Tom Y. Wing

Tom Y. Wing was born January 28, 1920 in Toisan, Guangdong Province, China. He passed away April 17, 2012 in Renton, WA at the age of 92. The oldest of two children, he completed his early education in Canton, China. He immigrated to Seattle to join his father before finishing high school.

As a new immigrant, he had a rough start. He went to school, worked and had little money for basic needs, but he persevered and completed his high school education at Franklin High School. Soon after graduating in 1943, he was drafted into the army. He served in Germany as a Private First Class and was honorably discharged in 1946. Tom was very proud of his military service to his country.

Tom returned to Seattle after WWII to care for his ailing father. Shortly after his father's death in 1947, Tom returned to Toisan where he had the good fortune to meet and marry Daisy. They enjoyed 64 years of marriage. His family was his pride and joy, often saying "we have a good family".

For Tom, family and friends came first. Though he wanted to use the GI bill to further his education, Tom felt responsibility to both his young family in Seattle and his family back home in China, so he worked hard and put aside his aspirations for returning to school.

Together with Daisy, Tom built a strong family foundation. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and loved to see them have fun. But education was also a high priority. Through financial and moral support, he encouraged his children and grandchildren to achieve academically and pursue the college degree that he never had the chance to get.

After retiring, he and Daisy had more time to do what they loved: taking care of their grandkids, traveling the world and dancing every chance they could.

Tom lived a long, rich, and fulfilling life. He was a loving, caring and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his loving wife, Daisy; his three children, Linda, Barney (Ying) and Kelvin (Bettiann); and his five grandchildren, Jessica, Tyson, Samuel, Emily, and Eric.