Richard passed away peacefully at the age of 88 on Monday, December 9th, 2013 at VGH.
He was born Tei-Sang Wong to father Kai Kwong Wong and mother Wai Sing Pan on September 20th, 1925 in Canton, China. Richard was recruited into the military during World War II as an English-Chinese interpreter. It was here that he learned about Western life from American soldiers. He valued education and persevered after many setbacks during the war to graduate from Dr. Sun Yat Sen University, China in 1947 majoring in Agriculture. In the 1970’s in Canada, he discovered a need for a Chinese language school in his community and founded the Vancouver Fraserview Chinese School which is currently still in operation. Richard arrived in Vancouver on November 5th, 1949. He worked many jobs to survive including one as a salesman in a curio store in Chinatown which began his love for collecting antiques. He also worked in several restaurants in Chinatown where he started many lifelong friendships. He was often seen celebrating with good food, family and friends. While in Canada, Richard graduated from UBC’s Faculty of Agriculture in 1958. After graduation, he had worked as a Quality Control Specialist with BC Packers in Richmond, Nelson Brothers Fish Company laboratory in Prince Rupert and Canada Packers slaughter house in Vancouver. On December 13th, 1962 Richard became a Canadian citizen and soon began working for Health and Welfare Canada as a food lab technician. He continued there for 30 years until his retirement at age 75. Richard’s love of dancing led him to meet his wife, Jessie Lee, at a dance party. They married on June 25th, 1960. They remained dedicated to each other for 53 years raising 2 children. Their love for dancing could be seen at numerous ballroom dance clubs in Vancouver. Richard will be missed and remembered by his wife Jessie; son Mark (Sheila); daughter Michelle (Herb); grandchildren Jordan, Brendan, Cameron, Keira; sisters Lily and Mei-me; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two brothers and three sisters. Special thanks to all the staff at VGH for their support. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to BC Cancer Foundation, BC Heart and Stroke Foundation, BC Kidney Foundation or a charity of your choice.
A Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel of Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 3789 Royal Oak Avenue, Burnaby, BC on Friday, December 27th, 2013 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. (A Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 26th from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm).
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