Eric Szeto

Eric Szeto, 89, passed away on October 14, 2026. He was an entrepreneur, a devoted father and grandfather, and a man who was never happier than when he was sharing a cup of coffee with friends.

Eric was born on July 14, 1937, in Hoiping, China. He carried that heritage with him all his life. He began his working life in Hong Kong, where he got his start in the import and export business. In 1964 he immigrated to Canada with little more than determination. Before long, he secured a loan and bought a small convenience store near Borden Park. He saved carefully, and in 1966 he flew Ellen over to join him. They married that year and welcomed their son Steve in 1967, followed by Dennis in 1969. Eric later sold that store and bought another in Avenmore, right beside an elementary school, so his boys could walk to class. In 1974 he bought the family home in Mill Woods and it remains in the family today.

When his brother Hon joined him in Edmonton, the two opened Wing Fung Trading Company, a Chinese food store that delivered ingredients to restaurants across Edmonton and northern Alberta. It was a great success, and Eric went on to open two restaurants of his own, Empire Restaurant and Cafe Ruby. His skill in accounting helped him turn each venture into something that lasted. He understood people as well as numbers, and he took pride in building something of his own.

Eric was a quiet man, but those who knew him well knew to listen closely. He had a gift for the occasional well-timed joke, delivered with a twinkle in his eye. When he told stories about his childhood, his smile was infectious, and it drew in everyone around him.

He had many passions. He loved traveling back to China, where his story began. He was an audiophile and home theater enthusiast who loved spinning records or settling in for a movie in his own theater. He was also a gifted, hands-on home renovator who finished basements and could turn almost any space into something useful. At the Avenmore store, he built a small living space for Steve and Dennis, so they could watch The Flintstones while Mom and Dad minded the shop. At home, he lovingly tended his many house plants and delighted in adding small decorative figurines among them.

His favorite pastime was the simplest. Eric treasured his time over coffee with friends, trading stories and laughter. Those friendships were among the great joys of his life.

Eric was predeceased by his wife, Ellen, the mother of his sons, and by his brother, Hon Szeto. He is survived by his sons, Steve (Nina) and Dennis (Tara); and his granddaughter, Angelica.

Eric will be dearly missed by all who knew him. His warmth, humor, and generosity will live on in the many lives he touched.