Men Ching Yuen

Passed away peacefully on August 23, 2026, at Markham Stouffville Hospital, at the age of 86.

Men Ching Yuen was born on October 15, 1939, in Hong Kong, the eldest of five children and only son of Joseph and Lucia Yuen. He was predeceased by his sisters Maria Yuen and Kitty Ho, and is survived by his sisters Margaret Wong and Susan So.

From a family of restaurateurs, he began working as a teenager at his grandfather’s restaurant and eventually established himself in the industry. Two of his career highlights in Hong Kong were being on his uncle’s floating restaurant, Tai Pak, when it hosted Queen Elizabeth II and successfully opening his own seafood restaurant.

In 1968, Men Ching married Lai King (Lucy). They would make the courageous decision to emigrate from Hong Kong to Toronto with their four young children and his mother Lucia in 1981. He initially found work in Chinese restaurants and eventually became a shareholder in a large Chinatown establishment. For most of his career he was an entrepreneur and a manager until his retirement at the age of 65.

Despite the challenges of having to support a family of seven, he rarely complained in front of his children. His loyalty to his family and sense of duty came from an upbringing that imbued in him the sense of sacrifice, dedication, perseverance, and inner strength.

He will be remembered as a loving husband and an excellent, easy-going father who taught his children the value of integrity, hard work, doing more than their share, and above all, the importance of family. Laughter was often heard in the house and family celebrations were never forgotten.

Men Ching is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Lai King; his children Simon (Elizabeth), Stephen (Salina), Christine (Anthony), and Christopher (Karen); and his grandchildren Jayden, Kylie, Taylan, Jonah, Teagan, Isaac, and William.

His passing leaves a profound emptiness in our hearts. May his memory be a blessing and may he rest in eternal peace.

Visitation will be held on August 30, 2026, at Holy Cross Cemetery Funeral Home from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The funeral service will be held on August 31 at 9 a.m. (same location) and will be for family and extended family only.