New B.C. immigrant who died in Ethiopian Airlines crash remembered as good father, boss

The family and employees of a new immigrant to B.C. who died in the recent Ethiopian Airlines crash say he was a good boss who wanted to provide a better life for his daughters in small-town Canada. 

Jack Wang, 47, owned and operated Big O Tires in Vernon, B.C., for nearly three years. Wang leaves behind his wife, Heily Cao, 46, and two daughters, aged 20 and 9.

"He did everything because of me and my sister," said his elder daughter, Allison Wang, who is in Addis Ababa with her mother and uncle to sort out Wang's remains.

"I just feel everything is like a dream. I hope it's fake but I have to accept the truth," she told CBC News.

Jack Wang was on the flight to Nairobi, where he once lived, to get some paperwork to complete the family's permanent residency application. He was originally from China.

Allison Wang says her father's biggest wish was for his family to become Canadian citizens and for his daughters to get a good education. 

When the family dropped him off at the Kelowna airport for his flight, Jack Wang told them he'd be back in four or five days, with gifts, Allison Wang said.

She said it's now up to her and her mother to make sure Jack Wang's wish come true for his family to become Canadians.

The Canadian and Chinese governments have been helpful so far, Allison Wang said.

'He treated us very well'

Wang also leaves behind four employees who say he was knowledgeable and kind. 

"We all got along good," said Len Zubot, a salesman at Big O Tires.

"Jack would have barbecues out back. He would buy us Kentucky Fried Chicken and he treated us very well."

Wang bought the tire shop about two-and-a-half years ago, Zubot says.

Wang didn't know much English when he first arrived, he said. But  Wang had always been knowledgeable about the business and was quick to help out his customers. 

"He was here to help people with their problems. If they had something wrong with his car, he would bend over backwards to help him," Zubot said.

It was clear to Zubot and the other employees that Wang had moved to Canada from China to provide better opportunities for his daughters.

"Jack was just trying to be a good dad and I think he just wanted a nice place for his family to live," Zubot said.

"They're a very, very nice family."