May 28, 1953 - July 2, 2022

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and companion, Joseph Wai Hung So. On Saturday, July 2, 2022, Joseph Wai Hung So of Edmonton, Alberta, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family in the University of Alberta Hospital.

Joseph is lovingly remembered by his wife, Wendy Wu; his daughters, Iyla So and Farrah So; his sister, Amy (James) Wong and their daughter, Janice (Conway) Wong and their son, Micah Wong; his brother, Daniel (Angel) So and their daughter, Stephanie (Marco) Torre, and their daughters, Marina and Emma Torre; his sister, Kathy (David) Lee and their children, Kevin Lee and Laura Lee; mother-in-law, Rebecca Wu; brother-in-law, Kenneth (Susan) Wu and their children Kimberly Wu, Anthony Wu, Alyson Wu and Kaytlin Wu; sister-in-law, Heidi (Tony) Wong and their children, Catherine Burnside, Lawrence Wong, Kristen Wong, and Keith Wong. Joseph is predeceased by his father, Ming Sun So of Hong Kong; and his mother, Kit Bing Tse of Hong Kong and Canada. Joseph also leaves numerous life-long friends and colleagues.

Born in Hong Kong, Joseph spent his childhood and school years as the eldest son in a traditional Chinese family. He attended St. Joseph's College where he befriended many classmates and was known to be very generous. He maintained these connections throughout his life.

After completing a BA in Mathematics in 1975 at The University of Hong Kong, he moved to Canada and received his MSc and PhD in Mathematics from the University of Alberta. He worked as an assistant professor at Emory University before becoming a professor at the University of Alberta in the Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences. Joseph was recognized as a key member of the department for his contributions to differential equations, mathematical biology, and dynamical systems. He authored and co-authored over 55 research publications, collaborated with researchers and professors worldwide, and lectured thousands of undergraduate and graduate students.

In 1992, Joseph married his beloved wife, Wendy Wu, and began a remarkable journey with abundant love and joy that produced two beautiful daughters. He shared his love of music and photography with many friends and his two daughters, on whom he had a profound impact. He was a percussionist and videographer for the Edmonton Chinese Philharmonica Orchestra and enjoyed playing guitar and piano.

After his retirement in 2010, Joseph always carried a camera. He took many photos of birds and wildlife, enjoying his time in nature parks. Many of his favourite photographs were posted to his Flickr page (www.flickr.com/photos/pipa_liuqin). During the last two years of his life, he enjoyed virtually meeting and messaging old friends when travel was limited. He will forever hold a special place in our hearts and will always stay loved and remembered.

A family-only Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, July 10, 2022, at Park Memorial, 9709 – 111 Avenue, Edmonton. Friends and family are invited to a virtual Celebration of Life on Friday, July 15, 2022. Tributes, memories, photos and videos can be shared at joseph-wai-hung-so.forevermissed.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider planting memorial trees.