Friday, August 7, 2026
I have known Morris for most of my life as he was my mother's best friend. As a child, I saw him as this avuncular figure who always had a new sporty car every few years. Growing up with his generosity of spirit and largesse meant I was always immersed in culture. I always had Chapters gift cards or compilation CDs of Mozart on my birthday. It was with Morris that I had my first and only experience eating Kobe sirloin. Morris used to love telling the story of me when I was 10 years old and we were dining at an upscale restaurant in Hong Kong and I picked the most expensive shark's fin soup on the menu. Without him, I'd have no taste. I'd certainly have no taste for all the beauty that life has to offer, and Morris loved everything that made life beautiful: Food, drink, music, literature, art, leisure. He was a true epicure.
The last conversation we had took place on the day of his death. He had invited my husband and me to his place for a civic holiday BBQ, something we have enjoyed partaking in over the years with him, along with Canada Day, Autumn Moon Festival, Christmas Day, and Chinese New Year. These culinary dates became the beacons around which our lives revolved. Morris and my husband loved having long conversations about WWII battles, old movies, and Canadiana while drinking single-malt whiskey. There was so much warmth and merriment cascading from his presence and we will think of those memories fondly.
He was a titan in my life. May he rest in peace.