Tributes continue to pour in for Chuck Chin, a well-known volunteer whose photography captured countless memories in Prince George.
Chin was named a Citizen of the Year by the Prince George Community Foundation in 2019 for his outstanding dedication to local photography.
Dave Mothus, who helped launch the popular Facebook page Hell Yeah Prince George, which is celebrating its 10th birthday next month, told MyPGNow.com that Chuck’s pictures and wisdom helped make the page what it is today.
“He was one of the people who helped create that entire page. We called him the Dad of the group because he was the only person who provided some level of maturity and common sense as to how we were going to handle this thing that blew up on us.”
“When he started working with us it was just administration but he very quickly branched off on his own with his hobby of photography walking through the parks with his wife Sue. You won’t meet a more proud human about being able to capture those photos and those memories and to share them with people. I don’t too many people are aware as to how many events he went to and attended as well as the work he put in.”
This weekend, our city lost an incredible figure. Chuck Chin was a kind, community-minded individual who always had time for a laugh, a story, and a photo.
We extend heartfelt condolences to the Chin family. His presence at our field, our gym and our community will be missed. pic.twitter.com/H6xmsBDSZd
— UNBC Timberwolves (@UNBCATHLETICS) January 22, 2024
Former Mayor Lyn Hall says it didn’t matter what event he attended over his two terms as mayor, Chuck was never far behind.
“He really captured in his photography what Prince George is all about and that will really stand out to me. Every event that I went to, there was Chuck – he was at sporting events and conferences all over the city and I think it captured the essence of Prince George if you will – that will stand out to me.”
Prince George-Valemount BC United MLA Shirley Bond echoed Hall’s sentiments noting that Chin’s efforts within the local sporting community, especially with the Spruce Kings, PG Cougars, and Cariboo Hockey shouldn’t go unnoticed.
“Think of being a parent while your son or daughter plays hockey on the road or away from home. Chuck would capture photographs and share them with families way beyond Prince George and around the region. He had a heart for this community.”
“In a day and age where people tend to rely on images and social media – Chuck Chin was one of the people who positively told our story. That made me feel very proud the number of times we would see his photographs for example on Global BC – those are things that leave an impression with people.”
Frank Peebles who spent many years as a reporter with the Prince George Citizen puts Chin in the same class as Jacob Simonson, a noted photographer from the 1900s’ who also showcased the city in a vibrant light.
“He became quite famous and posthumously many decades after his death won an Arts Gallery of Honour award for that work he’s leaving behind as an amazing legacy of photography. Chuck is exactly that – this is the modern version of what Jacob Simonson was.”
“He was doing what no one else was doing. I would go to things like other photographers and reporters and do things out of a professional need but he was doing it as a personal passion that brings forward images that no other person would ever find.”
“He would just pop up wherever the community was happening and wherever I would happen to be. There was a place there for him to, he just happened to find his way there,” added Peebles.
The Prince George Spruce Kings are mourning the loss of Chuck Chin. Chuck was an much loved community member, a local photographer, and a massive Spruce Kings supporter, who captured our organzations greatest moments. Our thoughts are with his family and freinds. pic.twitter.com/HdhLo4BLEr
— Prince George Spruce Kings (@SpruceKings) January 22, 2024
Prince George Community Foundation (PGCF) Director of Development, Mindy Stroet stated the organization has reached out to the family on how to best honour his legacy for years to come.
“Chuck was a true community champion. He embodied everything great about Prince George. His legacy is going to live on in our community forever.”
A Legacy Fund has been established by PGCF.
Chin was 73 years old.
A memorial service is being planned. A private service will be held by the family first followed by a memorial to honour Chuck’s memory.
More details will be announced at a later date.
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