James Chiu

Tribute

A Life Remembered

It is with profound sadness that our family announces the passing of James Chiu, Mandarin Restaurant President and Co-Founder, following a long and courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis.  He lived with positivity and gratitude until his peaceful passing on April 29.  The restaurant industry has lost an icon. The world has lost a devoted champion of people and community.

In 1963, James and his parents, Meili and Dr. Shiu Tang, emigrated from Taiwan and settled in Montreal, Quebec.  After studying business at Concordia University, James launched his very first restaurant called Sweet 'N Sour.  What began as a means for survival, transformed into a life-long love of hospitality.   In 1979, he moved to Ontario with his wife Sheila and daughter Tina, and his future co-founders: brother George, sister-in-law Diana, and long-time friend K.C. Chang.  They purchased a small Chinese restaurant in Brampton called Mandarin.

Over the years, James, together with his co-founders, led Mandarin's expansion.  There are currently 29 Mandarin Restaurants across Ontario, serving millions of customers every year.  Hundreds of Mandarin managing partners and tens of thousands of staff over the years have worked to fulfill the company Mission Statement "Every customer must feel welcomed as soon as they arrive.  Every customer must be happy and smiling when they leave" under James's leadership.

In addition to the numerous industry and consumer awards received by Mandarin, James was honoured to receive accolades including the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of Brampton and the Ontario Hostelry Institute Wall of Fame Induction.

James was also a community champion.  For over 20 years, James, together with the Mandarin leadership team, awarded scholarships to students excelling in hospitality programs in Ontario universities and colleges.  Since the 1980's, Mandarin has been proud to support numerous charitable organizations and foundations in a variety of areas including healthcare, social services and arts & culture.

James leaves behind Sheila, his siblings George (Diana) and Doris (Osman), as well as extended family members including Mackenzie (Grace) and Denise.  He was predeceased by his parents and sister Rumi (Charles).  He will be greatly missed by his children: Tina (Trevor), Irene (Sean), Peter (Sherry) and cherished grandchildren: Madeleine, Charlotte, Ethan, Cameron, Carson, Max and Violet.  By teaching and leading by example, he showed his family the value of hard work, determination and resilience.  His love and guidance will live on in their hearts, carried with them always.

The family is grateful to the medical professionals for their care, especially Drs. Harvey Wong (Sunnybrook), Rebecca Colman (UHN), Martin Kolb (St. Joseph's Hamilton), Caroline Collins, and Allan Leung, together with their respective teams.

James lived a full and vibrant life and will be remembered for his wit, wisdom, and warmth.  The family extends their heartfelt thanks to everyone who was part of his journey and to those who made his final days comfortable and filled with happiness.