Norman Lynn

Norman Lynn, born in Colborne, Ontario, was a local entrepreneur and community activist who worked throughout his life to bridge the gap between Chinese and Canadian culture.

Lynn was the founding chair of the K-W Multicultural Centre, and worked hard to establish race relations training in schools and social services for newcomers to the community. He also helped to found the Central Ontario Chinese Cultural Centre, and served with national organizations such as the Canadian Consultative Council on Multiculturalism and the Chinese National Council.

In 1948, Lynn and his father opened Lynn’s, one of the first Chinese restaurants in Kitchener, and he owned Top’s Tavern, a popular restaurant in downtown Kitchener from the 1950s to the 1980s.

Lynn was known for his fund raising efforts. He worked with other local restaurateurs to mark Canada’s centennial with a fund raising event for K-W Federated Appeal, and he raised funds for the victims of the 1974 Cambridge flood, the victims of tornados in Woodstock and Barrie, as well as funds for the construction of the Centre in the Square and K-W Hospital.

Upon his death, Lynn was remembered as the most respected man in the local Chinese-Canadian community for his many efforts to better the community. In 2005, the KW Multicultural Centre named their new building in honour of Norman Lynn.

Photograph David McCammon, Photography, Waterloo