This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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Milton Wong, a passionate community advocate and one of B.C.’s most kind philanthropists, has passed away. Wong, 72, died on Saturday in his Vancouver home while struggling with pancreatic cancer.
“Milt was a very generous and wonderful guy,” said close friend Michael Clague. “We were having our lunch at the Ovaltine and he just said, ‘I’ll give you $50,000.’ He said ‘I believe in making a social investment.’”
That $50,000 was part of the initial investments of what would eventually be the Downtown Eastside’s Heart of the City Festival, now in its eighth year.
“Many people approached Milt for money, and he couldn’t support all of them, but he rarely turned them down,” said Clague. “He offered them advice and suggestions. He would take a personal interest in them.”
Wong also devoted time to establish the Aboriginal Mother Centre Society and made a $3-million contribution to Simon Fraser University’s School of Contemporary Arts.
Moreover, Wong received the Freedom of the City Award, Vancouver’s highest honour, this summer.
“Milton Wong is highly deserving of this recognition for his tremendous contributions to Vancouver,” said Mayor Gregor Robertson at the time. “His leadership, generosity and dedication have touched the lives of so many citizens and he’s truly an inspiration to us all.”
Wong is survived by his wife Fei, daughters Andrea, Sarah and Elizabeth, sons-in-law Kevin and Joe, and three grandchildren.
Details of a memorial service will be announced later.
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