when i was little gung gung woud take me and Jazzy down main street to get fruit bars and he would pay ahead so that we would think they were free. The owners of the place were very nice people.This year I went up to the smoothe place and sadly they didn't sell fruit bars anymore so I got smoothies there and everytime I got one they would talk about how gung gung was a great man  and that is how it reminded me about how much I miss him

The relationship between myself and my father did not have the usual "normal" appearance.
George's early separation from his siblings would well mirror what transpired between myself and him. My interaction with the "Wong family" after the early years at the store on Fort Road was facilitated thru my contacts with Aunt Dorthy and Uncle Paul. Our Seven Seas discussions would take the usual form of "hows schoolwork?, what are you going to do after high school?, which university are you thinking of?, and of course - what profession will you pursue after graduation?". I always attributed these little chats as the "Chinese thing" but later when I approached similar enquires with my children, perhaps I understood it more.
It wasn't until very late in my teens that contact was reestablished. With distance maintained throught the years , in time, we were able to develope a friendship which both of us were comfortable with.
 Our short talks particulary in the final few years also allowed me to understand and know more about the Wong Clan in general and I was very glad that we could have them. 
I will always remember a particular trait that George posessed and which I witnessed on numerous occasions. George's ability to power nap-cat nat-at will and with a remarkable inner clock yet retain the current conversation unaffected. On a driving trip he would announce that "continue along route so and so and then turnoff at whosit onto highway x"- then promptly drop right off only to wake up on que about a mile from the spot with "you turn left at the next road" ,then continue on with or conversation as if nothing had transpired.

One unnerving time occurred when we were flying in his old plane out from London.Now I know he had likely set the couse and pilot but yet again "keep us at so and so feet and on the becon heading xyz "-bingo he's asleep. Only to wake up in time with "oh we'd best bank right or we'll be in American airspace in a few minutes".  It still  remains the one trait I wished he'd have passed on to me.


Bythe way---the photo marked q--is Larry, myself, George and a young Cory J--taken same trip as the flying incident.     

We have so many wonderfull memories of George because of these memories he will always be in our hearts and never be forgotten.  Here are just a few that are special to me . When I first met George  while dating Joe I could tell right away that he was a people person. He always took time to ask how you were and really listened. He always had kind words and offered a hand and expected the same back. He taught our kids to be respectfull and care about everyone.
One of my favourite memories is the money tree in Grand Bend - when our kids were little and George would ask them to come outside to back yard at the cottage.  He would visit with them and tell them about this special tree that was only in Grandbend - It was  a money tree and if all the apples were cleaned up underneath you would see what happens - Joseph and Kathleen helped clean up and were so excited when coins started falling out of the tree... Every year they would clean up the apples  try and shake that tree but it seemed only when uncle George arrived  the money appeared..Another favourite memory is when we did a road trip with George and Mary  to PEI.  It was a long drive but George was full of fun stories and always filled us with the vast knowledg he had of our beautiful country. He also loved pulling practical jokes on the way.  While driving  with  our  son Joseph who was  around  2 at the time he saw some holstein cows and told Joseph that they were Chinese cows. From that day on Joseph would scream Chinese cows! Chinese cows! when he saw holsteins... His grandpa who was a dairy farmer could do nothing more than shake his head... trying to convince him that they weren't. It was pretty funny and we have had many laughs over this. George you will always be in our hearts thoughts and minds. We love you. 
Marianne 

 

Gosh I don't know where to start. 
I first met George in 1993 when Leah and I were dating. It was dinner and it had been a long time since I had a good home cooked meal. I will never forget him saying "eat up there's plenty"  and him adding more food to my plate.

One particular time as I stopped by to pick up Leah, he asked me to help him with something "real quick". We went outside and he says follow me, and up the ladder we go. Of course Mary says "what are you two doing?" George's response "nothing, we will be down in a moment"
Three broken bolts and an hour later we had changed the heating element in the solar water heater. In my life patience was not part of my upbringing. George always had patience, I remember this especially since I was the one that broke the head on those bolts, and all George said was "go on to the next one we can drill those out later,  don't sweat the small stuff." Any project we ever worked on no matter how big or small, George always took his time and was willing to teach.

One final thought;  I will always "eat the soup."

  

 I remember when i was little always getting very excited to around may and counting down the days to when Uncle George and Aunt Mary would be coming back to the cottage. Uncle George has taught me many things, throughout the summers we would spend with him at the cottage or the trips we went on with him. One of them was that money does grow on trees, but only after all the apples in the back yard were picked up. Picking up the apples in the backyard at the cottage was the grossest job, but whenever we had finished Uncle George would come out to the money tree (an apple tree in the backyard of the cottage) and he would shake it. As he shook the tree money would come falling from the branches onto the ground and me and my brother would run around grabbing all the money that had fell from the tree. Hard as we would try later to shake it, only Uncle George could make the money tree work.

