On June 25, 2023, 300 paddlers at the Concord Dragon Boat Festival gathered to remember Dominic Wai-Sun Mok. We know our friend as Dom. Dom was doing what he loved to do, paddling, when his heart gave out and he did not recover. Dom was a travell’n man for paddling and the more exotic the better- Shanghai, Manila, Thailand, Taiwan, Italy, Hungary. Driving to Regina for the Canadian Dragon Boat Champions in a car that barely made through the Rockies, no big deal. At other times, Dom would throw his ancient C-Lion on his car rack to join FLCC mates and follow the Fraser River from Ft. Langley to Richmond. Tiring but exhilarating said Dom.
Dom paddled with the FCRCC Kupunas with our 60+ outrigger teams. At the 2022 World Outrigger Sprint Championships, Dom raced with FLCC and he roomed with our Kupuna 70’s+ Team in our rented house. Dom regaled us with his travelogues, about breathtaking views, historical and cultural sites all sprinkled with stories of his teammates who he revered.
Dom had goals for his paddling life, one of which came true in May. Driven by his determination and belief in himself, Dom was selected to the Canada SrC Team for the World Dragon Boat Championships in Thailand to be held this August.
Dom and Theresa have a family of 3 children, all married, 3 grandchildren and 3 siblings all of whom he loved. Nestled in the forests of the Paradise Lakes Country Club is Dom’s dream cabin, a place to sit around the fire pit to laugh, share experiences and just have his family and friends together.
During his contemplative times, Dom would pick up his guitar, strumming tunes which gave him comfort and joy. Blessed with a beautiful voice, Dom would sing his songs. The Beatles lyrics were Dom’s favorite. So, whenever you want just hum a tune, better yet sing from your heart, and remember our friend Dom.
By Gary Cohen, FCRCC
