Person

Ko, Andrew

• Andrew Ko Bong

1922-2002

Andrew KO was born July 15, 1922 in Victoria, the second youngest of 10 children. His father was Simon George Ko Bong (G.B. Simon), a businessman.

Andrew enlisted in the war effort in January 1944. He was one of four Ko siblings who would serve in the Army for Canada. He was assigned to the B.C. Regiment (Dukes of Connaught’s Own).

As an adult, Andrew earned a living as a watchmaker and jeweller, and took over operations of his father’s stored in Vancouver, called G.B. Simon Jewellers.

In 1949, he married Elizabeth Hing and the couple would have two sons.

Always active in the community, he supported Chinese Canadian veterans through Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans in Canada, Pacific Unit 280; and also gave time to his church, the Chinese United Church.

He was known for being honest and fair, and always reminded his children to treat others as you would want to be treated.

Andrew never shared any stories with his children about experiencing discrimination. But one day, he was overheard to say “sometimes it’s better to be a dumb Chinaman than to ask too many questions.”

Andrew died April 18, 2002.

Ko Bong (Family)

Ko, Bong (1880-1957)

Jew Fun Shee ([1875]-1938)

Ko, Mathew (1909-2000)

Ko, Mark (1911-1928)

Ko, Mabel Sue Wah (1913-1935)

Ko, Ruby Dain Wah (1915-1935)

Ko, Mary Chan Wah (1917-2011)

Ko, Garnet (1923-1931)

Ko, Luke (1912-1932)

Ko, John (1912-2008)

Ko, Peter

Description supplied by collector/curator