Community honours The Jade Peony author Wayson Choy with Chinese banquet

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      Last night, about 200 people showed up at Floata Seafood Restaurant to celebrate the life of author Wayson Choy.

      The banquet was held in advance of this morning's unveiling of two plaques at the corner of Gore Avenue and East Pender Street, which feature Choy's writing from his award-winning novel The Jade Peony in English and Chinese.

      Project Bookmark Canada, a registered charity, is behind the initiative, which is the first time a B.C.-based book has been honoured in this way.

      In his speech, Choy expressed surprise and mild amusement that he can now join the company of writers like Oscar Wilde and Dante, who've been commemorated in a similar manner in their countries.

      Scott McIntyre, who published The Jade Peony, sent a message saying that the book has sold 100,000 copies. Speakers included his childhood friend Garson Lee, BC Bookworld publisher Alan Twigg, retired real-estate agent Faye Leung, and numerous others who've known Choy over the years.

      Several referred to him as "Sonny", which was his boyhood name growing up on Keefer Street before he moved to Ontario.

      Below, you can see photos of some of the people in attendance.

      Comments

      4 Comments

      Ursula Maxwell-Lewis

      Oct 15, 2012 at 3:03pm

      We had the pleasure and privilege of welcoming Wayson Choy as a keynote speaking at the Surrey International Writers' Conference some years ago. As the 20th Surrey International Writers' Conference begins (Oct 19-21 at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford), we, at www.SiWC.ca , join the community in applauding this talented and favourite son.

      Winnie CHEUNG

      Oct 16, 2012 at 4:11pm

      Thank you, Wayson, for demonstrating and teaching us the power of the narrative. You certainly have used it well to make Canada a better country. And thanks, too, to Charlie for using his own power as a journalist to make Vancouver a better city.

      Faye Leung

      Oct 18, 2012 at 4:51am

      Thanks zillions with deepest heartfelt appreciation to a great Editor Charlie Smith, and Wayson "Sonny" Choy, Canada renowned great novelist, is an honor to all the Chinese pioneers, Chinese Canadians and Canada proudly with 'pride & joy' our Vancouver Sonny Choy, Wayson the1st Canadian Chinese great accomplishments joy achieved is Canada Best & the pleasure 100,000s plus joyful reading Wayson Sonny Choy's novels continued!! God Bless Healthy Richly With Good Fortune, Faye Leung, busineswoman & consultant, is deeply involved in various economic developments is NOT retired...only 'tired of not retired' Please note: the Project Bookmark 2 Cermanic Plagues installed as '2 pages (1 in English & 1 in Chinese) as an 'opened-book'- at southeast corner EAST Pender Street & Gore Ave.