(Frank Wong-Twitter)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Pillar Of The Community

Funeral Service held for former city councillor Frank Wong

Jan 9, 2024 | 4:54 PM

Family, friends, and local dignitaries filled Knox Presbyterian Church in Red Deer on Tuesday to honour and pay tribute to former city councillor Frank Wong.

Wong, a long-time pillar, and builder of the community, passed away on Dec. 27, 2023, at the age of 75.

According to his obituary, Wong fought courageously with an advanced case of COPD which resulted in a lengthy hospital stay leading up to his passing.

(rdnewsNOW/Sheldon Spackman)

His time in Red Deer began when he was hired to work for the Red Deer Regional Planning Commission in December of 1971, following his graduation from the Architectural Technology Program at SAIT in Calgary, Alberta.

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Wong was known to be passionate about Red Deer and was a City Planner for more than 30 years before being elected to City Council in 2004. He served five terms, (17 years) before retiring in 2021. He often fondly referred to his initial term on council as the “Class of 2004”.

His obituary further notes that Wong enjoyed playing slow pitch and volleyball and was also an avid golfer throughout his life.

His service on Tuesday also noted that Wong was a generous and active volunteer in many organizations, such as the Red Deer and District Chinese Community Society, Kidney Foundation, Red Deer and District Museum Society, Red Deer Cultural Society, Friends of Sunnybrook Farm Society, and the Christmas Wish Breakfast. Wong was also one of the original members of the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation and an active member of Knox Presbyterian Church.

Jan Kofin, a long-time friend of Wong’s, paid tribute to his friend during Tuesday’s service, describing him as a man for the people.

“He wasn’t flamboyant or a polished smooth-talker,” said Kofin. “but he was steadfast in his opinion and still open to a good argument.”

“Frank was always a champion of north Red Deer and was proud to promote the G.H. Dawe expansion renovations,” continued Kofin, further noting Wong’s generosity with local charities, both financially and with his time.

“Whether canvassing door-to-door for charitable organizations, working for The Kidney Foundation at the Red Deer Rebels games, or organizing volunteers for meals at The Mustard Seed, to manning the Salvation Army kettles five or six times a year, Frank was continually giving back to the community. For this, the citizens of Red Deer thank you Frank.”

Kofin concluded his tribute to Wong by saying, “We enter life with nothing more than hope and promise, and exit carrying our faith and the memories of our friends and family.”

If desired, in lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations in Frank’s honor may be made directly to the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation at www.rdrhfoundation.com, the Salvation Army Red Deer at www.salvationarmyreddeer.com, or to a Charity of the Donor’s choice.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.

Related: Former long-time councillor and city planner Frank Wong passes away

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