Yvonne Leong

     Yvonne Koo Leong is a second-generation Vancouverite and the youngest of three siblings.  For her first years, the family lived upstairs of their store, Jim M. Koo Produce Ltd. (now fondly nicknamed KOO, Koo’s or Koo Produce) located on Keefer St, in the heart of bustling Chinatown. Growing up in the family business, meant that her time after school, spring breaks and summer holidays, were often spent grading and packing tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, spinach, etc … to prep for customer orders and their Woodwards contract. She attended King Edward High School, graduated from Eric Hamber, and continued her education at UBC before becoming a Court Reporter and moving to Prince Rupert.  After marrying her husband Bob in 1969, Yvonne returned to Vancouver (her brother Buck followed shortly thereafter) to help in the family business.  In 1985 the Koo Family built and moved into their current warehouse location at 777 Clark Drive, Vancouver designed by architect Bing Thom. 

     As a workaholic, Yvonne has evolved with the family business over the years, helping to grow it from a small “store” to what “Koo Produce” is today. She has found the industry forever changing and that today (and every day) is a new experience.  Sadly, in 1992, her brother Buck, passed away from cancer, followed by her father, Jim Koo in 1997 and then in 2006, her mother, Teana Koo.  In 2014, Yvonne’s husband, Bob Leong, suddenly passed.  

    This year, 2023, marks Jim M. Koo Produce Ltd.’s” 80th anniversary.  It has been possible with Yvonne’s leadership and loyal staff.  Yvonne’s outlook in life is “Together, we will make it better!”  When not working, you may find her humming to some 60 ‘s Rock ‘n’ Roll, Motown, British Invasion Classics or playing the ukelele.  She also enjoys vintage, antique and classic cars and trucks.  Yvonne resides in Vancouver, BC.