David Lam
David See-Chai Lam, OC CVO OBC (25 July 1923 – 22 November 2010), was a Hong Kong-born Canadian banker, real estate developer, philanthropist, and public figure who served as the 25th Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia from 1988 to 1995, becoming the first person of Chinese descent appointed to a vice-regal office in Canada.[1][2] Born in Hong Kong and educated there before immigrating to Canada in the 1950s, Lam established a successful career in finance and property development, amassing considerable wealth that he later directed toward charitable causes.[3] During his tenure as Lieutenant Governor, Lam focused on promoting multiculturalism, education, and community engagement, delivering hundreds of speeches annually and advocating for the integration of new Canadians into society.[4][1] A devout Christian influenced by Confucian principles, he emphasized values of gratitude, public service, and cross-cultural understanding, shunning personal acclaim while supporting initiatives like classical Chinese gardens and university endowments.[3][5] His philanthropy extended to funding public projects, higher education chairs in multicultural studies, and cultural institutions, reflecting a commitment to enhancing British Columbia's social fabric.[6][7] Lam received numerous honours, including membership in the Order of Canada, for his contributions to business, public life, and generosity, before succumbing to prostate cancer in Vancouver at age 87.[8][6]