Bark Quon “Jimmy” Mah
December 3, 1929 - February 7, 2024
It is with the saddest of hearts that we announce the passing of Bark Quon “Jimmy” Mah.
Jimmy was born on December 3, 1929 in the Guongdong Province (also known as Canton) of China, Toisan district, “Baksar” Town, Chung Wah Lei village; a village with 30 houses.
He attended grade one to six in the village, then the boarding school, Wah Ha, in the “big city” of Guangzhou. Jimmy’s grandfather, a teacher, encouraged him to have a good education. Jimmy immigrated to Canada in 1949 and attended St. Thomas boarding school in North Battleford. There he improved his English-speaking skills, and seemed to excel in French, as he enjoyed throwing out the occasional phrase to his young children in later years.
With two years of boarding school under his belt, Jimmy was ready to earn a living and make some money. He began to work with his father and grandfather at the Airways Café in Prince Albert. There he did some cooking, but was mostly in the dining area, serving hungry customers.
Jimmy sold his brand new, blue Plymouth for $2,000 to travel back to Hong Kong in June 1955 to marry his sweetheart, Sau King (Shirley) Yu. After the wedding ceremonies, he brought his new bride to Canada, where Jimmy continued to work at the Airways Cafe.
In 1957, the pair decided to break out on their own and opened the Arcade Lunch in Moose Jaw. The Arcade Lunch became famous for their Fish and Chips on Friday, and the customer favourite, ‘Softball’ meal (a hamburger smothered with gravy). Firemen, police officers, mechanics, and many people from the community were regular patrons.
They worked long, hard hours often from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. while raising four children. Their family of six lived above the restaurant in a tiny, but cozy two-bedroom apartment. When their kids were old enough, they also helped sweep the floors, wash dishes, or run the cash register in the restaurant.
Jimmy and Shirley launched another venture in the early 1960’s – they built the Leonard’s Laundromat and Car Wash. Jimmy spent countless hours managing the coin-operated business, quickly developing the skills to fix the washers, dryers, and dry-cleaning machines himself. The inside of the laundromat boasted a big screen television (or it seemed big for the time) and the two-bay car wash was always bustling.
In 1977, both the restaurant (replaced by a 7-Eleven) and the laundromat (still exists today) were sold. Jimmy retired briefly and then worked for the Heritage Inn as a cook, while Shirley did some babysitting at their home on Iroquois Street.
Always wanting to be his own boss, they purchased the Legion Confectionary, providing regular customers coffee, toast, sandwiches and soup. They enjoyed a slower work pace, and the social aspect of being at the store. In 2007, they fully retired, sold the confectionary store, and bought a quaint little house on Stadacona Street. They often went to McDonald’s to have coffee and say “hello” to people and would drive into Regina for family events.
Jimmy accomplished so much in his lifetime as a humble business owner. He was proud that his businesses flourished, but he never boasted about them. Jimmy was very well liked and respected in the community. He was most proud of his children. Jimmy and Shirley’s goals were to ensure all his children had a better life, an education after high school and good jobs. Above all, he enjoyed just being with the family and he LOVED his naps.
In July 2019, Jimmy and Shirley sold their home and moved to Regina to be closer to children and grandchildren.
Jimmy was predeceased by his parents, Kim Mah and Yock Lane (Wong) Mah. His memory will be cherished lovingly by his surviving wife of 69 years, Shirley; his children, May (Tony Chow) of Regina, Leonard (Sherry) of Saskatoon, David of Regina, and Susan of Regina; grandchildren, Tristan and Ariele, Stephanie and Kiana, Jessica, and Ethan.
Jimmy had a very sweet, kind, and gentle heart. He never complained, even to his last breath. He was incredibly hard-working and was very dedicated to his family. We all loved him dearly and we will miss his quiet, easy-going personality.
Jimmy’s children will be holding a private gathering to honour his memory. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jimmy can be made to a charity of your choice, or the humane society at https://reginahumanesociety.ca/
To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com.
