Henry Hon Keung Wong

Henry passed away peacefully in Richmond, BC, just 3 weeks shy of his 93rd birthday.

A devoted husband, caring father and doting grandfather, he was pre-deceased by his parents Kwong Wong and Mui Li. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Tinny Yuet Hoi, children Angelina (Howard Chow), Jim (Eden) and Alvin (Sally), and adored grandchildren Kyle, Clara, Kevin, Keira and Erika, and by his brother Cliff Hon Chiu (Fung Yee), Vancouver; and sister Man Ying (d. K Y Fung) in Toronto. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews who will miss his Chinese soup and congee concoctions.

Henry was a successful business owner in Hong Kong before he decided to uproot his young family in 1970 to Vancouver to start a new life and provide his children with better education opportunities. Dad impressed upon us the importance of family, the value of true friendship and the pure joy of good food. He taught us never to be afraid of hard work, to treat others as we would want to be treated, and never forget a kindness bestowed. He was a quiet man who spoke loudly through his actions, without a word of complaint, and would often recite to us ancient Chinese proverbs which we could not understand, let alone repeat.

He loved watching World Cup Soccer, even when they were 3 a.m. games. He would take us fishing at Pender Harbour and Egmont when we were younger, even if Angie got car sick along the way and Alvin killed all the live bait before they made it into the water; Jim was the trooper in the family.

Dad and mom were baptized at Richmond Chinese Alliance Church on April 29, 1979, and proudly served within the church community, sharing their time and skills. Many lifelong friendships were forged through church and fellowship and their support during Dad’s last few weeks were a blessing and much appreciated.

After many years of early mornings and hard work, Dad retired at 65 and indulged in his love of gardening and cooking. He revelled in sharing his lo pak guo and beef brisket with everyone and often gave away that evening’s main course, much to mom’s chagrin. He enjoyed cruises and trips to Europe and China with friends and family. His highlights included the family trip to Hong Kong in winter of 1985, where he was able to take us “back” and introduce us to our many relatives, and the family cruise we took to Alaska in celebrating his 80th birthday.

A heartfelt thank you to the nursing staff and doctors at Rotary Hospice and Richmond Hospital for their tender care and compassion in Dad’s last weeks. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Rotary Hospice House or the Richmond Hospital Foundation.

Following the service, dinner will be held at Neptune Seafood Restaurant (8171 Ackroyd Road, Richmond) to follow. Please RSVP to [email protected] to confirm your attendance at dinner.

We love you, we miss you already but we know you are at peace and in God’s hands. Until we meet again.

Therefore, you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you. John 16:22