Mayor Sullivan to Mark
July 12 as “Roy Mah Day” in Vancouver

Roy Mah's story is something that is a real Canadian story about overcoming challenges, and helping to make Canada a better place.  Mayor Sam Sullivan was a city councillor when he attended the 2002 Asian Canadian Writer's Workshop Community dinner when we presented Roy Mah with the inauguaral ACWW Community Builder's Award.

This announcement was sent to me by Begum Vergee.

Vancouver (July 5, 2007) – 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. 

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Media Inquiries:
B.C. Lee, Councillor
604.617.5801