Whether serving as pastor of a congregation or as an outreach minister, Kwan Yiu Timothy Chan always felt the work was a privilege and a joy. He dearly loved the community of the Christian Reformed Church, the broader church community, and the east and southeast Asian communities he served. Ever optimistic and tenacious in his service to these people and to God, he found new ways to serve at every fork in the road of his life. Chan, 71, died June 8 after living with cancer for six years.
Born in China, Chan graduated from Hong Kong Baptist College and Seminary before joining the pastoral staff of the Swatow Baptist Church in Hong Kong where he faithfully served for over seven years.
Chan immigrated to Canada in 1983. He was ordained in the CRC in 1991, then pastored the Chinese CRC in Toronto for the next 14 years, ministering to those from east and southeast Asia living in the greater Toronto area. He was then called to focus on outreach work and for his remaining years served in the FaithHopeLove Ministry at Grace CRC in Scarborough, Ont. He reached out to immigrants from China living in Toronto and helped to bring them into a community of Christian believers where they could be nurtured in the Christian faith.
Chan’s passions included singing, playing the harmonica, and pingpong (table tennis). Many good times were shared with family and friends, and he could often be heard singing in the background of both the small and big moments of his life.
Chan is survived by his wife, Catherine, two sons, and one grandchild.
About the Author
A former nurse and chaplain, Janet Greidanus is a freelance news correspondent and long-time writer of the In Memoriam column for The Banner.
