WALLY WOO

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WALLY WOO With great sadness, we announce the passing of beloved husband, cherished father, loving grandfather, honoured brother, and dearest friend, Wally Kay Wai Woo on Canada Day 150, July 1, 2017, at the age of 82 years. Predeceased by his parents, Mr. Woo Nay Seik and Mrs. Woo Kwan Kam Kong, and brother Randy, Wally leaves to cherish his memory Enid, his wife of almost 55 years; his four children: Nobby (Lorraine), Tinla (John), Casey (Susie) and Richie (Jennifer); 13 grandchildren: Kendra, Tianna, Maryn, Riley, Ava, Camille, Elisha, Gemma, Ryland, Noah, Rielle, Maximus and Rowyn; his brother Roger (Julia) and their family, and the family of brother Randy (Sally). Born into this world with Elvis Presley (January 8, 1935), Wally grew up in Guangdong province during the harsh realities of the Chinese Civil War. His father succumbed to pneumonia in 1945, several months before the end of the Second World War. This event galvanized Wally's family as they had to carry on with his mother being pregnant with Randy. With limited income and scarce resources, the Woos did what they could to survive. Fortune eventually smiled on the family and Wally was sponsored by his uncle, Woo Tape of Saskatoon. Arriving in Canada at the age of 15 with eight dollars in his pocket, Wally started as an apprentice in the Saskatoon Marigold restaurant. He diligently worked long hours under his uncle's watchful eye, saving money to send back to his mother and two brothers. After honing his craft for 10 years, it was time for Wally to begin his journey as an independent restaurateur at the Beaver Cafe of North Battleford, SK. Concurrently, Uncle Tape, acting as clan leader, decided that Wally should settle down. In the role of the traditional matchmaker, Uncle Tape headed off to Hong Kong with the mission of finding Wally a suitable partner. He returned with photographs of several ladies interested in the young Wally. But the one who caught Wally's eye was the diminutive Enid, with her movie star good-looks. After a courtship of two years, they decided to marry in the fall of 1962, after which Wally brought his blushing bride from humid Hong Kong to the sunny, wintery Prairies. But the cafe was busy and, with three kids in four years, there was little time to mind the cold. Wally was reunited with his family in 1967, being able to sponsor his mother and brothers to Canada. In 1968, Uncle Tape called on Wally to establish the Marigold brand in Winnipeg. Suddenly, the Wally Woo clan was on the move to the Gateway to the West, and then his youngest child was born. Over the next 25 years, Wally would plant Marigold restaurants at strategic locations throughout Winnipeg. A total of eight locations would be opened between 1962 and 1992, spanning all quadrants of the city. Wally would repeat the successful formula that brought him to Canada by sponsoring relatives who had the desire to succeed in a free country. This continued expansion of the Marigold throughout Winnipeg led some to erroneously believe that Marigold was just another chain of franchised restaurants. In truth, each location was family-owned and run independently with Wally maintaining quality control. Each restaurant had its unique charm and clientele. That legacy continues to this very day. "Good food, good service, nice atmosphere" is what Wally would always insist. He always loved being at work and loved being of service. Wally could always be found at the restaurant celebrating with customers over their achievements and milestones. We have often been told that going to the Marigold was both a treat and a luxury that was affordable for cost-conscious Winnipeggers. As the next generation began to assume more of the daily responsibilities, Wally turned his attention to family gatherings and spoiling his grandchildren as the patriarch of the Woo clan. He always kept his Portage restaurant; that was his personal crown jewel. For the last year, Wally spent much of his time at home, being lovingly cared for by Enid; her selfless service to him reminiscent of how he gave to Winnipeg. Viewing will be held between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., Friday, July 21, 2017, at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd. Funeral Service will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 22, 2017, Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodiere Blvd. A private family interment will be held at a later date at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Wally Woo to the St. Boniface Hospital Foundation. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550
Publish Date: Jul 15, 2017

WALLY WOO Peacefully, on Saturday, July 1, 2017, with family by his side, Wally Woo, beloved husband of Enid, passed away at the age of 82 years. Viewing will be held between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., Friday, July 21, 2017, at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd., funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, July 22, 2017, Winnipeg Evangelical Free Church, 500 Lagimodiere Blvd. A private family interment will be held at a later date at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens. A longer obituary notice will follow in Saturday, July 15 edition. Family and friends wishing may sign a book of condolence at www.glenlawn.ca. Glen Lawn Funeral Home 982-7550

Publish Date: Jul 8, 2017

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 15, 2017