Most people in Richmond had at least heard of Milan Ilich.
And his popularity and high esteem in which he was held was never more evident Friday when hundreds of people turned out for a celebration of Ilichs life at the Richmond Funeral Home.
Those who couldnt squeeze into the home watched the service on a video screen outside.
Among the masses of friends and family were a number of representatives of the many charitable organizations that Ilich became famous for donating millions of dollars to during his 76 years.
Tributes to Ilich Progressive Construction founder and owner, who died June 29 after a long battle with acute myeloid leukemia were made by his son Rick, friends Joseph Segal and Michael Audain and former premier Gordon Campbell.
They all spoke in glowing terms of a man who always put others before himself and was almost generous to a fault with his money.
