our daughter Stephanie just arrived at UBC for studies. Another earlier occasion in HK when Michelle and family were visiting, I recall him being a hands-on grandpa, effortlessly picking up the little ones and embracing them. I know he is sorely missed by all his family. Yet our loss here is heaven's gain, and we take heart that he is safe and at peace with his beloved, forever. With prayers for strength and comfort at this time of sorrow, hugs and lots of love, Irene for the Chungs
July 19, 2021
July 19, 2021
Posted by Helen & Thomas Wan 19th July 2021

We have always known Michael to be a kind, gentle and agreeable person.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Matthew 5:8

July 19, 2021
July 19, 2021
Dear Michelle & Grace & your extended families,

A kind & gentle heart has stopped beating

The smiles, the fond moments, remain in our hearts

With time, the pain will ease but the love remains

We are sharing in our sorrow, with love & friendship



Michael is just homing in to join your sweet Mom

May their loving memories comfort you

May their love & legacy be your beacon lights!



With much love & deepest sympathy,

Sylvia, Peter, Andrea & Kenneth Lui

July 19, 2021
July 19, 2021
From Uncle Patrick Hui

Michael was my first manager in IBM. He was my mentor. He was more a friend than a manager to me. He always gave me encouragement for my work. I replaced him as Manager when he left for Colorado. He brought me a pair of bull horn when he came back to visit. I still have it despite my many moves. Our families became close friends. Pearl learned cooking from Ivy. Michael would look me up every time he came to Toronto and we always had good time together. I remembered he came once with Michelle , Alexandro, and Isabella and I could tell they had so much fun. I even played ping pong with Alex in our game room. He was a good player and Michael was very proud of him. Last year he posted Alex's video of COVID in Rome, and we were all so impressed. Isabella was very creative at paper craft and made an impression with Pearl. We all pray for Michael & Ivy to unite in Heaven and lead their eternal life. We miss them here.
July 18, 2021
July 18, 2021
It was in the early 70's, Uncle Michael and Aunt Ivy were so generous in opening up their home for me to stay with them while I went to high school in Hong Kong. I learned a lot from Uncle Michael. Not only was he able to provide for his family, he cared deeply for others. Our Grandma (Aunt Ivy's Mom) was staying with them at that time too. He always made us part of his family. Uncle Michael had a special gift in connecting with others. He often turned a stranger into a friend and a friend into a comrade. Looking back on how he lived his life fully, it was very well done indeed!

You will be missed forever, Uncle Michael.
July 18, 2021
July 18, 2021
I want to share my memories of Michael Tang today. I consider myself an “honorary Tang” and I cared for Ivy and Michael so much. I first met them when I moved into my dorm room at Occidental College. They were moving in their daughter, Michelle Tang who would turn out to be my college roommate for the next four years and one of my best lifetime friends.

The initial interaction was interesting as they were there early getting Michelle moved in (they had already picked her side of the room, her closet, bed, and desk). I know they were not quite sure what to make of me. This American girl who would be their daughter’s roommate. However, Mr. Tang was already smiling, pleasant, and helpful at the start. Michelle and her mom were more unsure. It was an awkward beginning… However, by the first evening Michelle and I started talking and laughing and bonded right away and we never stopped laughing, talking, and bonding since that first day. 

I would love when Mr. and Mrs. Tang would come visit us as we would go to lovely dinners and just talk. They both loved Michelle so much and of course always talked about Grace as well. Mr. Tang would always tell such interesting stories and he was so smart and funny! They accepted me and called me an “honorary Tang” and we would always say that I must be at least a quarter Chinese from one of my ancestors 

They made an effort to meet my Grandmother and keep in touch and were so gracious with her. We had a wonderful time on Graduation day!

One of my favorite memories of Mr. Tang and his wife was when I flew to Vancouver for Michelle’s wedding. To this day, it is still one of the best weddings ever. Mr. Tang took care of me the whole time and made sure I had everything I needed. He gave one of the greatest speeches at Michelle’s wedding and was so happy that his daughter was marrying such a wonderful man, Elio. 

The Tangs made me feel loved and included and that’s a lifetime gift. And I loved them back. 

I am so incredibly sad today because of the loss of Mr. Tang in all our lives. He was a supportive and loving father to Michelle and Grace and very proud of them. I know he is in a better place with his wife Ivy and taking care of his daughters from above.

Mr. Tang, I wish I could have seen you one more time and I hope that you  know how much I appreciated and adored both you and your wife. I will always be here for Michelle whenever she needs me. 

