Lan Lao

Lan Lao passed away peacefully at home in Victoria, BC Canada on April 20, 2023.

Lan was born in Cai Rang, Can Tho City, Vietnam.  He is survived by his loving wife, Thi Lan of 65 years, his seven children (five son’s and two daughter’s), five daughters in-law, two sons in-law, eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  He will be missed by his families, many relatives, and friends.

Lan and Thi Lan married in 1957 in Cai Rang, Vietnam, and moved to Can Tho shortly after to pursue his career.  He graduated in French communications and electronics degree.  He opened his first electronics store (Quang Tuyến) selling and repair radio, televisions, and install radio antenna.  He was an authorized dealer in radios and televisions for National and Sanyo Japan.  Beside his electronics store he started to invest in brick factory in Cái Rang in early 1960.  He sometimes traveled abroad to Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Shang Hai for his business.

In 1977 his electronics store and brick factory was confiscated by the Communist Government, which prohibited private enterprise and ownership during 1978-1979.   In 1981, he was sent to prison for organizing group to escape Vietnam.  After eight years, in September 1989 he was released and he immigrated with his family to Canada via the sponsorship of his oldest son.

In his 34 years in Canada, he travelled between Toronto (where he resided from 1991-2021) and Victoria, with his family.  He volunteered as an electrician, a carpenter, a photographer, a video recorder…in temples (Đại Tòng Lâm Temple, Hoa Nghiêm Temple, Linh Sơn Temple…), Vietnamese Community in Toronto, helped friends as they needed help.

His legacy will carry on forever reminding us to live a life of meaningful, acts of love, caring and giving.

A prayer service will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria BC V8Y 1B4, CANADA, on Sunday, Aril 30, 2023 at 2pm.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com