SEATTLE — Francisco “Frank” Irigon, a pillar of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in Seattle, has died after a long battle with heart disease. Irigon, who was a prominent advocate for social justice and community service, passed away at the age of 77.
Gei Chan, widow of late activist Matt Chan, said Seattle lost a longtime tenacious fighter for the underserved Chinatown-International District (CID) community and she offered heartfelt condolences to his family.
“Brave and outspoken, Frank Irigon will never be forgotten and will continue to be an inspiration since his early involvement in the 1970s fighting for the CID. More recently, my late husband, Matt Chan, was honored to have worked with Frank in the fall of 2022 to advocate for measures to protect the CID neighborhood from the potential negative impact of King County’s proposed massive shelter expansion project…He will be missed, but will serve as an inspiration to future generations fighting for the underdog.”
The Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) in Seattle expressed deep sorrow, calling Irigon a “mainstay” of the Filipino community and a familiar figure across Seattle’s diverse API and BIPoC communities.
“Frank was a lifelong supporter of JACL and attended many activities including our annual banquets, marches, and other activities. Seattle JACL was proud to recognize Frank on several occasions with special awards,” the organization posted on Facebook.
Frank Irigon accepts UW Charles Odegaard award in May 2022 (Photo by Assunta Ng)
Frank Irigon and his family and friends (Photo by Assunta Ng)
Born in the Philippines in 1947, Irigon’s father joined the U.S. military and his family moved to the United States, where his father was stationed at Fort Lewis. Irigon followed in his father’s footsteps in joining the U.S. military. He eventually returned to the area and attended the University of Washington (UW), where he earned his Bachelor of Arts and then a Masters in Social Work.
During his time at the UW, Irigon became actively involved in the anti-war and social justice movements of the 1970s. He made history as the first Filipino American to serve on the Associated Students of the University of Washington board. He was also a co-founder and editor of Asian Family Affair, a newspaper dedicated to the AAPI community.
In 2005, the Northwest Asian Weekly honored Irigon with its Lifetime Achievement Award.
Irigon’s legacy is marked by his significant contributions to various organizations and causes. He served on the board of OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates of Greater Seattle (OCA-GS) since 2012 and was known for his candid advice and unwavering support for the AANHPI community. His impactful presence was highlighted by a longtime friend and former OCA-GS president, Doug Chin, who praised Irigon for his dedication to all AAPIs, not just Filipinos.
“He was not ‘nationalistic’ and only about Filipinos,” said Chin. “If nobody else provided the voice for Asians, Frankie did. Back then, we were passive ‘Orientals.’ Not Frank. He was assertive and Asian.”
Irigon was also a co-founder and longtime member of the Asian Pacific Directors Coalition.
In a statement, APDC said that Irigon and co-founder Al Sugiyama “created a space where Asians and Pacific Islanders could come together to advocate for AA & NH/PI interests and have a voice in political decisions. They both fought fiercely for racial equity and social justice for all communities of color. Frank was known for holding leaders accountable and asking hard questions, including making many leaders flinch by sharing honest truths about the AA & NH/PI communities.
Despite health challenges, Irigon remained active in his later years, founding AAPI Against Hate to combat anti-Asian hate crimes and opposing local transit and shelter projects that could adversely affect the CID.
Frank Irigon at a #StopAAPIHate rally at Hing Hay Park in March 2021
“We will miss Frankie’s activism. We will miss our friend,” stated Seattle JACL on Facebook.
He is survived by his wife, Felicita, whom he met at the UW, and their three children and five grandchildren. The UW’s American Ethnic Studies department and OCA-GS are planning a memorial event to celebrate Irigon’s life and contributions.
Frank Irigon (middle) with Don Mukai and Akemi Matsumoto in August 2011 when he kicked off his campaign for Newcastle City Council
Real fighter for Asian Americans, unafraid to stand up to anyone and speak truth to power
I will always remember Frankie for his leadership, humor and perseverance in advocating for the API community and other BIPOC Communities. He has been a role model for myself and others since we met back in college in the 60’s. Frank has done so much in his life to help make this a better community for all of us. I will truly miss Frankie. Love you Bro’ .
Y K Kuniyuki
Dearest Frankie, I will forever remember all that you did on behalf of the community but I will especially remember that special laugh that brought joy to all of us! Love you forever old friend
This is a tough one to hear. Frank was a good guy and an outstanding advocate for the community. He leaves a great legacy. RIP Frank.
Frankie was a legend in the community and his leadership and tremendous sense of humor will be missed.
Frank was a ferocious leader protecting our community and at the same time he was a very fine human being.
Frank was a friend to all BIPOC communities. He involved himself in issues that were important to African Americans, seniors, youth, activism and matters of importance. I valued him as a mentor and being in coalition with him. Dian Ferguson