Love your honorary Tang family member,
Jackie "Tang" Lewis
July 17, 2021
July 17, 2021
Michael was the husband of my wonderful cousin, Ivy and I have known him since I was a teenager. Michael was kind, hospitable, witty and fun to be with. He always impressed me with his broad knowledge and insightful perspectives. I visited them in Colorado in the late 70's  and years later in Richmond. Being an amazing host, Michael always gave me a warm welcome and made me feel at home. In fact, two of the most memorable meals I have ever had were with Michael. During one of my visits with him, he had just come back from a fishing trip with a good catch and he served up the most delicious seafood congee I have ever tasted. Another time, his friends came back from hunting and he invited me to have dinner with his friends to enjoy the delicacies of braised bear paw and water fowl soup with Chinese herbs !!! We often sang karaoke after dinner, talked, poked fun at each other and laughed until late at night.
May God give Michelle, Grace and family peace and the precious loving memories bring you all comfort during this difficult time.
July 17, 2021
July 17, 2021
We Elio 's family met Michael over 20 years ago and every since we loved him deeply. Michael loved cruises while I
( Elio ' sister) have lots of prejudices about them. Once i asked him if he ever toughth about sinking and he replied " of course yes. In that case I will be listening to good music, eating stylish food and drinking good wine". I belve it was his vision of life, too. He had a contageus optimistic way of life!
July 17, 2021
July 17, 2021
Uncle Michael was a pleasant elder whom I respect. My parents, Lucia and John, mentioned every now and then to us, how they enjoyed a nice meal at Auntie Ivy and Uncle Michael's home. Everytime my family visited Vancouver, he would kindly host lunch. Once, Ryan played the piano at his house and we chatted in the living room, full of laughter. He will always be remembered.
C T
July 16, 2021
July 16, 2021
He always had a cheerful demeanor when he greeted you and his hallmark gesture in my mind, was that he would lean into you a bit and say in his articulate, manner, full of warmth: "Hello, how are you" . He wore his "joy of life" like a cologne, which of course, made it evident to those who were lucky to be in the same space as him. While the grief of family and close friends will always be personal ( and in part, unfathomable) to those outside his close circle, may Uncle Michael's joy of life, positivity and individual memories be some of the key things that carry each of you through this difficult time. May Uncle Michael rest in eternal peace and love.
July 15, 2021
July 15, 2021
Being an educator was in his soul. Uncle Tang was always patient and took the time to be social with both the young and old alike. He was willing to share and teach with kindness. The manner he did things - with care and gentleness will be remembered and missed.

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Recent Tributes
August 11, 2021
August 11, 2021
Our family loved Michael since being neighbors in Colorado. Both Michael and Ivy were kind and generous and left nothing but a great impression on all of us. One thing I really like about him was his very sly sense of humor. All my best to you Michelle and Grace.
Jim Jr, Florida
August 9, 2021
August 9, 2021
I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Michael. I read the other tributes and agree to all: he was generous, kind, hardworking, and loved his family very much. I remember a wonderful meal in Hong Kong that Michael ordered when I was visiting in 1993. An unforgettable experience with Ivy and Mike and you girls. And of course, I have many memories of when you lived across the street from us in Boulder. Blessings and peace on you, Michelle and Grace and your families. Mike and Ivy are together in heaven, rejoicing to see each other again.
July 30, 2021
July 30, 2021
Michael will be remembered as a gentle, kind and generous good friend whom I have known for over 10 years.
I knew Ivy for 60 years from Hong Kong, being classmates of Northcote Teachers Training College.
Both are wonderful people.
His Life

Boyhood and school in Hong Kong

July 14, 2021
Boyhood and school in Hong Kong

Teaching days (1959-1967)

July 14, 2021
Teaching of Chinese, English and general subjects in various government schools.
Recent stories

VGH-UBC Hospital Foundation - In memory of Dad

August 20, 2021
by M Tang
Dear family and friends, 

A donation has been made to the Vancouver General and University of British Columbia Hospitals in memory of our Dad. Thank you for your generous contributions in fulfilling his last wishes. Thank you also to those who made donations in his memory directly with the foundation. Dad always appreciated the kind and dedicated medical professionals who took care of him and Mom during their years in Vancouver.

With appreciation,
Michelle and Grace

May the choir of angels come to greet you

July 26, 2021
by M Tang
Tomorrow is Dad’s interment but I already feel he is in God’s hands and reunited with Mom and his departed family and friends. They must be having a big reunion in heaven.

I am forever grateful to our family and friends for their love and kindness during this painful moment. I am grateful to Father Richard Au for welcoming my dad and us to his church through the prayer service, rosary virgil and funeral mass. The service was full of God’s warmth and guidance and Father Richard's homilies remain with me forever.

Losing a father is unique and we are now truly in the care of the Lord, the Father of all fathers.

It was very emotional for me to accompany my father’s casket and pallbearers out the church while carrying his portrait. The hymn being sung at the time “Song of the Farewell” plays in my heart. May Dad be in his eternal life with Mom.
May the choir of angels,
Come to greet you.

May they speed you to paradise.
May the Lord enfold you
In His mercy.
May you find eternal life
I found a beautiful rendition online:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l9p4dZNaD8
Michelle - Vancouver, 26 July 2021

In Memory of Michael

July 25, 2021
On a Saturday afternoon around 60 years ago, I learned my first basic dancing steps in Michael’s home in Shamshuipo near the ferry pier. Michael and another classmate, Fan-Man-Yee, taught me the waltz among other dances and the way to hold your dancing partners while his mom was playing mahjong with her friends. I took the dancing lessons in preparation for a teenage party the same night, thanks to both of them I did well at the party, I passed the test. All three of us liked to listen to popular western music and songs. On one rare occasion, Man-Yee from Hong Kong, John Yang Kar-Shing from Vancouver and myself from Toronto got together in his home in Richmond, we chatted, we laughed, we sang karaoke.....we had a wonderful evening. Michael was also a very talented harmonica player.
Only a couple of weeks before his passing, I was on the phone with him, we talked about our school days in St. Louis and he asked me to send him the class photos which I did right after our conversation and I cannot believe 2 weeks later I would hear the sad news.
Rest In Peace, my old pal.
Sik-Pong Ng in Toronto.

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