In Memoriam: A Tribute to Lt. Col. George Ing
We are shocked and extremely saddened to learn that Lt. Col. George Ing (former Director and Co-Chair of our Inaugural Gala in 2017) passed away in his sleep the weekend before last. His memorial service was held on Saturday, 26 February 2022 at St. Anne’s Church in Richmond B.C. George was a long-time member of our society.
PCHC member Bev Wong and former Executive Director Winnie Cheung remember George as “a true gentleman” and added that “he will be sorely missed by many individuals and organizations”. Winnie Cheung also recalled how the PCHC Board was overjoyed when George agreed to step up to the plate and fill the seat left vacant by our Founding President Ray Lee of Calgary, and eventually co-chaired our Inaugural Gala of 2017.
George and his wife Dr. Roslyn Ing were perfect subjects for our From Far and Wide Pacific Canada Stories Series. Unfortunately, both of them left us before we could do that. For now, we are just pleased that George’s story was partially captured in an earlier oral history project by our friends at Pier 21, which you can view here.
Beloved former Director & Co-chair of our Inaugural Gala 2017
Lt-Col. George Ing. Photo by David HT Wong
Tributes by PCHC members on hearing the sad news,
Brad Lee (Founding VP of PCHC) paid tributes to George (Chue) Ing from Toronto on Feb. 14.
“George was a great friend who provided crucial links to our community's story and Chinese Canadian history. Also known as "Chue" to his friends, I was privileged to meet him when I was researching the then little known history of Chinese Canadians' involvement and participation in Force 136, Britain's secret army that operated in Asia during World War 2. At the time, Chue was just stepping down as president of the Chinese Canadian war veterans association, under the charter of the Army, Navy, Air Force (ANAF) Pacific Unit 280. Like many Chinese Canadian war vets, he held the keys to the true histories of our community.
From my home in Toronto, I spoke with Chue over several conversations that lasted hours, soaking up the information and tidbits of stories that covered all aspects of the Chinese experience in Canada. He helped me to connect the dots of events and acquaintances among a generation whose family and community bonds were tighter than now, and seemingly commensurate with the freedoms and liberties fought for and won in Canada.
George, as he insisted I call him at the time, instead of by his military title or the more formal Mr. Ing, was effusive about the story of the Chinese Canadians, and he reflected deeply on how much had changed in his lifetime. Through hours of conversation, and me learning a lot more about researching what were once lost narratives, George and I struggled for more meaningful connection at the beginning of our friendship.
George introduced me to others in the community in Vancouver, notably the late Col. Howe Lee and then Chinese Canadian Military Museum Society curator Larry Wong. More doors were opened and our stories became intertwined.
At some point, George asked me who my father was. I told him my Dad's name, and it ignited a spark of memory. "You mean Ray Lee who played basketball at the high school in Victoria?" he asked. Likely the very one, I said. Turns out Chue and Dad had played on the school's boys team for many years together! They knew each other and had shared history. From that point on, the doors to his generation's storylines within Chinese Canadian history swung wide open, and a couple years later -- with help from many more people in Vancouver, Victoria and across the Chinese Canadian diaspora -- my friend Micol Marotti and I launched our documentary, "Operation Oblivion". We were very honoured to show our documentary in Vancouver to some of the war vets and their families.
As we reclaim our stories in Canada, once obscured by 62 years of legislated racism against us, younger community members would do well to learn more about people like Chue, who quietly held on to their beliefs and hopes about what Canada meant to them and how much it's worth fighting for. I'll miss Chue for the many stories told and many, many more that were not told. His close family ties to First Nations and indeed our interwoven histories, particularly on the West Coast, need further exploration, and have the potential to bring our communities closer together.
Rest in Peace, Chue, from Dad and I and our family".
Winnie Cheung recalled how the PCHC Board was overjoyed when George agreed to step up to the plate and filled the seat vacated by our Founding President Ray Lee of Calgary, and eventually Co-Chaired our Inaugural Gala of 2017. Below is an email she sent to all PCHC Directors and Hon. Advisors/Patrons on Nov. 6, 2017 . We would like to share it here to provide a snapshot of this dignified but humble hero, so beloved by the people with whom he served in the community:
"So Proud of our George Ing!
Dear all,
The last few days watching our fellow director George Ing in action -- performing so many ceremonial and substantive functions at the CCMM Double Happiness Gala on Saturday, then at the opening of the " On a Wing and a Prayer" exhibit yesterday, I was full of admiration for his professionalism, social grace, wisdom and energy. If George could do all that so well at his age while also heading up our own gala and selling the most tickets among us so far, we who are younger than him have no excuse for not trying harder.
Then I came across the video showing George as the first speaker at the Vancouver City Council re the motion on apology for Historical Discrimination of Chinese People in Vancouver. And I remember that all these things have been happening at the same time. Yet not a word of complaint from George about being over-worked!
George: You are my new hero!
Here's the link to the video. I encourage you to watch at least the first speaker if you have no time for the rest:
civic.neulion.com/cityofvancouve… #vanpoli
Thank you George for everything you're doing for our community! I'm going to work harder to make sure our Gala team will not fail you.
Winnie"