Dr Ka Wai Angela Chan, 1982–2019

On 9 August 2019, the world lost one of its dearest and most beloved physicians. Dr Ka Wai Angela Chan passed away in her sleep from a sudden illness at age 37. She was pregnant with her second child at the time of her passing.  

Dr Chan was born in Macao on 17 June 1982. An only child, she immigrated to Canada with her parents at age 14. Dr Chan excelled in her academics and was the top of her class in Gladstone High School.

As her father passed away during her early university years, Dr Chan worked part time to help support her mother financially. She went through pharmacy at University of British Columbia and worked briefly as a pharmacist before deciding to go into medicine. Dr Chan worked part time to put herself through medical school, never complaining about her burdens.  

Dr Chan graduated from UBC Medical School in 2012 and completed her residency at the University of Calgary in 2014. She practised full-service family practice in Burnaby’s Crystal Mall starting in July 2015. At a time when many doctors avoided taking on the burden of a family practice, Dr Chan embraced the challenge and took pleasure in taking on the needy and complex care patients. She spoke Mandarin and Cantonese fluently. And those who had the privilege of hearing her sing said she had the voice of an angel.

Dr Chan was well respected and loved by her patients; her care was second to none. She was compassionate and devoted to her profession, touching the lives of many and leaving a deep impression on those for whom she cared. Her patients are brokenhearted and devastated by her absence. Everywhere she went, she left behind fond memories of her kindness and generosity.

Being well liked by all, Dr Chan leaves behind numerous friends and colleagues. She also leaves behind her husband of 2 years, her son, and her mother Lei Ut Tak.

We miss you Angela. You will remain close in our hearts forever.  You have left a void in all of us that can never be filled.
—Wayne Niou, MD
Burnaby