DR. CHARLES CHI-KEUNG LAM

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DR. CHARLES CHI-KEUNG LAM Peacefully on Sunday May 27, 2018, with family at his side, Dr. Charles Chi-Keung Lam passed away after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife Moneca of 53 years, his sister Lora, his son Gordon and daughter Audrey as well as grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Daniel and Lauren, and many extended family members. Charles was born in Hong Kong in 1932. His British Headmaster once told him that he would not amount to anything. Despite the Headmaster's beliefs, Charles was presented with an opportunity to study abroad which took him to Berkeley, California. Initially he hoped for a career in Zoology but unfortunately discovered a severe allergy to animals. After graduating from U.C. Berkeley, he enrolled in Medical College in Taiwan, graduating in 1964. It was here that he met his future bride and soul mate, Moneca, where she worked as a midwife at the University of Taiwan Medical Hospital. Charles was very quiet and worked at his own pace, so it was a surprise to his classmates that he had a girlfriend. With his mother's encouragement, and Moneca's parents' permission, he asked Moneca to marry him. After they married in Hong Kong, they moved to Halifax where Gordon was born, Cleveland where Audrey was born and then to Winnipeg. It was here in Winnipeg where Charles wanted to raise his family. He enjoyed 41 years of practice as a general surgeon and family physician. Despite being a busy physician, Charles made certain his children had a wonderful childhood. He made sure was always home for dinner. Family trips, camping in Gimli in the old Dodge van with a power top roof made for great memories. At night, he was the mysterious icemaker that flooded the back yard for his daughter's skating rink. As a proud grandfather (Gong Gong), he enjoyed family vacations including trips to Disney. He always liked to engage his grandchildren in discussions of current world issues and relied on them for IT support on use of his iPad. He loved to spend time with members of his and Moneca's family. On these many occasions, Charles enjoyed a glass of fine cognac with family members. He loved nature and enjoyed an impressive lighting storm. Always well dressed and put together, his nieces and nephews lovingly referred to him as the President of the Handsome Man's Club. He always had valuable life lessons to teach and celebrated a life well lived. He was a caring person, much loved and respected not only by family, but by friends, colleagues and his patients. Charles took time with his patients, listening to their concerns as well as their stories. Dr. Lam found it difficult to retire from his practice as he so enjoyed interactions with many the generations of his patients he treated. He was a voracious reader, as he would continue to educate himself reading articles from various medical journals, even after he long retired from active practice. Forever concerned with his family's well-being, Charles encouraged them to go full speed ahead and never let anyone or anything stop them from achieving their goals. Although Charles was of small stature, his presence filled a room with wisdom, compassion and respect for individuals from all walks of life. He was a true gentleman. The Lam family wishes to thank Dr. P. Mehta and all the wonderful caring staff at St. Boniface who made his stay comfortable. In accordance with Charles' wishes, a private memorial service has been held at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. With God's grace and Sinatran swagger, Charles would say, "I did it my way." From all of us, Charles, you will be sorely missed and loved eternally. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 09, 2018