Vancouver, B.C.
Pumanaw
Arturo S. Alafriz, Jr., first Filipino to practice law in B.C. dies at 85
The first Filipino to be admitted to the B.C. Law Society died on Christmas Day (December 25, 2022) according to a Facebook post by family. He was 85.
Arturo ‘Art’ S. Alafriz, Jr. was the first Philippine-educated lawyer to be allowed to practice in British Columbia. He finished his law degree at the Ateneo de Manila in 1961and was admitted to the Law Society of British Columbia in 1984.
His father was a former Solicitor General of the Philippines. Alafriz was apparently allowed to practice law in B.C. without going through the regular accreditation process required of foreign-educated lawyers.
He was among the first Filipino practising lawyers in B.C. that included the late Fil Apolinario and Vicente Asuncion in the 1980s.He continued his law practice specializing in ICBC claims until his retirement several years ago.
Art enjoyed his retirement fully and was an avid traveller mostly on cruises with friends who are mourning his passing.
He was buried yesterday (Dec. 27 in the Philippines) in the Philippines with a Funeral Mass officiated by Fr. Antonio Samson, S.J. at Funeraria Paz in Sucat Rd..