Dr. Oscar Shiu Yuet Wong

It is with profound sadness that we say goodbye to a truly great husband, father, grandfather, physician, friend, volunteer, and humanitarian. During his lifetime, Dr. Oscar Wong touched countless lives in these many roles here in Canada and throughout the world.

Born on September 4th, 1931, in Guangzhou, China, Oscar’s determination to practice medicine brought him (via the Philippines and Hong Kong) eventually to Canada, where he may be best known for his many years as a medical educator and radiation oncologist in Halifax. His dedication and caring attitude for his patients was legendary.

The way that Oscar led his life was identical to the motto of his Rotary Club: “Service Above Self.” He was the founder and past president of the Chinese Society of Nova Scotia, and has served on many boards including the Human Rights Commission, Nova Scotia Commission on Drug Dependency, Worker’s Compensation Board, and Northwood. He was the founding member and director of the Canada-Hong Kong Business Association, as well as the Metropolitan Immigrant Settlement Association. He also helped to build and expand cancer care in the Maritimes by opening cancer clinics in Cape Breton and Prince Edward Island.

Oscar was extremely honoured to be awarded the Order of Nova Scotia in 2004, the highest honour of the Province of Nova Scotia recognizing outstanding contributions and achievements, and later in 2012, he was awarded the Diamond Jubilee Medal, recognizing significant achievement within Canada.

Oscar married Rosalie Reid 53 years ago in 1962. Their journey together took them from Newfoundland to Hong Kong and finally to Halifax and St. Margaret’s Bay, Nova Scotia, where he continued to live with Rosalie near many friends and family. He was much loved by his wife and his 3 children: Lisa, Robin, and Lori Ann. He will also be sorely missed by his grandchildren - Stephen, Jesse, Kate, Mia, and Allie - and his sons-in-law, Mike Peck (Lisa) and Dave Botten (Lori Ann). He will always be remembered by his loving sister, Kam-Yiu Wong(Toronto) and countless nieces, nephews, and extended relatives. He is predeceased by his siblings, Shiu-Hung Wong, Shiu-Hei Wong, Shiu-Kei Wong, Shiu Lun Wong, Shiu-Foon Wong, Kam-Yuan Wong, Kam-Luen Wong, and Kam-Chuen Wong.

Oscar delighted in the role of “Grampy” or “Papa” with his grandchildren, offering to babysit and spend time with them whenever possible. The only times he would miss one of their games, practices, or performances would be if he was selflessly offering to babysit another grandchild so that their parent (Oscar’s own child) would have the same opportunity to attend. Even his youngest grandchild, Allie (aged 3), whose adoption he was instrumental in facilitating, would reiterate time and again without prompting: “Papa is my best friend, forever.”

Oscar Wong was a man with a radiant smile and twinkling eyes, forever full of kind words, warm welcomes, and selfless acts. He will be remembered and missed by all. We hope that he is enjoying a marathon Mah Jong game surrounded by family, friends, dancing, and dim sum.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 27 from 2-5 pm at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 31 at 2:00 pm at Rockingham United Church. Burial following at Fairview Cemetery. Donation in Oscar’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society and Rotary Club.