In memoriam: 1932–2025
It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing at the age of 93 of Robert Hung Ngai Ho on November 30, 2025, in Vancouver.
A private funeral will be held in Vancouver followed by cremation. Buddhist prayer services officiated by Abbot Venerable Tsang Chit will be held at Tung Lin Kok Yuen in Vancouver on December 16, 12:30 p.m. This will be followed by a “Celebration of Life” drinks reception at 5:00 p.m. at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel, Canada Place, Vancouver. Buddhist prayer services will also be held in Tung Lin Kok Yuen Hong Kong on December 20, 7:00 p.m. A condolence book will be available at both Tung Lin Kok Yuen in Vancouver and Hong Kong.
Mr. Ho’s philanthropy allowed the founding in 2016 of The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Centre for Buddhist Studies at the University of Toronto’s St. George campus. The gift has been at the heart of the university’s established Buddhist studies expertise, advancing research and teaching over an extraordinary range of topics, from history and medicine to philosophy, art and practice. The richness and diversity of Buddhism globally is celebrated and studied at the Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Centre, which provides not only rigorous academic training but unrivalled opportunities for collaboration, and event programming that attracts scholars and the public alike in their quest for informed analysis and understanding of this remarkable tradition.
The Department for the Study of Religion—the largest in Canada—has the privilege of housing the Centre and U of T’s graduate and undergraduate programs in Buddhist Studies, benefitting from scholarly excellence focusing on Buddhist regions in South Asia to Nepal, Myanmar to Tibet, as well as China, Japan and Korea.
Robert H. N. Ho’s legacy as a patron of Buddhism and education is exceptional. The University of Toronto is a member of an international network of programs that the generosity of The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation has supported, promoting the study of Buddhism in contemporary society and ensuring its study and research long into the future.
More at The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Centre for Buddhist Studies
As well as providing more information on Mr. Ho's philanthropy and achievements, the Centre is gathering remembrances and tributes for a book of honouring and condolence.