Person

Sam, Fook Gam

• Shum, Fook Kim
• Shin, Fook Gam

1906-1991

SAM Fook Gam was born in 1906 in Guangdong where he grew up with his family until the age of 16.

In search of a better life to support his family, Fook Gam left China for Canada in 1922. He settled in Vernon, BC, working long and hard at various jobs to make ends meet.

Fook Gam earned enough to afford several trips back to China. During one of these trips, Fook Gam married ENG Gee Quan. A few years later, he would return to Canada to pursue work while his wife stayed behind to take care of the family.

Fook Gam and Gee Quan were reunited when she came to Canada in 1953. The couple did not have children but they enjoyed a very close and special relationship with their niece, Susan Show Ha LOUIE and her family from Nelson, BC. They adored Susan like their daughter. They cherished her husband and children like their son and grandchildren. This special, familial bond carried on throughout their lives.

For over two decades, Fook Gam and Gee Quan operated a huge vegetable farm in Vernon. Together, they worked the land and toiled away to make an honest living—all manual labour. Fook Gam and Gee Quan grew the best tomatoes and largest peppers, hands down! They sold their marvellous produce on site, much to the delight of summer vacationers and locals alike. They gifted any customer making a purchase with extra veggies on the side and lavished treats of candy and gum upon any visiting children. The couple also sold their produce to Vernon’s Fruit Union Packing House.

Fook Gam and Gee Quan retired in 1976 to enjoy life at home. Their farming skills continued with the maintenance of a sizeable garden in their backyard.

Fook Gam enjoyed long walks to Polson Park, watching curling at the local rink and visiting with friends in town. He and Gee Quan enjoyed their frequent outings for lunch and coffee at their favourite lunch counters and eateries. The couple especially enjoyed and cherished their summer visits from their Nelson family. Their Nelson family equally loved their visits with them, in Vernon.

According to Terry Louie, Susan Louie’s son, “Fook Gam was one of the best cooks ever! He could make everything and anything. Whenever we visited, he would always ask us what we wanted to eat for dinner and he would never disappoint. He even prepared for us his legendary Chinese-style roast turkey—in the dead-heat of Okanagan summer—when temperatures soared past 35 degrees celsius!”

Fook Gam Sam passed away in 1991. He graced his family and friends with his kindness and generosity, always willing to lend a hand of support to anyone in need. Fook Gam and his wife has left an indelible mark on everyone they’ve touched. Their Nelson family are grateful and feel forever blessed.

Wong, Fong Kaw (1890-1962)

Description supplied by collector/curator