Tough, combative and caring–those were attributes that came out in stories about Rose Pak, an influential political leader in San Francisco mourned by 600 attendees at her funeral Saturday, reported SF Gate.
Former San Francisco Mayor and State Assembly Speaker Willie Brown credited Pak with the large representation of Asian Americans on city commissions and boards.
When Brown appointed the first Asian American police chief in San Francisco, Fred Lau, it was Pak who pushed him the hardest.
“It’s time for an Asian police chief.” Brown recalls Pak telling him. “Who is going to be our police chief?”
San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, like so many in San Francisco politics, experienced both Pak’s support and ire.
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“Despite all the sharp edges and even sharper tongue, Rose was motivated by love. Love of family and community,” Lee said.
The funeral was held at Old St. Mary’s Cathedral in Chinatown. Police closed several streets to accommodate the large crowd.
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