Sadly we share that Thomas Shih Chang Lee (李世昌) passed away at the age of 89 years. In spite of the progression of Parkinson’s disease, he did his best to remain calm, gracious, and thoughtful to the end. He died in his sleep at Trillium hospital in Mississauga on June 19 2025.
Born in Jiangsu province in 1935, Thomas’s family resisted the Sino-Japanese War that ended with WWII. Due to the turmoil of the communist revolution that followed, they were forced to retreat with the Kuomintang. In his youth, Thomas resettled in Taiwan with his parents and brother. He excelled in school and attended National Taiwan University, earning a bright career as a chemical engineer and businessman. Before he retired, he achieved the dream of starting up a company.
For decades, he travelled all over the world as an executive, making business connections particularly throughout Asia. He reached top status in the Marco Polo Club for several years and all together accrued millions of flyer miles.
In the 1970s, he immigrated to Canada with his wife and four children. He faced many challenges, but with unwavering discipline, routine, and humility, he achieved many successes. He was devoted to his work and provided for his family. All seriousness aside, he had a clever and sometimes silly sense of humor.
Thomas had many talents and interests which he approached with research and precision. He greatly appreciated classical music and Chinese literature. He had the ability to pick up languages and spoke several dialects. He loved to bring family together over good food such as dim sum, hot pot, dumplings, fried onion pancakes, and more.
He lived a full and adventurous life. Survived by his brother, four children, and many grandchildren, he will be missed.
Near the end, Thomas found solace listening to Handel’s Messiah, awakening for moments to hear the chorus, Hallelujah. Now that he is free from the body’s suffering and sadness, may he be delivered to the kingdom of heaven with joy.
Please visit Thomas’s memorial Gingko tree that has been planted in his honour at Brueckner Rhododendron Gardens. There will be no public gathering or service.
660 Lakeshore Rd W, Mississauga, ON L5H 1H7.
https://www.mississauga.ca/events-and-attractions/parks/brueckner-rhododendron-gardens/
Nearby is his wife’s memorial cherry tree.
https://www.aftercare.org/obituaries/du-hui-fang-lee/#!/Obituary
