Pon Mah Obituary in Grande Prairie at Oliver's Funeral Home & Crematorium

Obituaries

Pon Mah

September 29, 1929 - March 10, 2021

Obituary For Pon Mah

On Wednesday, March 10, 2021, Pon Chee Mah, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully in Wetaskiwin, AB, at the age of 91 years.

Pon Chee Mah was born on September 29, 1929, in Canton, China. He was the youngest of three children. He had two older sisters. In 1948, he left China for Hong Kong. He came to Canada in 1952, to be with his father. In October 1957, he married Shook Jing Lee in Vancouver, BC. They eventually made their way to Grande Prairie, AB, where they were involved in various businesses. Pon started the Grande Prairie Steam Laundry in the early 1960s, the Golden Star Restaurant in 1969, and the former Golden Inn Hotel (currently the Paradise Inn and Conference Centre) in 1980.

In 1999, he suffered a stroke and was forced into retirement. In 2005, he moved to Wetaskiwin to be closer to family. In 2006, he resided at the Long Term Care facility at the Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre until his passing.

Pon was an intelligent, kind, generous, and very hard-working person. He always had a smile on his face and was always ready to offer you a handshake.

Pon will be lovingly remembered by his wife Shook Jing; daughter Suzanne (Dr. John) Tam; and his grandchildren Dr. Andrew Tam of Edmonton, AB, and Michelle Tam of Toronto, ON. He will also be fondly remembered by his brother in-law Norman (Hilda) Lee; niece Lisa (David) Dunn and family; nephews Marvin (Kathy) Lee and family, and Dennis Lee; as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

He was predeceased by his father Chuk Muk Mah (1966), mother, and sons Pedro (1969) and Normie (1971).

The family wishes to covey a very special thank you to all the staff at the Wetaskiwin Long Term Care for their care and compassion. A special thank you to Dr. William Hendriks of Wetaskiwin for his diligent medical care.

A Private Service will be held on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at 11:00 am, followed by interment at Grande Prairie Cemetery.

A live stream will be available 10 minutes before the service time on Pon’s obituary page on Oliver’s website.

Services

16 Mar

Interment

Grande Prairie Cemetery , Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

June 24, 2021

Marshall Olivia

Hi Suzanne, I am sorry to hear of Pon's passing. My condolence to you and your mom. When I worked with him at the front desk of the Golden Star, people appreciate at how he would remember them even after they moved away for a few years. The regulars were always acknowledged and he was much esteemed and respected. May he rest in peace.
June 24, 2021

Binns Martha

From our family to yours - our deepest condolences. Mr. Pon, as we referred to him, always had a ready & welcoming smile for myself, my brothers & our parents over the decades. He was kind and always made time for us - as Mom & Dad waited for their coats - he would grab a bowl of treats from under the desk and with a wink, allow each of us kids to pick something out. I have only the fondest memories of him - he was special and made others feel that way too - never forgetting a name or face. May you find comfort during this difficult time. Thinking of you & your family.
June 24, 2021

Casey Derrick

Our prayers and blessing for your family. Pon is now truly resting in Peace with his heavenly father, be comforted by that truth as you mourn.
June 24, 2021

Repka Randy

Sincere condolences to the entire Mah family in Pon's passing. The "Star" was a great place to go for a nice meal and Pon would always remember your name and make you feel welcome and at home. You could not have found a better "front end" personality and together with "Big Jack" and "Little Jack" in the "back end" they formed a terrific team. Whenever my parents-in-law came to town a visit wasn't complete until a trip was made to the restaurant. Keep those fond memories close to the heart.
June 24, 2021

Wong Peter

Hi Suzanne, Iâ??m terribly sorry for your loss. Pon was the face of the Golden Star and was a huge part in my dadâ??s life as a partner and a friend. I shared Ponâ??s obituary to the FaceBook page â??Grande Prairie and Area - Back in the dayâ??. You will find more tributes to Pon and condolences for you and your family in the comments.
June 24, 2021

Binns Don

People come into your life and leave for various reasons;although PON left the the Golden star years ago,I missed him,not only when going to the Golden star. PON, was a REAL host in many ways, a sincere,bright,obliging greeter;upon entering, made one feel good and welcome. From my first visit in early nineteen seventies, always remembered my name after. When I bought my wife, later children,always with great respect called my wife Mrs. DON. Our sincere sympathy to the family. don binns and family,, Mrs, DON in spirit
June 24, 2021

Binns Daniel

Deepest condolences from the entire Binns family. We had many dinners at Golden Star and always loved coming in. I loved how Pon called my mother Mrs Don whenever we came in. He has had a lasting contribution to the city and will be remembered fondly around our households. Wishing you peace and comfort, The Binns Family

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To view the livestream of Sandra Van Schaick (Saturday at 11:00 am) or Glenn Kochendorfer (Monday at 2:00 pm) visit https://www.facebook.com/olivers.funeral.home/

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