December 31, 1933 - January 3, 2025
It is with great sadness that the family of Larry Jong Gene, age 91, of Stratford announce his passing. Larry passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospital in London on January 3rd, 2025. Larry is survived by his beloved wife of 76 years, Rae Gene. Loving father of Ying McCann (Kevin predeceased), Wayne Gene predeceased (Kay) and Ken Gene (Shirley). Brother of Liesel Mui (Wing) and Millie Eng (Arthur). Grandfather of Megan Sonier (Denis), Lyndsey Stewart (Greg), Laura Wilson (Alex), Philip Gene and Mathew Gene. Great-grandfather of Annabelle, Elleen, Lillian, Ivy, Sloane, Jack and James. Larry is also survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Born in the village of Bo-Wa-Lai, in the township of Toisahn, Guangdong Province, China. Larry emigrated from Hong Kong in 1952. 20 days after becoming a new father, Larry made the 19 day boat journey to Vancouver, Canada by himself, allowing him to establish a new life for his family. It wasn’t until 1957, when he was able to bring Rae to join him in Canada. Together, they expanded their family, adding sons Wayne in 1957 and Ken in 1962, before finally being able to bring their 13-year-old daughter to Canada to reunite the family.
During his early days in Canada, Larry developed his cooking skills of Canadian Chinese cuisine while working at restaurants in Windsor, NYC and Stratford. By 1970, Larry and Rae founded Gene’s Restaurant on 38 Erie Street before purchasing and relocating to the now well-known 81 Ontario Street location in 1975. It became quite the spot for the after bar crowd who would find their way to Gene’s at 2 am. Five years later, with one successful restaurant under their belt, they purchased 104 Downie Street and opened a second location, House of Gene, which operated until 2000. Friends, family, employees, and loyal customers of Larry and Rae hold fond memories of their annual Christmas parties. Those raised on Gene’s chicken balls and egg rolls know that finding a comparable match in taste will forever be an endless quest.
In his free time, Larry was an avid sports fan. While the Yankees were his favourite baseball team, you could always count on Larry to be following the latest basketball, hockey, and baseball games on TV..
Larry worked hard to establish and build a life for his family in Canada. Extending beyond their immediate family, Larry and Rae have helped and sponsored numerous families immigrating to Canada to better their own lives who have then continued the act for others. Larry will be forever missed but leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.
We want to express our gratitude to the nursing team of Care Partners for their daily dialysis nursing care. We also want to thank the Kidney Care Centre for their dedicated support and the team at Ontario Health at Home for their constant care and for answering our questions.
Family and friends are invited to the visitation which will take place at the W.G. Young Funeral Home, 430 Huron Street, Stratford, on Saturday, January 11th, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the funeral service at 11 a.m.. Interment to follow at Avondale Cemetery. Reception will follow.
Memorial donations in Larry’s memory may be made to London Health Sciences Centre’s Kidney Care Centre or the Stratford Perth Rotary Hospice.