Mary Vince, and Diana Moeser, The family members have given permission for the nomination.
Described Location: Bound by: Vermont Ave., Rossmore Rd., Olive Ave. and Bathurst. Runs N-S between Olive and northern dead-end.
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| At Lane #1001 looking north to #1002 | At Olive looking north to #1001 |
George Lai, Ken's son, offered this submission:
"Ken Lai immigrated to Canada from China in 1954 with $10.00 and the clothes he was wearing. He lived in the east end of Toronto and moved his family to the Annex/Seaton Village in 1972.
After losing his job as a restaurant manager he bought a small restaurant at the corner of Bathurst and Follis Avenue. The restaurant was called "Kenny's".
Ken and his wife, Chung Yee operated the restaurant for 9 years and over the course of that time developed friendships with his many customers. The customers came not only for the homemade food but for the socializing as well. Kenny would always serve up his opinion for the "topic du jour". He was kind hearted and when needed he would allow his customers to "eat now and pay later" as he knew what it was like to be hungry, coming to Canada as a poor immigrant.
Nine years after opening up the restaurant Kenny was diagnosed with lung cancer which he courageously fought and won. Sadly, he and his wife were forced to sell the restaurant. After selling the restaurant Kenny remained a visible member of the community. He would go for short walks several times a day with his dog. He always had time to stop and chat with everyone he knew and those he just met while on his daily walks.
Kenny contracted sepsis in mid-January and died on January 24th, 2011, but his spirit will live on in this neighbourhood."
By George Lai, 1036 Bathurst St, Seaton Village.
The lane is mid-way between the family home and the former restaurant. The current corner restaurant continues as "Grapefruit Moon".