SURREY — The man who helped shape Surrey’s skyline has died.
Bing Thom, the renowned architect whose firm designed the Central City tower and other buildings in Surrey, died of a brain aneurism today while in hospital in Hong Kong, his birthplace.
He was 75.
His wife of more than 50 years, Bonnie Thom, was by his side, according to a post on the Bing Thom Architects website.
“Bing Thom was one of Canada’s most admired and accomplished architects, a dedicated and artful city-builder whose global reputation was closely tied to Metro Vancouver, a region he cared for deeply and did much to protect and to improve,” the company stated.
In Surrey, Bing Thom Architects also designed Guildford Aquatic Centre and Surrey City Centre Library, which marked its fifth anniversary at an event on Saturday (Oct. 1).
“Bing believed architecture transcends the building, to shine its light onto its whole surroundings,” Bonnie Thom said in a statement also posted to the company website.
“He was so happy his architects also pursue this adventure of ‘building beyond buildings.’”
CLICK HERE to read the post on the company website.
On Facebook, former Surrey mayor Dianne Watts said she was “deeply saddened” by the news of Thom’s passing.
“He was an amazing individual – a great architect and a friend,” wrote Watts, currently MP in South Surrey-White Rock.
“He will be missed by so many.
“As the former mayor, I had the great privilege and honour to work with him on many projects. I will miss our meaningful conversations but most of all I will miss his smile and his positive energy. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.”
tom.zillich@thenownewspaper.com
