JOE, Gordon Gui Mee
July 5, 1947 – Guangzhou, China
April 20, 2023 – Calgary, Alberta
It is with great sadness that the family of Gordon Gui Mee Joe of Calgary, AB announce his peaceful passing with immediate family next to him on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at the age of 75 years.
Gordon Gui Mee Joe was born in Guangzhou, China on July 5, 1947. He moved to Hong Kong and attended elementary school. He then immigrated to Canada in 1965 and attended high school in Medicine Hat, Alberta. After high school, Gordon went to work at All Seasons Restaurant in Medicine Hat with his father. However, within a few years his entrepreneur ambitions led him to start Happiness Garden Restaurant with his two sisters Minnie and Judy along with their husbands Irwin and George and with Norman and Winnie Lam.
Gordon preliminarily retired in the early 1990’s but he then decided to get back into the restaurant business and went on to start Maple Garden Restaurant with his two brother-in-laws, Terry Lei (Jessica) and Ka Ming Li (Sam). The restaurant successfully ran until the mid 2000’s when he and Darlene officially retired together for the second time. After retirement, Gordon and Darlene traveled the world on tours and cruises in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East (many of these destinations due to Gordon’s insatiable appetite for world history)
Gordon loved having a hot aromatic coffee with a good pastry every morning. You could always count on Gordon enjoying the countless outings for traditional Chinese food with families and friends.
Gordon is survived by Darlene Im Chi (nee Lei); by his six sons Lester (Vicky) from Santa Clara, California, Keith (Shirley) from Vancouver, BC, Ronald, Darren (Charlotte), Robin (Holly) and Alan from Calgary; and his five grandchildren Cameron, Quentin, Gemma, Desmond and Edith. Gordon is also survived by his two sisters Judy (George) from Campbell River and their children Patricia (Scott) from Jacksonville, Florida and their child Eden, Sharon (Dave) from Calgary, AB, Rebecca (Dion) from Calgary, AB and their child Nathan, Minnie (Irwin) from Calgary and their children Angela (Jamie) and their children Sophie and Lauren, Eric (Rachel) from Calgary, AB and their children Brendan, Isaac and Isabelle, Kelvin (Carmen) from Calgary and their children Elias and Jacob, and Kelly (Jenny) from Calgary, AB.
Gordon was also survived by his extended family: Vai Van Lei (Mother in Law) from Medicine Hat, AB, Benny Lei (Michelle) from Winnipeg, MB and their children Chelsea, Alex (Jenny) from Winnipeg, MB and their child Aiden; Sam Li (Ka Ming) from Calgary, AB and their children Phillip, Jody and Paul, Joan Tung (Guy) from Edmonton, AB and their children Emily and Owen, Brenda Tran (Tai) from Edmonton, AB and their children Kelvin and Jeffrey, Terry Lei (Jessica) from Medicine Hat, AB and their children Adam, Theresa and Erica.
Gordon is predeceased by his parents Susie So and Harry You Gee Joe of Guangzhou, China, and father in law Tok Tong Lee of Taishan, China.
If you would like to purchase flowers for the funeral service please have them sent to Country Hills Crematorium and Funeral Services (11995 16th Street NE, Calgary, AB, T3K 0S9). Phone (403) 274-0576. When ordering flowers we ask that they please be delivered no later then April 28, 2023.
14 Comments
I’m deeply saddened to hear about your dad losing. Wishing you find comfort in friends and family in this difficult time. We will take care your patients in next coming weeks
Hi Truc,
Thank you for the kind thoughts and words.
Joe Family
Deepest sympathy to you and your family Robin. May your Dad rest in peace.
Derek & Liana
We are very sorry to here of Gordon’s passing, our prayers are with Gordy and his family Sincerely Howard & Gail Baigent
Thank you Howard and Gail for the kind words.
Joe Family
Thank you Derek and & Liana for the kind words.
Joe Family.
You won’t know me but I want to express my condolences and share my story with you. I met “Gordie Joe” when I was in Grade 6 at River Heights School in Medicine Hat. That is how the teacher introduced him to us and I have a memory of his first day in class. He was very tall and acted a bit shy. Now I understand why: he would’ve been 17 years old in a class with a bunch of 11-12 year olds. He didn’t know much English and while he stayed with us in Grade 6 for a while I think he must have been quickly moved on to a more appropriate grade. I have no memory of him in high school so I expect he graduated years ahead of me. I do remember him as a waiter at the All Seasons Restaurant, a fine eatery for Chinese and Western cuisine. I remember him there and thinking to myself that he must have dropped out of school and that’s why we didn’t graduate together. I always referred to him as “Gordie Joe” because that is the name used to introduce him to that Grade 6 class so many years ago and his name (2 first names by Western traditions) always intrigued me. I have good memories of Mr. Gordon Joe and I hope his time in the schools of Medicine Hat did not cause him too much humiliation. His photo in the obit looks exactly as I remember him except for the silver hair and the big smile. When I knew him back in 1965 he seemed much more serious. It sounds like he’s had a good life and I’m glad for that. Very sorry for your loss.
Hi Bill,
What a wonderful story and thank you for taking the time to write and share.
Joe Family
Our deepest condolences to Darlene and the Joe family on hearing of Gordon’s passing.
Gordon was a dear friend who always made a pot of green tea whenever I stopped in at the restaurant to have a chat with him. The meals and
breakfasts in his restaurants were the best to be had anywhere. He always made a special effort to cook butterfly shrimp for me for breakfast.
We know he will be dearly missed.
Hi John & Carol,
Gordie did love to chat and keep everyone that came to the restaurant full and happy. Thank you for sharing this story.
Joe Family
Our deepest condolences for the loss of Gordon our prayers are for Gordon and his family , we were very saddened to here of Gordys passing sincerely Howard & Gail Baigent
Hi Howard & Gail,
Thank you for the kind words.
Joe Family
This is one of those saddest day in my life to see you go, Gordon. You are one of the best human beings that I have the honor to know, being kind, friendly & generous. Always available to help your friends & relatives. You are like an encyclopedia, very inquisitive & eager to learn. This always keeps me on my toes. Thank you for all your help over the years, Gordon. Rest In Peace.
Uncle Benny,
Thank you for the wonderful words and our dad always looked to you for advice and for good conversations. I know that he always thought of you as the brother he never had and he cherished every moment when he was around you.
Joe family