Mayor Sam Sullivan today announced that he will mark next Thursday, July 12, 2007 as a special day of recognition in the City of Vancouver to honour Mr. Roy Mah. Mayor Sullivan and Councillor BC Lee will introduce a special proclamation at this Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
Roy Quock Quon Mah was born in Edmonton in 1918 and received the Order of British Columbia in 2003. Among other things, he urged fellow Chinese Canadians to volunteer for service in World War II with the hopes of eventually winning the right to vote. Mr. Mah passed away on June 22, 2007.
“Roy Mah represented the best of Canada,” said Mayor Sullivan. “His remarkable life and contributions have helped transform our country into a diverse and inclusive multicultural society that is the envy of the world. On behalf of the City of Vancouver, I want to extend our sincere best wishes and prayers to his family and friends during this difficult time.”
For his service, Mr. Mah was also awarded the Burma Star, the War Medal, the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and the 1939-45 Star. Following the war he continued his effort on behalf of Chinese Canadians and proudly voted for the first time when he was 30 years old.
Mr. Mah also founded and published The Chinatown News for 42 years — one of the most influential English language magazines on the life of Chinese in North America.
“Among his many accomplishments, Roy was known as a gentle and dedicated role model in the Chinese community,” said Councillor Lee. “While he will be missed, his life is certainly one to be celebrated. I will be proud to join with Mayor Sullivan and my colleagues to mark July 12 as Roy Mah Day in the City of Vancouver.”
A special memorial service to commemorate the life of Roy Quock Quon Mah will be held next Thursday at Vancouver’s Chinese Cultural Centre.
