Remembering Markham’s favourite 'tito': City mourns former councillor Alex Chiu

As it was customary for Alex to end council meetings, today we collectively say move to adjourn on a life well lived,’ says Mayor Frank Scarpitti

Yorkreigon.com
May 20, 2021

Flags at all City of Markham facilities will be lowered to honour the memory and legacy of former Ward 8 councillor Alex Chiu beginning May 29 until the night of June 3.

Chiu died peacefully at the age of 82 with his beloved wife, Alicia, and daughter, Cherrie-Marie, by his side.

Born in Candaba, Philippines, Chiu served on Markham council for 33 years before retiring from political life in 2018.

Mayor Frank Scarpitti, who was voted onto council the same year as Chiu, said in a statement he was proud to call Alex a dear friend and will miss his friendship and guidance.

"Not only was he a trailblazer for politicians of Asian heritage, he was a man of great integrity and decency; a man of a few words who knew how to get things done," Scarpitti said.

"Well respected by his council colleagues, Markham staff and constituents, he was always willing to help with a smile on his face."

Chiu’s contributions to the community were immense and he left a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten, Scarpitti said.

Chiu was a fixture in the Milliken Mills community and was instrumental in the push for the Milliken Mills Community Centre, which opened in 1989.

As an avid swimmer, Alex took great pride in being one of the first people to swim in Markham’s new aquatic facilities, including the Markham Pan Am Centre.

In recognition of his extraordinary public service, the pool at Milliken Mills Community Centre was dedicated in his name in 2019.

Recognized as an exceptional community leader, Chiu raised money for a variety of community organizations, including all three York Region hospitals.

He swam 100 laps non-stop each day for one week during 'Alex’s Swim', a fundraiser for the City of Markham’s United Way campaign.

Over 20 years, the Alex Chiu Golf Tournament donated more than $2 million to many organizations, including the Markham YMCA, York Regional Police Community Safety Village, Power Unit Youth Organization, and Centre for Immigrant and Community Services, among others.

He also raised funds for a mobile fire house teaching children about fire safety.

As co-chair of the annual Markham Theatre Gala, he raised thousands of dollars for the Discovery Program providing children the opportunity to experience live theatre.

Included in his philanthropy was a cause near and dear to him -- ALS Double Play.

After losing his son Christopher to ALS, Chiu and his family made it their mission to continue Christopher’s legacy through fundraising for ALS research.

Just this week, York University announced the first student award established at the future Markham Centre Campus would be the Alex Chiu Community Involvement Award in Markham. It is an entrance award to graduating Markham high school students attending the Markham campus who have demonstrated outstanding community involvement.

A proud Canadian who co-chaired Markham’s Canada Day celebrations for many years, Chiu always kept his homeland close to his heart, Scarpitti said.

Chiu spearheaded the building of a housing complex in the Philippines named Markham Village in honour of his efforts.

Proud of his cultural roots, Chiu helped establish the Centre for the Federation of Filipino Canadians of Markham.

He was the patron of the annual Philippines Independence Day celebration in Markham and raised money for the statue honouring Dr. José Rizal located in Box Grove.

As chair of the city’s economic development committee, Chiu sought opportunities to connect Markham with the global community, including forging friendship agreements with the cities of Foshan and Nanhai in China.

Chiu played an instrumental role in the municipality’s growth and development, Scarpitti said, offering Chiu's family heartfelt condolences on behalf of the city.

"May he rest in peace and his family be comforted by warm memories and the appreciation and gratitude from our entire community," Scarpitti said.

"As it was customary for Alex to end council meetings, today we collectively say 'move to adjourn' on a life well-lived."

The public is invited to sign a virtual condolence book at yourvoicemarkham.ca.