Jul 06, 2005 - MetroValley Newspaper Group
By: Kate Trotter
By: Kate Trotter
Tributes are pouring in following the death of Lilian To, who helped develop an immigrant services agency into a social powerhouse that assisted tens of thousands of new Canadians.
Lilian To was chief executive officer of SUCCESS when she died July 2, following a heart attack the previous day.
She immigrated in the early 1970's with a degree from the University of Hong Kong, and obtained her Masters of Social Work at UBC. She was one of the founders of SUCCESS. Under her leadership, the charity that started in 1973 grew to 11 centres, a small staff and thousands of volunteers that provided services to immigrants - from their arrival at airports to learning English, getting jobs, understanding Canadian culture and settling into seniors' care homes. Lilian To was one of the founders of SUCCESS and its chief operating officer for 17 years.
She had a gift of leadership," said T.N. Foo, who is acting CEO until the board of directors appoints a successor. She really had a vision." Her vision, he said, inspired not only new Canadians, but the broader community who recognized her, and her commitment, to human rights and multiculturalism.
Conservative leader Stephen Harper offered his condolences, as did B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell, Opposition Leader Carole James and To's peers in social service agencies.
She was a leader in immigrant settlement services and is personally responsible for the richness that so many newcomers have contributed to our society," said Mark Weintraub, Chair of Canadian Jewish Congress, Pacific Region. Lilian built SUCCESS into an agency that not only provides a range of services for immigrants to find homes and jobs, but one that promotes multiculturalism more generally, that protects human rights, encourages an active and dedicated citizenry and combats prejudice in any form it might take. Her foresight, depth of knowledge and inherent sensitivity will be deeply missed."
David Oborne, assistant superintendent for School District 43 collaborated with Lilian To, and said her contribution was enormous and should be recognized by the entire community, not just those who directly benefitted from the many programs. She has been a stalwart supporter of new immigrant children," he said.
She received numerous awards and accolades during her career, but was not one to stay in the office. In Tri-City, she was often present at events including all-candidate's forums with simultaneous translations and graduation ceremonies for entrepreneurial programs - - and always advocating for new Canadians, as well as inspiring them.
She was not a very high profile person," Foo said. She spoke out when it was needed, but not for the sake of her own reputation. Whenever there was policy related to the community, she would speak out not only in the Chinese community but to the mainstream."
A private family service was planned for July 8 but Foo said civic leaders have asked to attend it, rather than waiting for a planned life celebration in September, so it is expected to be standing-room only. Memorial opportunities will be at the Pender Street office until the end of the week and at success.bc.ca.
