In loving memory of:
WONG, Frank
December 6, 1948 – December 27, 2023

It is with deep sadness that the family and friends of Mr. Frank Foon Tong Wong of Red Deer, Alberta announce his peaceful passing, after a lengthy stay in hospital, at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at the age of 75 years. He fought courageously with an advanced case of COPD and never lost his sense of humor, or his faith in God. Frank was born in the family village in Toi Shan, Kwang Tung, China. As the eldest son, Frank was chosen to join his grandfather in Canada. Frank was taught at an early age that his responsibility would be to be the “breadwinner” of the family. As such, he moved to Hong Kong with his grandmother at the age of five. At nine years old, he immigrated to Canada with a couple (posing as his parents – Susan Chiu and Mr. Chiu).  He was reunited with his grandfather and grandmother in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. He went to school under the name of Frank Chiu. When Frank’s grandfather died in 1963, Frank and his grandmother moved to Oyen, Alberta. Frank worked at The Star Cafe which was owned by his uncles. A portion of his earnings were sent to his parents in China. He completed grade twelve in Oyen. After High School, Frank completed the Architectural Technology Program at SAIT in Calgary, Alberta. In 1970, a Canadian amnesty program allowed Chinese immigrants to remain if they were of good character. At that time, Frank took back his surname Wong. Frank was hired to work for the Red Deer Regional Planning Commission in December of 1971.  He began the process of sponsoring his parents and siblings to move to Canada.  He also worked at the Silver Star Restaurant, John Horn Surveys, and the Club Cafe to raise money to bring his family to Canada. On January 7, 1977, Frank’s parents, his brother, Eric and his sister, Anita moved to Red Deer. His other sister, Monita, stayed in Hong Kong and immigrated in 1997.  Frank was passionate about Red Deer and was a City Planner for more than thirty years before being elected to City Council in 2004. He happily served five terms, (17 years) before retiring in 2021. He often fondly referred to his initial term on council as the “Class of 2004”. Frank tirelessly advocated for the Citizens of Red Deer, and he generously gave to many community organizations.  He was a champion and an active voice for North Red Deer and advocated for such things as the Dawe Center Renovation. One of Frank’s most memorable experiences was his involvement in the medal presentations at the 2019 Canada Winter Games. In his earlier years, Frank enjoyed playing slow pitch and volleyball and was also an avid golfer throughout his life. Frank 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. Frank was one of the original members of the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation and was an active member of Knox Presbyterian Church. Frank will be missed by his family and many friends.  He was predeceased by both of his parents, Sut Ying Wong and Kwan Sin Yu, as well as a brother, Eric and a sister, Monita. Frank will be lovingly remembered by his sister, Anita, and his brother-in-law, Peter, his nephew, Caleb and his two nieces, Grace (Toki) and Joyce (Jackie and their children, Zoe and Zion), as well as his numerous cousins. A Funeral Service will be held at Knox Presbyterian Church, 4718 Ross Street, Red Deer, Alberta on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. There will be a live streaming available through the Parkland Funeral Home website at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Please click on the Live Stream option just prior to the Funeral Service. 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

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

 

• Date : 2023-12-30
• Location : Locally Family Owned (Red Deer) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com