Tong Louie, C.M., O.B.C., B.S.A.
LL.D. 1914-1998
Former Chairman and CEO, H.Y. Louie Co. Limited
Born and raised in Vancouver, Tong Louie’s involvement
with his community was boundless and his contribution to its
welfare exemplary.
After graduating from UBC with a degree in Agriculture in
1938, Tong was offered a position with a fertilizer company,
but turned it down in view of his expanding role as a partner
in his family’s business, H.Y. Louie Co. Ltd. Under
Tong’s guidance, the company progressively expanded,
first taking on 47 BC IGA stores in 1965 , then buying nine
large supermarkets from Dominion Stores in 1968, and finally
purchasing the London Drugs chain of stores.
Dr. Louie was the Director and Vice-Chairman of IGA Canada
Ltd., Chairman and Director of MTC Electronic Technologies
Co., Director of Western Forest Products Ltd. and a Director
of the Royal Bank of Canada. He served on the Board of Directors
for The United Way, St. Paul's Hospital, the Vancouver Symphony,
the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Gardens, the Canadian Diabetes Association,
and the Heart & Stroke Foundation of BC & Yukon.
Tong Louie was well-known for his generous support of many
of the city's education, health and cultural institutions.
He established the London Drugs Scholarship Endowment at UBC,
and helped build the Geraldine and Tong Louie Human Performance
Centre at the SFU Harbour Centre. Dr. Louie was the first
Canadian to be awarded the Golden Heart Community Achievement
Award from the Variety Club.
In addition, Tong Louie received many other awards and honours,
including the YMCA of Greater Vancouver Outstanding Volunteer
Leader Award, the Order of Canada, the Food Industry Association
of Canada Knight of the Golden Pencil Award, the Order of
British Columbia, and the Brotherhood Interfaith Society Man
of the Year Award. He was also twice named BC Entrepreneur
of the Year. He was former Head of The Vancouver Board of
Trade and the Business Council of BC, and served on UBC’
s Board of Governors. In 1990, Dr. Louie was awarded an honorary
Doctor of Laws degree from UBC for his outstanding achievements
in business and community service.
