It is with sad and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Dick Shack Yee Dar on November 1, 2020, at the age of 86. He passed away peacefully in his home in Fruitvale, surrounded by his loving family, after a lengthy, courageous battle with chronic illness.
Born in Toishan, Guangdong, China, in 1934, Dick immigrated to Canada in 1951. After an adventurous journey by plane and train, he settled in Nelson, BC, where he completed his Grade 8 education before embarking in the retail grocery business. In 1957, Dick moved to Fruitvale to help open Liberty Foods. He remained in the community he grew to love until his final days.
Over the years, Liberty Foods grew and expanded, and the store is still proudly operating successfully today. As many in Fruitvale will attest, the store was Dick’s life, pride and joy. He worked tirelessly until he was well into his 70’s, never really understanding the meaning of ‘retirement’. His passion was serving his community and he loved nothing more than striving to please every customer that walked in the door. He was so proud to have built an establishment which has been the centre of the community and contributed to the livelihood of generations of its citizens. It has often been said that Dick built the community; however, it is the community that built him, as he and the business would not be where they are at today without their ongoing support.
His love for the Beaver Valley and its people was shown by his contributions to various events and causes in the community. That love was returned by the Village of Fruitvale in 1997 when he was named “Citizen of the Year” in recognition of his active participation and outstanding community service.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Susan, daughter Janet, sons Darren (Marion) and Derrick (Lana), and granddaughter Jayden, brothers Tin Tak (Mei Yu) Tse & Yin Gan (Bin Xin) Xie of Vancouver, sisters Po Chu Tse of Vancouver, Po Hae Tse of Hong Kong and Jeannie (Neil) Wong of Burnaby, sister-in-law Moi (Benny) Chui of Trail, sister-in-law May (Lee) Leung of Vancouver, brother-in-law Dennis (Kathy) of Fruitvale as well as many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents and four brothers.
Special thanks to the various members of his medical team over the years, including Dr. Behrens (retired), Dr. Halstead, Dr. Robinson, Dr. Livingstone (retired), Dr. Scotland and many others. Also, thanks to the staff of Beaver Valley Clinic, various doctors, practitioners and staff at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital and, most importantly, the staff of Serendipity Support Services for their dedicated, compassionate care and support over the last two years.
Unfortunately, due to current COVID protocols, there will only be a small private service at this time. Future events may be announced at a later date. Bill Clark of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, donations in Dick’s memory can be made to the KBRH Health Foundation, 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail, BC, V1R 4M1 or online at www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Dick Dar November 1st 2020..
Décès pour la Ville: Trail, Province: Colombie britanique