Richard Adi Danyo

Richard Adi Danyo (Nio Bie Seng) was born on January 24, 1936 in Purwokerto, Indonesia, the first child of Nio Thiam Piet and Lie Lie Gen. At a young age, he was fortunate to survive a mass killing during World War II. As the oldest of six siblings, and because his parents did not have enough money to support all their children, Bie Seng was raised separately by his uncle, Lie Tiang Tik, at the age of 11. This parting was painful yet pivotal. It revealed the importance of family early on in his upbringing. He made himself a promise to keep his family members close and cared for. His uncle became a beloved father figure and role model. He taught him discipline, kindness, and everything he knew about business through his trucking/shipping company.

Bie Seng grew up in Purworkerto where he met Maria (Tan Gien Hwa), his soulmate and wife. On December 22, 1963, Bie Seng and Gien married and they had three children: Rizal, Rima, and Rita. He loved Gien dearly until his final breath. As a young man, he studied architecture and landed a contract to design and build a government building in Jakarta, a project he would lead to completion in only six months. His hard work led to an even greater project where he re-designed parts of the presidential palace. Although Bie Seng became very successful in his career, he dreamed of moving his family to North America to provide them with a better life. In August of 1977, they all moved to Vancouver, Canada. At the age of 41, he retired.

During the next few decades, he travelled throughout the world with Gien while living in Vancouver. He had an amazing life. Perhaps his greatest accomplishment was not what he built but rather what he gave to his family and friends. His generosity was unmatched. Bie Seng took care of his siblings and his wife’s siblings, ensuring that everyone had a home, schooling, and the support they needed. Many of these individuals would lead successful careers and grow families of their own around the world. He remained committed to supporting his children and grandchildren (Christian, Ethan, Emmaline, and Sarah), especially in their education, helping them all achieve their goals. Bie Seng fulfilled the promise he made to himself as a young boy.

On December 5, 2025, Bie Seng passed away peacefully in his living room, holding his wife’s hand, surrounded by loved ones. His memory will live on in everyone who knew him.