ENG, Jack Lim
May 7, 1922 - May 24, 2020
Community builder, business leader, teacher, scholar … what an extraordinary life. Jack Lim Eng passed away peacefully on May 24, 2020 in his 98th year. Jack’s life reads like a history book of the Chinese Canadian toil, triumph and success through the last century. He was born in Vancouver, BC in 1922 and, at the age of 5, moved with his family to Zhongshan, China where he received formal Chinese education.
At age 15, Jack returned by himself to Vancouver. While the family had hoped to all remain in China, the political unrest, civil war and invasion by the Japanese forces prompted Jack’s parents to send him back to Canada to ensure continuance of the family legacy.
Notably, one of Jack’s many jobs was that of a Chinese school teacher. His bilingualism and, thus, ability to bridge the communication gap between the Western and Chinese cultures was one of his most valuable assets during his life journey. He later went on to work as a translator for the Chinese Times daily newspaper, eventually becoming the North American News Editor, Managing Director and Chairperson.
Jack entered the real estate business in 1958. A year later, he and his then wife started Success Realty Ltd. -- at a time when there were very few Chinese realtors. Their business thrived in the 1960s and 1970s and Jack was awarded Top 5 Selling Salespeople from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver three times. The business grew to include insurance, new-home construction and real estate investments. Success Realty remains in the family today in Chinatown and celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2020.
Jack was well recognized and respected as a community leader given his involvement in, and deep commitment to, various organizations. In the 1970s, he was the founding Vice-chair of the Chinese Cultural Centre of Vancouver. In addition, he was President of the Ing Suey Sun Tong Association and was later elevated to the position of Life President. He was also "Senator" (a most venerable title) within the Chinese Freemasons National Headquarters. Jack was Chair of the Dart Coon Club of Vancouver, Chaired the Chinese Times newspaper, and a director of the Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver. A philanthropist in Zhongshan, China, a school wing continues to be named after Jack today.
On the national scene, Jack was the campaign manager for Douglas Jung. Through his connections with the Chinese family associations, Jack mobilized voters, which resulted in electing the first Chinese Member of Canada’s Parliament. Over the years, Jack had the honour of accompanying many dignitaries and representing Canada abroad.
Jack enjoyed spending his leisure time traveling the world with his family and friends. He had a passion for visiting new countries and exploring foreign cultures, and took his family on annual trips at a time when international travel wasn’t common. In later years, he travelled almost annually to Zhongshan where he grew up. Visits to San Francisco were frequent and he later purchased an apartment for longer-term stays.
He was also a talented calligrapher and a lover of classical music. He had season tickets to the VSO for many years. Classical music melodies could always be heard in his home and he encouraged his children to play the piano and violin.
Friends and family have described Jack as charming and a doting grandfather. He had a great presence yet a calm demeanour. Jack will be dearly missed by his family, relatives and friends, and fondly remembered for his warm heart, kind spirit and infectious smile. He was predeceased by his sisters Jenny and Norrie. He leaves behind sisters Susie and Adrienne, brother Sam; wife Cynthia; children Andrea and Jordan (Polly) and grandchildren Chelsea, Jamieson and Michael. Stepchildren Vincent Lum, Gina Lum, Gloria Mcbay (Paul). Step-grandchildren Matthew Lum (Harleen), Rachel Lum, Brian Mcbay (Michelle), and Douglas Mcbay.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated.