In the aftermath of last week's deadly shooting at a UPS center in Potrero Hill, residents and organizations across the city have gathered to mourn and support the families and loved ones of the three UPS drivers fatally shot by a colleague.
They were 56-year-old San Franciscan Wayne Chan, whose route took him through Cole Valley and the Haight; 50-year-old Benson Louie, a Sunset resident whose route made him a familiar face to neighbors in the area; and 46-year-old Hercules resident Michael Lefiti, a driver better known as "Big Mike," who could often be seen on his route in Diamond Heights.
GoFundMe campaigns have been launched to support each of the families.
Wayne Chan
The UPS driver was dubbed the "Mayor of Haight Street" by one neighbor, who donated to the fundraiser.
"He will always be remembered as the smiling goofy family man," said Pauline Tom, the organizer of the fundraiser, "a chummy community member with an infectious personality, and an all-around wonderful soul whom the world had lost too soon.
"I met Wayne 11 years ago when I moved to the San Francisco," recalled another neighbor. "He welcomed me to the neighbourhood, and has watched my children grow who are now 7 and 10. He has hugged them, [and] waved to us every time we see him...My family and myself will miss him greatly."
A memorial for Chan can also be seen outside of FTC Skateboarding, where he was a regular visitor as he delivered packages.
Benson Louie
"Benson was a devoted son, loving husband, proud father, selfless friend and dedicated volleyball coach and mentor," wrote Gina Chow, the organizer for the fundraiser. "He was also a hardworking UPS driver for 17 years and was greatly appreciated by all of his customers."
One of Louie's customers was Supervisor Katy Tang's grandmother, who lived in the Sunset with Tang's parents and underwent dialysis.
"The kidney dialysis required the delivery of many, many packages on a regular basis," she recalled. "Benson shared his phone number with my Dad and would even go the extra mile (literally) to connect with my Dad to ensure that the dialysis supplies would be delivered. He didn't have to do this, but his kind gestures have been experienced by so many. My Dad still remembered Benson to this day, and was able to see and say hi to "Ben" the day before he passed."
Lim noted that the proceeds from the fundraiser would go to Sandy Lim, Louie's wife.
Mike Lefiti
"He loved his family immensely and was a man of great faith," wrote Danielle Lefiti of her husband on the campaign's site. "A teamster for over 17 years, his work allowed him to touch so many people."
"Mike made me feel so welcomed my first day at UPS," wrote one donor. "He gave me tips on how to work and was always refreshing others . He'd buy me food and sodas and i wasnt even his helper."
In addition to the fundraiser, a memorial has been set up outside a Walgreens in Diamond Heights.
Outside of the fundraisers, the Teamsters union have announced that they will be donating $50,000 to a memorial fund for the families.
