Gilford Yuen Wong MD

Gilford was born in Canton, China on January 26, 1926, to William and Esther Wong. At the age of 20 months, he came to the United States where he grew up in Portland, OR. He went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, August 9, 2014, at the age of 88.

He was a World War II veteran, serving in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946, while stationed in the Marshall Islands. After the war, he finished college graduating from Oregon State University as a chemistry major. In 1952, he graduated from University of Oregon Medical School. He did his internship at Highland Alameda County Hospital in Oakland, and pediatric residency at Children's Hospital in Berkeley. In 1956, he became the first Board Certified Chinese Pediatrician in Fresno where he was in private practice for 17 years. From 1963 to 1965, he was appointed Chief of Medical Staff for Valley Children's Hospital. In 1973, he became the first Medical Consultant for the Fresno office of the California State Department of Social Services Disability Evaluation Division where he worked until retirement in 1988.

He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and working out at the gym where he made many friends. For many years, he was a Fresno State basketball season ticket holder.

Gilford is survived by Virginia, the love of his life and his wife of 64 years; sons, Gregory, Gary and his wife Lang, and Geoffrey and his wife Sophia; grandchildren, Gabrielle, Glenna, Galene, Garret, and Gordon; sister, Johanne Chan; brother, Dr. Clifford Wong and his wife Cathy; sisters-in-law, Gloria Wong, Grace Mar, and Kim Mar; and many nieces and nephews.

A Private Family Service was held.

Remembrances may be made to First Chinese Baptist Church, 6080 N. Angus, Fresno, CA 93710; or Northwest Church, 5415 N. West, Fresno, CA 93711.

Arrangements under the direction of Stephens & Bean Funeral Chapel, Fresno, CA.