Winston Kenneth Wong

Winston Kenneth (Kanaina) Wong, of Hayward, CA passed away on January 31st, 2019 in the arms of his daughter. His loving Wife Mary Teresa (Terry) Wong and Son-in-Law Richard Anthony Cooley-Wong by his side. He was 63 years old.

He fought a courageous battle against cancer for 3 long years. Remaining optimistic and positive to the very end. "Miracles can happen!" He leaves behind another Daughter Amika Mota and 7 beautiful Grandchildren Brayden James Kanaina Wong (10 years), Mattox Anthony Keahilani Wong (6 years), Jackson Taylor Kai Cooley-Wong (7 months), Milo Sergejev (25 years), Soleil Sergejev (20 years), Blossom Sergejev (17 years), and Gloria Mota (8 months). As well as many loving nieces, nephews, a sister, 2 brothers, and many, many friends. He was an adored and loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Friend and Musician.

Winston was born in Kaneohe, Oahu, Hawaii, on June 18th, 1955. The youngest of 4 children, he was preceded in death by his Mother and Father, May & Kenneth Wong. As a young boy, Winston attended Benjamin Parker Elementary School in Kaneohe. He moved to California in 1963 where he has resided ever since. Winston made friends very easy in school and started his first band at the age of 10. He attended Sunset high school where he graduated in 1973. He was a 4-year varsity wrestler, was very athletic, and loved sports. He was offered a full ride scholarship for wrestling in college, but his love and passion for music was too strong.

Winston was an artist, through and through. His artistic ability not only shined through his music, but it was how he made his living as well. As a successful small business owner of Shalos Refinishing, he created beautiful, timeless works of art through his custom cabinet making and refinishing skills. (Shalos Refinishing) He loved his work, and became a truly adept in his craft. Most of his work was recommended by word of mouth, and had many clients that spanned over 20+ years. His hands made undoubtable magic.

Winston had many passions, but music was the center of it all. As an accomplished and loved musician, he spent most of his life living in the music. Growing up in his house, you were sure to hear music in every room you entered. Whether it was beautiful original melodies from his baby grand piano, or rock n' roll from one his many guitars, the Wong home was always filled music and laughter. Often, the Beatles and Stevie Wonder would radiate in the background of big family parties, small dinners and quiet summer nights with his family in the backyard. Winston was also a talented song writer and producer. He had created a custom recording studio inside of his home where many of his talented friends would frequently visit and compose stunning original sounds. The bounds of music were endless to Winston, and anyone who knew him, knew that to be true. His family prided themselves in his ability to pick up any instrument you could imagine, and within minutes music would be made. Winston helped name all 3 of his daughter Brianna's children, including his youngest grandchild, Jackson Taylor, whom he named after his favorite guitar.

Throughout his happy and exhilarating life, Winston found many new and exciting things to do with his family all the time. But one of the most important and consistent adventures he liked to take, was spending his summer in Hawaii with his daughter Brianna. They would often visit family on both Maui and Oahu and sometimes travel to other islands. From cliff jumping to snorkeling, he did everything with his daughter. This became an important annual designation for them both, and will forever be a special place in our hearts. Like in common Winston fashion, he made sure to incorporate his love of something into music and dance. From an early age, he put his daughter Brianna into Hula and Tahitian dancing, and encouraged representation of the beauty in their culture. He never missed a show.

Winston had a heart of gold. He was generous, loving, and kind. He was also incredibly smart, positive, and had a love for being outdoors and living life to the fullest. There were not many challenges he would not accept. But of all the things he loved and was passionate about, it was his family that meant the most to him. He lived at home with his Wife Terry, Daughter Brianna, Son-in-law Richard, and 3 grandsons Brayden, Mattox, Jackson and his 3 dogs, who all loved him immensely. His sense of humor, his laughter, his jokes, and most of all, his love, is deeply missed. His absence has left a void in our hearts, our home, and in our life. Winston was truly an amazing man who was often described as honorable and trustworthy and never had a bad thing to say about anybody. His family is blessed to have had a love so deep, we will feel it until the end of time. His music will resonate in his family forever.

Services will be as follows:

Mass Memorial Service is to be held:

Saturday March 30th, 2019 at 11:00 AM:

All Saints Episcopal Church

911 Dowling Blvd.

San Leandro, CA 94577

Celebration of Life for Musician Winston Wong to be held:

Sunday April 28th, 2019 at 2:00 PM:

Moose Lodge No 1491

20835 Rutledge Rd.

Castro Valley, CA 94546