I was very glad to get to see him this past April, when i went to Arizona, it meant a lot to me to tell him of how well my first year of university went. To see him smile and talk about the trip we went to PEI to go visit Aunt Steph. Me, my dad, mom, brother, aunt Mary, uncle George and pepe drove down in our big vans to PEI. That was the summer i lost both my front teeth. Uncle George always encouraged me to try new food, some how when we were out he had convinced me to try muscles. I remember they looked so gross, but Dad probably gave me the look that meant, do it you know it will make uncle George happy. So i tried one of the muscles he had given me, and they were actually yummy, i believe after that i asked for another one.

I always remember Uncle George sitting in his burgundy rocking chair at the cottage, with his dragon button up shirt on watching the food network. One day in particular, after going to down the street to Archies I had came back with face paint crayons. And was very excited to give everyone who would let me a tattoo. I remember drawing his arm a tattoo of the food network. He left that tattoo on all day and didn't wash it off until i left.

To this day I always find little things that remind me of uncle George and things that he taught me. Whether its a striped straw from the container in the bottom cupboard that he made tooth picks from or his forever 39 coffee cup. To not be afraid to try new things (like muscles) and to always use your manners.   

Dad, you are remembered by who we all are today....a few memories:
Through the great Chinese recipes you taught us to make, the lesson wasn't just what the ingredients were or how to cook them ...but that of the Preparation,  about  the Timing "..think in blocks" you said  , the Presentation....and not to be forgotten, " clean up as you cook " . I've adapted  this lesson in so many  ways over the years.

Dad, you emphasized  that the Science of Medicine was the easy part ,   and that the  Art of Medicine was what  really made  a difference.." be compassionate, listen  to others closely, understand the consequences  of your  actions " . You were always curious, you stressed  the  need  to "ask Why" and to determine  "How to"..  and  to  "work  hard "....Again ,  great lessons ...early  .

During  many Holiday Seasons I remember as a youngster, making Christmas  Rounds with you. "Simple thoughts"  you  often said, ....3 cigars to Peter  at the  Hoo Hoo restaurant,, a Poinsetta plant  to the OR Head Nurse and her family,  a can of Almond Roca  to Pop Antonucci.

And how I loved  to fly with you. One day  we challenged VFR ( visual flight rules)  and went  above the clouds. You said., with a smile, ." Don't know if we  can  find the hole in the clouds  we  came  through   to  get  back down.."  Don't think you  were worried, it  was  the  place  you  wanted  to  be ! 

Earlier in Dec 2012, we shared  some  moments. Though  92  good years was challenging   you  with  restlessness... whether you wished to  be sitting or lying  down ,  we  found that  you  preferred sitting  up  so that  you could receive a   back rub.."   give a scratch...a little  bit  higher ...please .." 

Dad, thanks for being  a  good  Father  and  a  dear  friend  to  so many. In  memories , we shall recall special moments  with you ...they  shall  endure  a lifetime. Be at  peace  with  all  that you  have  left  us .  

This is my story about my grandpa.
When I was younger we used to drive up to Canada.  While my Nana was asleep he would take us down Main Street and we'd look around.  But most of the time we'd go to the ice cream shoppe.   We always had ice cream there because that's what they had.  My cousin Jade and I would have bubble gum flavor and he would have black cherry or vanilla and a coffee.  The lady that worked there would always save us our spot.  Right at the window.  Looking over the grosser part of the lake.  But we still loved watching boats and people go by. We haven't gone with him since we were about seven or so.

I'm so glad that I have those memories to tell my family. My grandpa is my hero because he was curious, funny, loving, and most importantly a part of my life. 

Uncle George, as he has always been affectionately known in our house was a very Special Uncle to Lonnie. When she left home for nursing school in London, family dinners with the Wong family, on special occasions like Christmas, Thanksgiving etc. became a regular occurrence because of the long distance to the Sault. 

 He has always been a larger than life figure in our lives. Even though distances have been far apart, his voice was always a welcome and warm occasion when we spoke on the phone, or had the chance to visit on his annual summer sojourn to Grand Bend. We fondly remember his visits with us. Particularly when Lonnie’s mom Rose, George’s sister, was with us, and the great time had by all, at the one and only, Wong Reunion, with as many of the family that could make the three day event, in Oakville.

Uncle George will be very sadly missed, but very fondly and lovingly remembered. He had a way of touching just about everyone who ever met him. He was a fantastic listener, and always seemed to have something very prolific to add to the conversation.

 All those who knew him and were close to him are better for that experience. God keep and bless him for he made us all better.

There are soo many stories to tell but the things I will remember the most about Dad are the little things... like waking up every morning for school to his voice singing down the hall " wake up wake up....  He would sing this every morning making my hair stand up even before I hit the curling iron and the bottle of hair spray. He loved to tease my friends and call them by boys names as a young child.  He loved to joke and tease.  If you got a hair cut he would notice and say without fail  " did you get your ears lowered?", if you were not smiling he would tell you " smile it's the cheapest comodity", or if you were eating dinner and didn't like something " try it... you need to try it even if you don't like it" and then while you are choking it down "don't be sick... if you throw up I will spoon feed it to you".   He always had a great sense of humor and calmness during times when I'd be in trouble that would balance mom out perfectly and make her angry I am most certain.  Like when he taught me how to drive and right out of the driveway I ran right into the neighbors front yard.  Two long skid marks across the lawn.  He said ok back up it's ok let's start over and took me across to Glen Harbor on the empty streets where I wouldn't be in danger of hitting anything.  Once I was driving there were countless times when he would ask if I could just drive him over here or there saying it was just on my way.......  which it never was "on the way"  generally it was miles in the other direction but driving him was better than driving with him as the years progressed.   

