James Bligh just sent this in:
You may have already heard but Bing Thom passed away.
It would be really nice to mention his outstanding contributions to Canadian and Vancouver architecture on Price Tags. Let me know and I can write something – however it might be nice to collect snippets from a variety of people whose lives he has touched.
Please, James – Price Tags welcomes your thoughts on Bing’s contribution to Canadian and Vancouver architecture. Indeed, to the world, given his breath of work.
For me, Bing was a singular Vancouverite: a man passionate about this city, with a depth of understanding that was always insightful, frequently surprising and often provocative, sometimes maddening. But it came from a place of care and concern, even when he was frustrated with our short-sightedness.
For many, it was his personal contact – the outreach, the conversations, the assistance, the follow-through – that was a measure of the man.
We welcome your own snippets, as it were – your memories and thoughts on the contribution and meaning of this remarkable man who will be deeply missed in this city.
I’ve spent the day so far alternating between tears and deep sighs. Bing was a great man in so many ways. Having worked with him and the BTA team on a number of urban design projects a few years ago, I think I can safely say that the word “mentor” fits him perfectly, even though we are contemporaries.
I also think that a fitting and lasting legacy could and should be the implementation of his emerging vision for the nasty but very promising Commercial and Broadway precinct, notably the ridiculously underused Safeway site. I only hope that the citizens of that community will see that promise as a rare opportunity to make a true place, one worthy of going to, rather than just passing through.
My deepest condolences go to his family, the BTA “family”, and his legion of friends and admirers.
He was one of the greatest “undiscovered” architects internationally. There are only a few whose works measurably elevated the quality of the communities around them, and increased the depth and intelligence of architectural discourse.
His passing so suddenly is like a master work not completed.
I cannot really put in words how profoundly saddened and shocked I am to hear this. Every moment I spent in Bing’s company enriched me and inspired me to do better. Each and every one of his design accomplishments on the ground speak for themselves in terms of his many contributions to the built realm globally. But that is only one part of his drive, his constant striving to make this a better world. He challenged people to search deeper to find ways to make their personal efforts in whatever they did more meaningful to society.
I feel that, with his passing, I’ve been robbed, along with so many others, of the inspirational mentoring that I was looking forward to in future collaborations that will now be foregone.
Two of my favourite Bing quotes:
“This town’s economy is supported by three things only – the sex trade, drugs and real estate.”
and
“Time for the grey hairs to get out of the way. The kids know what to do”.
So very sad for all of us. He showed the design profession how to practice generous ity of spirit. A tough day today.