Stanley Tun-Li Kwok

The family of Stanley Tun-Li Kwok announces with great sadness his passing, only weeks before his 100th year. An architect, urban planner, and developer, Stanley helped reshape some of British Columbia’s most recognizable cityscapes, including Vancouver’s False Creek, Whistler Resort, and Victoria’s Inner Harbour. His influence stretched from his native China to Hong Kong and, ultimately, to Canada, where he built a distinguished second career.

In an era that often celebrated singular vision, Stanley preferred consensus and was quick to credit others. “If I meet three people on the street,” he would say, quoting Confucius, “one of them is bound to be my teacher.”

Born on January 2, 1927, in Shanghai, Stanley grew up amid the upheavals of wartime China, moving frequently and picking up five dialects along the way. After studying architecture at St. John’s University in Shanghai, he eventually settled in Hong Kong, where he began his career and later continued his education at the Architectural Association in London. Returning to Hong Kong, he became a partner at Eric Cumine Architects and designed more than 200 buildings—homes, housing estates, hospitals, and factories—all rooted in his belief that architecture should serve people. He later became president of the Hong Kong Society of Architects and taught at the University of Hong Kong.

In 1968, seeking greater stability, Stanley moved to Canada with his young family. He embraced the outdoor culture and became an enthusiastic skier, but his professional ambitions shifted toward development. He joined Grosvenor International, rising to vice-president and board member, and later helped expand CIL Industries—later Canadian Freehold—into a national portfolio that included landmark projects such as Laurel Point.

Stanley was appointed president of BC Place and served on the board of Expo ’86. He led Concord Pacific’s successful bid to redevelop the north shore of False Creek, guiding what became North America’s largest urban redevelopment project. Working closely with civic officials and community leaders, he promoted a cooperative planning model that has since informed city-building efforts around the world. He championed a pedestrian-focused waterfront, generous public spaces, and the inclusion of social housing. The slender towers became a signature feature of the Vancouver skyline and a particular Vancouver urbanism.

His work extended beyond Canada. For nearly four decades, Stanley served on the boards of Cheung Kong Holdings and CK Hutchison in Hong Kong and was the visionary master planner behind Dubai Marina in the United Arab Emirates. In Canada, he served on the boards of the Bank of Montreal, the BC Cancer Foundation, and the Vancouver Foundation. He received an honorary doctorate from Royal Roads University and a lifetime achievement award from the Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs.

Stanley will be remembered for his integrity, generosity, and devotion to family and community. His ability to bring people together and guide them toward shared purpose shaped his work and helped define the cities he touched. He believed cities should be built for people—and he spent a lifetime proving what that could mean.

He was predeceased by his wives, Eleanor and Mildred. He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Eva Lee Kwok; his children Jing Hun (late Jenny), Joanne (Gary), Marianne (John), and Colin (Joyce); grandchildren Andrew (Erin), Eric (Lucy), Brian (Mel), Leah, Shelley (Will), Will, and Anna; and great-grandchildren Vivian, Lily, Sebastian and Wesley.

A private family service will be held, with a Celebration of Life planned for the spring. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the BC Cancer Foundation/Karen Gelmon Endowment Fund or St. John’s College at UBC.