I learned many things from my father but most importantly is his love for family and friends.   He touched many people in his lifetime and had a kind generosity unknown to many.   I hope to instill in my girls this same spirit, as well as his love for education, love of travel, and curiosity to always try new things.  

 As I sat with him alone this last christmas eve morning I knew he was ready for  this last big journey, that he would soon be with many friends and family that have gone before him.  I told him I wished I could do something to make it better.  He always was good at doing that for us, giving us medicine (even a shot in the back of the leg while you were washing dishes in the kitchen)  and making us laugh.  

 

George was much more than a Brother In-Law he was a best friend, mentor and very much a second father. I was very blessed to have many a trip with him by land, sea and airplane and everywhere that he would go there was someone to stop and see. He touched so many lives had so many stories and never ceased  to amaze me with his vast knowledge from many of his trips and friendships from around the globe.

I had just turned 16 and the ability to drive was amazing that's when George suggested a road trip. Imagine that George and Road Trip that's like peanut butter and chocolate. I would almost think that is what the name George would stand for (road trip). That and the fact that he was Curious George always on the move looking for that next big deal. Well back to my story he said lets go up to Point farms and get some eggs to bring back for a few of my friends. Well that meant lets go grab 30 or 40 flats of eggs cause man he had a lot of friends. Lets set the picture of this day, a beautiful sunny hot summer day in august of 1977.  Windows down crusin down highway 21 heading north of Goderich Ontario in his 77 GMC Truck what a perfect day. We toured as usual down to Port Albert past the fish ladder and then out to the farm. We loaded the eggs in the back of the truck and headed for the cottage in Grand Bend. Some how along the way George decided that we should stop in the square which is the downtown of Goderich that really is a circle with roads shooting in and out everywhere. Really and truthfully we were probably heading for a good feed of Chinese Food but that circle or square had different plans for us.  Remember how I said we loaded the eggs into the back of the truck, well when I slammed on the brakes they were all over the truck and topper. What a mess.  It wasn't hot enough to cook an egg but it was time to get out of dodge (Goderich) since I  was leaving a trail of raw eggs as we drove off. By the time we got back it stunk and I got the fun job of washing out the back, well I guess really and truthfully I did deserve that one. For years later he would always remind me of that trip up to make the worlds largest scrambled egg or of one of are many adventures road trips in life.

While heaven will never be the same for I don't think there is enough duct tape zap straps or hot glue guns for George and my dad. George loved his junk yards (treasure chests) full of gems and back yard mechanics.  
You taught me alot and now its time to smile and pass it on just as you did. You will never be gone as long as we continue to pass on the stories and share the love your legacy continues. 
Love You 

Not sure where to begin. there are so many stories & it is great hearing from everyone.  To me dad was a father who loved without being mushy & made sure I knew if I ever needed anything he would be there. We had so many LONG road trips to Canada, trips to China Town in San Fransisco, Las Vegas when we were young...I only wish we had made it to China with him.  He never over-reacted, when I confessed my mistakes or problems. When I wrecked a car, he simply said, "well, dont be upset. it happens." As a parent now I know how  hard that reaction is.  I am sure it was only with age & wisdom that he knew how not to "sweat the small stuff".  It will be my struggle to try & maintain some of this for my kids.  I could never thank him for all that he gave me.  Although the last few years & months have been hard since his health declined. It was nice to see him slow down & spoil his grandkids in ways he would never have spoiled Leah & I.  I know we will always reminice his quircky sayings & the many good times we had.  

Before his passing, I sat with him one day while he told me how he just wanted to get better & be able to get up & do things for himself.  I know the fustration was alot for him.  Even after telling him that it was our turn to help him, I could see he was just so tired.  I asked him, just as I had asked my Nanny who died last year, that when the time came if he would take care of Kai in Heaven.  I know that Kai is at peace & probably does not need care but to know that he is now probably in his GungGung's arms makes me smile even though it is through tears.

I was lucky enough to meet George in 1998.  I was going to NAU and met Rachelle and we became great friends.  When George and Mary would come to visit, they would include me when they when they went out to dinner.  During school breaks I would go home with Rachelle.  George and Mary were so welcoming.  George always made sure that I was well fed!  When Rachelle and I would get dressed up to go out at night, George would get his pictures taken with “the pretty girls”; that’s what George called us.  I’ll have to dig through my box of pictures to find some of them (it was before digital photos).  George would give me financial advice, even when I wasn’t old enough to know I needed.  However, I still remember his advice and it has helped keep my credit it good quality.  A memory of George that always makes me smile is when we would go out to dinner; he would put his dress pants on over his sweat pants.  I asked him why he did this, and he told me it was just easier; so that when he got home he could just slip his pants off and he was ready to relax. 

I will always remember George as a funny, caring, and generous man.