Tommy Teung Wong

Tommy Wong was born in Canton, China in 1916. He came to the United States while still a young boy. He worked hard in both laundry businesses and restaurants in California. Then he had an opportunity to go to Pueblo, Colorado, eventually opening the Canton Café. While in Colorado, he desired to further his education and quickly completed grammar school—being noted in the Pueblo newspaper as one of the smartest in his class, even with his limited English. At the Canton Café, he worked in the “front of the house” greeting people and making his customers feel welcome with his engaging smile. He became friends with many movers and shakers in Pueblo—from businessmen and bankers to baseball players from the semi-pro team.

Also while in Pueblo, he went to China to find a wife. He married Toy in 1939. Unfortunately World War II broke out .They were separated for over 10 years, until Toy could leave China and join Tommy in Colorado. There, their two children were born: Shirley and David.

Not afraid to make changes, Tommy brought his family to Marin after retiring from his successful restaurant. They lived happily in Novato where Shirley and David went to school and Toy grew a large garden—giving all sorts of vegetables to family and friends. Tommy may have grumbled, but he enjoyed working in this garden, doing much of the heavy work.

Tommy was proud to see his daughter and son go off to college and raise their families. Shirley and Paul had 2 sons, Marty and Danny, and now a daughter-in-law, Macie, and a grandson, Lucas. David has a son Tim and, with Elayne, 4 step-children.

Tommy’s physical abilities have been fading in the past month. But some said he might have lost his will to live when his beloved Giants were defeated on October 11th in the race to the World Series. Two days before he died, he watched this last game with staff at Merced Care.

Tommy lived a long and full life. Importantly, he was able to celebrate his milestone 100th birthday this past August. Tommy greeted every guest at the party and was so happy to share the day with family and his many friends. He was blessed with having a clear mind until the day he passed.

Tommy was remarkable in making friends in Colorado and California. He was a regular at the Wong Family Association and always cared for others. His children and family echo what one of the helpers at Merced Care said of him, “He was easy to care for.” Tommy caused little trouble for anyone in his life, but was clear and decisive and provided a great example of responsibility and morality to his children and grandchildren.

On the day of Tommy’s passing he woke up and asked to see everyone. His son David and daughter in law Elayne arrived that morning and his daughter Shirley came early that afternoon. He seemed to be peacefully sleeping. A few hours later, on the afternoon of October 13, with his children around him, Tommy passed away quietly. Once again, Tommy’s children are amazed at how he sensibly he faced life as well as his death. He woke up that morning knowing, somehow, that this would be the day. He gave his children a final gift, by calling for them and giving them the opportunity to be with him on his final day.