Daniel Li
elevated 8pnx9 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved uncle, brother, and friend, Daniel Li. Daniel passed away on April 18, 2022. He had been residing at the Sunrise assisted living community in Thornhill, Ontario. Daniel is survived by his brother Thomas and nine nieces and nephews living in the United States.
elevated 8pnx9 Daniel was born on September 24, 1932 in Tianjin, China and spent his early childhood years there until 1937 when the family moved to Shanghai to get away from the Japanese invasion. The family endured multiple relocations during the Japanese occupation through World War II and the Communist uprising.
elevated 8pnx9 Daniel’s journey to becoming an architect started at St. Johns University in Shanghai. However, the changing political climate forced him to seek continuing his education outside of China. With the help of his brother Tom, he was able to escape to Hong Kong in 1952. Unfortunately, he had to wait 6 years before being able to immigrate to Canada where he was accepted at the University of Manitoba. It was there where he met his future wife Janet and they were married in 1962. After graduating, he enrolled at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland where he earned his Master’s in Architecture in 1965. Returning to Toronto, he and Janet established Li Architects Inc. Over his career, Daniel designed several landmark buildings in Toronto and won the prestigious Governor General’s Medal in Architecture in 1991.
elevated 8pnx9 Throughout his life, Daniel was devoted to Janet and both became accomplished artists and expert downhill skiers. Even after retiring they continued together to enjoy art, skiing, collecting art, traveling, and spending time with extended family, with their talents on display in their beautifully crafted Christmas cards.
elevated 8pnx9 A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
Uncle Daniel, you and Aunt Janet have truly touched me in many ways. I still remember that day, 30+ years ago when you picked me up from Pearson airport and opened a new world for me. From that moment onward, you and Aunt Janet were there each step of my college experience. Thank you for how much you positively impacted my life.
Your legacy will always be remembered and deeply missed.
What an amazing life. I will always remember Uncle Dan and his great kindness, which touched so many of us (Emma so loved singing for him). I am honored to have been part of the extended family of such a special man.
Uncle Dan and Aunt Janet were the hip uncle and aunt out of the four Li siblings who always dressed and conducted themselves in a sophisticated manner. But they could also be down-to-earth. We visited them years back at their iconic farm house. He came to meet us at our hotel in shorts, T-shirt, and loafers (no socks) and driving an old VW rabbit. At their house they not only treated us to a great steak dinner, but he had gone out to find ground beef to grill a hamburger for our younger daughter Gabby because she didn’t like steak. I think that was the one and only time he ever cooked a hamburger.