Joseph Yoi Wong

Joseph was born in San Francisco, California, on August 18, 1939, to Franklin and Ding Wong (Tong). He was the youngest of 5 children. He grew up in San Francisco, attending high school there and continuing on to college at the University of California, Berkeley.

While studying to obtain his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from UC Berkeley, he felt called to the ministry and pursued post graduate studies to fulfill that call. He went on to receive a graduate certificate from Multnomah School of the Bible (Portland, OR), then a Masters Degree in Christian Education and Doctorate in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary (Dallas, TX).

At Multnomah, he met and fell in love with a classmate, Rose Marie Wong, and they were married in 1963 while he was in seminary. Children soon followed and Andrea, Sherri, and Franklin were all born during his seminary years.

After finishing his classes and while working on his doctoral dissertation, he taught classes at Arizona Bible College in Phoenix, Arizona. He graduated from Dallas in 1971, and the family moved to Portland, Oregon where Joseph became a professor at the then named Multnomah School of the Bible, currently named Multnomah University, until he retired in 2004. In addition to teaching, he also fulfilled many roles at the seminary, including Academic Dean, Vice President of Educational Development, and Vice President of Information Services. He also dedicated time to speaking at churches and church camps, interim pastoring, serving on the board of the American Association of Bible Colleges, writing articles, and pursuing his many hobbies.

His hobbies were numerous and varied, from hunting to astronomy, fishing, food, hiking, and photography. He enjoyed trips with Rose to faraway places, with Italy and China being some of his favorites. His more recent travels were not so far away, but he enjoyed them to the fullest, appreciating God’s marvelous creation.

Everywhere he went, he enjoyed connecting with people. Sometimes he would see students during the summer who were working at a national park; other times he would approach an Asian person at the airport to see if they spoke Cantonese. He even ran into some friends while visiting Grand Central Station in New York City! His enthusiasm for life was contagious with all those around him.

We are comforted that he is now at peace in his new home in Heaven, free of the physical restraints which were becoming more numerous, and enjoying the promises for all who believe and receive Jesus as their Savior.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Franklin and Ding Wong; and siblings Helen (George) Lee, Pansy (Henry) Lew, and Arthur (Mary) Wong.

Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Rose; brother Edwin (Bernadine) Wong; children: Andrea (Christopher) Lum, Sherri (Randy) Lee, and Franklin (Nhan) Wong; and seven grandchildren, Kimberly Lum, Kristen Lum, Charis Wong, Kathryn Lum, Joseph Lee, David Lee, and Eliott Wong.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023, at 12:30 pm at Village Church, 330 SW Murray Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97005.

“I am the resurrection and the life; the one who believes in Me will live, even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.” John 11:25-26

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chinese Baptist Church, 1938 SE Ladd Avenue, Portland, OR 97214 or to Chinese Bible Mission, 2278 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, CA 94583.

A private graveside inurnment will be held at Lincoln Memorial on March 10, 2023.