The Pacific Canada Heritage Centre – Museum of Migration Society mourns the passing of our Founding President, Dr. Raymond Lee of Calgary, who passed away on December 12, 2024. Dr. Lee was a visionary, a passionate leader, and a dear friend to many. His passing leaves a legacy that continues to inspire and guide us all.
Although many of us at PCHC-MoM did not have the privilege of knowing Dr. Lee personally, we are all beneficiaries of his remarkable dream — the Pacific Canada Heritage Centre – Museum of Migration Society (PCHC-MoM). It was Dr. Lee’s vision to create a space dedicated to understanding, celebrating, and preserving the diverse stories of trans-Pacific migration, grounded in his belief that intercultural exchange plays a vital role in shaping Canada’s history and future.
Through his passion, determination, and persuasive spirit, Dr. Lee inspired the creation of this society. His dream has brought us to where we are today—having achieved charity status and continuing to grow, sustain, and reach out to communities across Pacific Canada. Though we have not yet built a physical museum, Dr. Lee’s vision is alive in the work we do, from community events to virtual gatherings, sharing hidden histories, and amplifying the voices of diverse communities.
Dr. Lee’s impact was also felt in the partnerships he built. His initial work alongside Winnie Cheung, Dr. Henry Yu, his son Bradley, and others who shared his dream of this museum created a lasting foundation for what the PCHC-MoM Society has become today. Their tireless efforts and shared passion remain an inspiration to all of us.
Photo: PCHC-MoM Archives
One of the milestone moments of Dr. Lee’s legacy came in 2013, when he spoke at the inaugural PCHC-MoM Society symposium. Over 70 community leaders from diverse cultural backgrounds, including those from Afghan, Bengali, Cantonese, Filipino, Hakka, Hindu, Japanese, Punjabi, and Taiwanese communities, gathered to support his vision. This event marked the beginning of something much larger than any one individual, setting in motion a movement that continues to grow and inspire.
Beyond being the driving force behind PCHC-MoM, Dr. Lee was a consummate community organizer and is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal for his work as a federal citizenship judge who brought citizenship ceremonies to GlobalFest where more than 1,200 Albertans have taken the oath to become Canadian citizens. Dr. Lee worked tirelessly to preserve the culture, history and diverse communities living in Canada’s Chinatowns. In addition, his rapport and relationships with key contacts resulted in Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s official apology for Canada’s historical Head Tax and Chinese Exclusion Act.
Through his leadership, Dr. Lee helped foster a deeper understanding of multiculturalism and the need to recognize the history and experiences of all communities in Canada. The Pacific Canada Heritage Centre – Museum of Migration Society is determined to honor his memory by bringing his dream to life, connecting storytellers and communities across Pacific Canada, and ensuring that his passion for the migration experience and building a more inclusive and culturally aware society remains central to our work.
Thank you, Dr. Lee, for your tireless efforts, for entrusting us with your vision, and for leaving a legacy that will endure for generations to come. We will continue to carry your dream forward with pride and gratitude.
Rest in peace, Dr. Raymond Lee. Our thoughts are with your family, and all touched by your life and work.
With deepest sympathy,
The PCHC-MoM Society
By Pat Parungao
