Obituary of Gin Hue Tom

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gin Hue Tom on August 14, 2021, at the ripe old age of 90. As per his wishes, he enjoyed his last beer and died peacefully at home with his wife and children by his side. Gin was born in 1930 and grew up near Kai Ping, China in the family village. He came to Newfoundland in 1952 to join his father in hopes of providing a more prosperous life for his family back home. He learned the art of Canadian Chinese cuisine and plied his trade at the Highlight restaurant in Gander where he met his wife and lifelong soulmate, Jean. They moved to Grand Falls for a spell and eventually settled in Clarenville, N.L. In 1976, they opened the Oriental Restaurant on Tilley's Road which still stands today as the Tai Hong restaurant; complete with original phone number. Clarenville was good to Gin and Jean, and became the place their children would call home. In 1998, they packed up and moved to Edmonton and later to Fort McMurray where, in retirement, Gin steadfastly supported Jean in her second career operating a day home and became affectionately known as Papa Gin. Gin lived an honest life of quiet dignity and fierce loyalty to his family. He raised his children with a gentle hand but was not beyond using his heavily accented Bayman's english to tell them when they were being stunned or were in for a trimming. Jean's happiness and comfort was his daily goal. Forever the pragmatist, he approached all life's challenges without ego or self interest and refused to put on airs. He always believed problems required the most practical solutions and subscribed fully to the belief in a strong work ethic. In this pursuit he spent a lifetime leading by example. Despite not being a superstitious man, he held a fervent faith in Jean's uncanny ability to win at the casino and truly believed to the very end that if he ever won the lottery, it would be because of her. We were blessed beyond measure to have him all these years. He left us literally with full bellies and even fuller hearts. The kitchen is being taken care of. You can put away your apron and step away from the wok now Skipper, you've earned your break. We love you so very much. Gin is predeceased by his parents Ling and Mei Sui, uncle Hong Jim, uncle Hoi Tan, and son in law Ed Coady; He is survived by his wife Regina aka Jean, Auntie Hum Tai Jim (Hong Jim-deceased), Cousins Tonn Soo Hoo (Karen-deceased), Harry (Sandy), Will (Donna), and Jennie (Brent); 9 children Ming (Pam), Marina (Don), Christina ( Ray), Celine (Ed-deceased), Tonny, Kiman, Sui Ling aka Tootsie (Cory), Kris ((Jessica), and Mei Ling aka Missy (Dean); 14 grandchildren Lillian, Kenny, Chad, Justin, Daven, Kristin, Caitlin, Connor, Kadin, Kyla, Alex, Ginaya, Taliah, and Molly; 4 great grandchildren Chloe, Malcolm, Aliya, and Eric The family would like to thank all those who've shown Dad friendship and kindness over the years. Extended heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Mona, Emma, Jo, and Jess for all their love and support and for keeping things afloat at Jean's Playhouse during this difficult time. Gin's wish is to be cremated. A private celebration with family will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Stollery Children's Hospital would be greatly appreciated.