ROBERT SWEE KHI CHIA passed away peacefully at home in Burnaby, BC, on the morning of Tuesday, December 13 ,2022, at the age of 77.
Born in Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia, in 1945, Robert was the middle child of 5; 2 older brothers, Peter and Joseph (who have predeceased him), and surviving younger brother and sister Thomas and Cecilia – all of whom he was close to despite leaving Malaysia after secondary school. Prior to leaving, the time he spent at SM St. Mary’s Sandakan School was formative, making deep connections in his Catholic faith and friendships that were lifelong.
Robert was curious, social and loyal; he easily made friends wherever he went. He lived his life fully; he studied Electrical Engineering in University of Wales, Swansea, in the UK, worked in Seria, Brunei, for Shell Oil, got married, started a family in Miri, Sarawak, moved the family to Aberdeen, Scotland, returned to Kuala Lumpur, and eventually immigrated to Canada.
Robert married his first wife Mary Margaret Chiang in 1975. They moved together to Canada in 1989, to be closer to Mary’s parents and family, who had all settled in Vancouver. Robert loved the Chiang family as if they were his own, and especially felt close to Mary’s parents, Philip and Agatha. Sadly, Mary passed away from cancer in 2000. However, Robert continued to thrive with the support of the Chiang family. He kept active in various community groups – Malaysian Singapore Brunei Community Association, Tsung Tsin Hakka Association, YVR Green Coat Volunteer, St Francis de Sales Church bible prayer groups to name a few. He enjoyed connecting with people through organizing cultural and social events. During this period, he travelled extensively and reconnected with his friends and family in Malaysia and around the world, taking on pilgrimages around Europe and Mexico, touring Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
With an adventurous spirit and open heart, Robert was lucky in love a second time. He married Chuan Jee Lim in 2012, at Holy Rood Catholic Church in Watford, UK. They enjoyed their freedom, taking cruises and trips, and splitting their time between Canada and the UK up until the pandemic started in 2020. From then, Robert’s health and age caught up to him, physically and mentally. He left us sooner than expected.
Robert is beloved by family and friends alike. He was generous and supportive. Throughout, he remained steadfast in his faith and in his love for Jesus.
Robert is lovingly remembered by his wife of 10 years, Chuan Jee Lim; daughter Alicia Chia; daughter Amelia Chia (Henry Yeung) and grandsons Nathan and Caleb Yeung. Robert is also remembered by his loving brothers, sisters, cousins, nephews, and nieces.
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Francis de Sales Church, 6610 Balmoral St, Burnaby, BC, on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at 11:30am. Visitation starts at 10:30am.
Memorial donations may be made directly to the family. Thank you.
APRIL 30 1945 DECEMBER 13 2022
Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Robert Swee Khi Chia APRIL 30 1945 DECEMBER 13 2022 et espérons que leur souvenir pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.
Décès pour la Ville:Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique