Raymond Wen-Yuan Kao (b. 11th October 1924) was a noted author and Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurial Studies (later, Professor Emeritus at Ryerson University).
Born into a poverty-stricken family in rural China, he lost his father at an early age and was a refugee during the Second World War. After many adventures, and with only a 7th grade formal education, he was admitted to Shanghai University achieving a Bachelor’s Degree, followed by a Master’s Degree in Business at the University of Toronto.
Upon graduation, he worked a variety of jobs in Canada, including as a buyer at Simpson’s department store, an accountant at Canadian General Electric, and as an independent businessman. His natural talent as a teacher and mentor lead him to begin his academic career at the then Ryerson Polytechnic Institute (later University).
During a sabbatical at the University of Manchester he earned a second Master’s Degree. After retiring from Ryerson, he held academic posts at the University of Toronto, Brock University, Nanyang Technical University in Singapore, and McMaster University. He retained a keen interest in China and its future throughout his career.
Author of many books, he was the founding editor of the Journal of Small Business & Entrepreneurship, was an International Council for Small Business Wilford L. Whyte fellow, the first Tasman Fellow at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, and past president of the International Council for Small Business (ICSB) and of ICSB-Canada.
He was the recipient of many academic rewards for his research and writings. An advisor to the Ontario and Canadian governments, he was also a much-admired academic speaker. In his personal life, he loved debating politics, traveling, nature, gardening and long walks.
He was an avid swimmer, a big fan of Star Trek, enjoyed both classical music and Chinese opera, and was a good (though occasionally erratic) cook and gourmand. He was a beloved husband and father, married to Flora Con Wong for over 63 years.
He is survived by Flora, children Yolanda (Blair), Kenneth (Cathy), Rowland (Fiona) and Christine, grandchildren Mika, Mary Ann, Emily, Jacob, Ellen, Djenne and Rosie. He is predeceased by his daughter Belinda (George, deceased).
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Rekai Foundation (https://www.canadahelps.org/en/ charities/rekai-charitable- foundation/).
