Jimmy Chew and family moved to Biggar to operate the Canton Cafe in 1963 (?). Jack Webster and his carpenters were hired to do some renovations to the cafe when Jimmy took over. Pat and I used to have supper at the Canton every Saturday night in those early days. Jimmy was always happy, knew everybody in town, and the Canton quickly became the cafe of choice for the railroaders and towns folk who liked to gather there for coffee, to hash over their last trip on the rails, what farming was doing that year, or whatever political stories might be on the news.

I remember the excitement in the family when oldest son, Hong, got his first pair of skates. He was an enthusiastic skater, and all of the children were pleasant and an asset to the town.

When Jimmy sold out and was moving away, it was a sad time for all those that had enjoyed his company all those years. I set up a collection box down at the CN station, and let people know that we would have a farewell coffee party for Jimmy on a particular day. We gave him a gift, and had a big cake to share amongst the friends who showed up to wish him well in the future.

.....Dianna