Obituary of William Francis Wong
(September 18, 1926 - December 1, 2024)
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our father "Bill" (Gim Yen) Wong. With family by his side, he was called by his heavenly father to be reunited with his beloved wife Mary, son Norman and daughter Ann Marie (Peter Coll). Predeceased by his parents Kee Foo (Joseph) and Yee Shee (Mary); siblings Anne Loo, Gim, Lily Fong, Allan, Reverend Father Fred and Jack and his godfather former BC Justice Angelo Branca.
He is survived by his children Mary Rozon, Trisha (Doug Backman), Catherine (Glen Edwards), Theresa (Murray Garrison), Christine (Derek Miller) and Bill Jr. He is also survived by a large flock of grand, great and great-great grandchildren who lovingly knew him as “Bonka” and “Grandpa Bill”, and by many adoring nieces and nephews.
Born in Vancouver, BC., to serve his country he enlisted into the army ranks of the Canadian Armed Forces during the Second World War at the age of eighteen. He later moved to St. Catharines, ON with his wife Mary and two children to work with the Association of the Holy Childhood. Bill also ran a printing company from his home and was the head of the Audio Visual Department at Lincoln County Board of Education. Heavily involved in the community, he was a fixture at the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria, always involved in any way he could help; a member of the Knights of Columbus; Saint Vincent de Paul Society; and award winning pumpkin carver at many charity events. Bill dedicated endless volunteer hours with the Lincoln Gymnastics Club and Garden City Productions.
His life as a father was one dedicated to his family. He pitched in daily to change countless diapers, do endless laundry, and cook iconic meals for his family of eight children. A partner like no other. We will miss so many things about our father, including his silly sense of humour, all those toothpicks, and the fact that he could fix anything as the original MacGyver. But above and beyond it will be his constant unconditional love that he demonstrated each and every day. “Dad, we love and miss you forever.” “Bonk Bonk God Bless”.
We acknowledge the enormous contribution from the 4th floor staff in the long term care facility at Tabor Manor, and to Marlene, Sarah, Eric and Maria for their care, companionship and compassion to our father.
The family will receive friends at the George Darte Funeral Home and Cremation Centre, 585 Carlton St. on Sunday, December 8th from 2-4 and 6-8pm. Vigil Prayers at 2:30pm. Funeral Mass Monday, December 9th at the Cathedral of St. Catherine of Alexandria, 3 Lyman St. at 10:30am. Interment Victoria Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donation made in Bill's memory to: Holy Childhood Association would be appreciated by his family.