Fook Hong Wong

Franklin Fook Hong Wong was born on May 4, 1933 in Taishan, Canton China. He was raised by parents Siu Suen Wong and Hau Chun Lee and grew up with older sisters, Fannie and Chi. In 1950, he came to the United States with Fannie and lived with his father in San Francisco. Four years later, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and served as a private from May 25, 1953 to April 30, 1955. Following the War, he was stationed in Salt Lake City until the age of 27.

When he was discharged, Franklin went back to China where he met Lonna Yim Nung Chan. They had a short courtship and were married in Hong Kong on September 7, 1960. Soon after, Franklin returned to the U.S. and sponsored his wife to join him in 1961. They settled in Seattle, and had four children: Kenneth, Sylvia, Sharon and Denise. Several years later, they became grandparents to Jaden and Ellis (children of Danial and Sylvia Ma), Jordan, Trevor and Corey (children of Scott and Sharon Wong).

Through the years, Franklin and Lonna worked hard in the restaurant business, sometimes holding two to three jobs to make ends meet. Their dream was to have their own restaurant someday. In 1977, Franklin and Lonna partnered with his relatives to fulfill their dream and opened their first restaurant--Ming Palace in Kirkland and a few years later a Ming Palace in Bellevue. They owned & worked at these restaurants for several years until their closure in the mid-80s. Through their hard work and sacrifices they provided their children with comfortable lives and good educations.

In Franklin's free time, he often took his children bowling, went fishing, watched football and basketball games, and hung out with his friends at the Wong Association and Hop Sing Tong.

Franklin Wong will be remembered as a man of few words who worked hard and cared for his family and friends.

Private Services and Burial, Washelli Cemetery.