Family History

Loo Gee Wing: The Forgotten Tycoon Who Helped Shape Chinese Canadian History

Loo Gee Wing (1861–1923) was one of the most influential Chinese Canadian figures of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, yet his name is scarcely recognized today. Despite his savvy business successes, Loo’s later years were marked by community disputes, financial woes, and legal battles. His once-vast estate dwindled, and his story faded from public memory. Yet, his buildings, like the Sun Ah Hotel and Chinese Theatre, remain landmarks of Vancouver Chinatown, and his legacy as a pioneer and community builder endures.

Part 1: The Mah family of Crystal Bakery-Letters and Legacies

This blog post is part of RBSC’s new series spotlighting items in the Phil Lind Klondike Gold Rush Collection and the Wallace B. and Madeline H. Chung Collection. This Part One of two long-form blogs.   Thank you to Kelly Attrell and Kathleen East from the Grand Coteau Heritage & Cultural Centre for helping share […]