Norman Zaw Wong

Norman was born in Burma just before World War II to Harry Wong and Lily Ho. As a youth, he was revered as an outstanding athlete, achieving many awards for all-round sports throughout school, much like his father and four sisters. And, as the only son among the five children, Norman cared for his sisters deeply not only as a sibling but also as a guardian. He would both visit and check up on them every weekend traveling from the all boys' St. Paul's to the all girls' St. Philomena's Convent where they and their aunties attended high school.

His successes early in life won him a scholarship to attend college in the U.S., and so the young charismatic teenager said farewell to his parents for what would be the last time in his life, and to Burma for what would become the next four decades. After graduating, Norman decided to stay in the U.S. and, again taking after his father -- an engineer for the British Oil Company who had previously traveled to many of the world's oil capitals, to settle in Houston, Texas.

There, his gregarious and jovial persona, combined with his tremendous cultural and familial pride, made him a Houston community icon. He founded the first Burmese association, became president of the Wong association and passionately supported the Chinese citizen’s alliance association and Houston Chinatown activities, among others. His ardor in these roles even won him invitations to China during its National Day celebrations. Norman's love for athletics and in particular, tennis, also afforded him notoriety in other social circles -- one could often find him charming the ladies in between sets at the Westside Tennis Club weekend drill. But, of all his wonderful traits, his most laudable was his stubbornly unfaltering spirit of magnanimity and sense of community -- a good-naturedness that extended from his days watching over his sisters and was ingrained down to his bones. Throughout the year, and without fail every holiday season until he physically could not, he volunteered to serve the needy at the Salvation Army and other local charities. He would buy lunch or bring gifts to the nursing staff and doctors who looked after him when he was ill. He was always gracious and never forgot those in need or those who helped him in a time of need, in a way that was not obligatory, but derived from a genuine joy to give and give back. It was only befitting that his career as a realtor also fell under the name, "The Beacon Group" -- Norman was truly a beacon to those he touched.

Norman Wong passed away peacefully Sunday, December 10, 2017 at 9:23 p.m. He was a dutiful son, the loving nephew of five aunts, the beloved brother to four sisters, a caring cousin to countless many, a charming uncle and grand uncle to many more, and a friend to all. He will be deeply remembered and loved. We miss you already, Norman. Best wishes on your next journey!