HENRY KWONG (Henry Suk “Uncle Henry” as most people will call him) was born in China in 1926 and immigrated to Calgary, Alberta, Canada with his wife, Fay Mah, in 1958. His life story is a testament to resilience, entrepreneurship, and boundless generosity. Supported by Fay’s father, Henry embarked on a journey that would not only shape his own destiny but also leave an impression on the lives of his family and the broader community.

Like many immigrant pioneers, Henry faced the hard challenges of starting anew in a foreign land. Fuelled by dreams of a brighter future for his family, Henry opened a grocery store (Jade House) in Chinatown serving the local community. In later years, his business interests expanded to a restaurant (Gold Horse Restaurant) and a Drive-in (Henry’s Ice and Fry). Henry’s pride and joy, is the construction of the first of its kind indoor shopping centre in Chinatown – The Good Fortune Plaza – opening in 1988 with the Honorable Premier Ralph Klein presiding over the opening ceremonies, the mall featured 22 businesses and the first HSBC Bank location in Chinatown. As an entrepreneur, Henry's ventures have become iconic landmarks within Calgary's cultural and commercial landscape. His contributions have not only enriched the local economy but also fostered a sense of community pride and unity.

Together, they have raised three accomplished sons—John, Edmond, and David— who embody their parents' values of hard work, integrity, and compassion. John has carved a respected career as an accountant at the City of Calgary for 34 years, while Edmond and David have pursued entrepreneurial endeavours, with David expanding his horizons in Los Angeles, California.

Henry's sense of exploration of the world and making it a better place extends to his eight cherished grandchildren setting roots in places like Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, London UK, and Los Angeles CA to pursue their own passions.

Amidst his professional achievements and community leadership, Henry remains a devoted family man. His love for Fay, spanning 66 years of marriage, is a testament to his commitment to those he holds dear. He is most grateful for his wife’s support over the years because she has worked as a partner tirelessly side by side with him for the past 66 years throughout their life’s journey.

Henry is an excellent role model for paying it forward and giving back to the community. He is generous with his time and money and is always ready to extend a helping hand to those in need or to support a good cause. Whether through his leadership in founding the Wu Yi Association of Calgary—a benevolent organization for Chinese seniors—or his philanthropic endeavours supporting numerous charities and projects like the Chinese Cultural Centre and the Wing Kei Seniors Care Centre, Henry's impact resonates deeply within the community. In 2017, Henry was recognized as a community leader, and was the recipient of the Canada 150 Chinatown Resilience Award delivered by the former Mayor of Calgary, Naheed Nenshi.

Paying it forward creates a ripple effect of kindness. Henry’s acts of kindness throughout his life have inspired others to do the same, leading to a chain reaction of positive actions in the community leading to a better future for us all.