Obituary of Arthur Wong

On Monday, December 21, 2009, Arthur passed away peacefully in his sleep, to be with his Lord and Saviour, at the graceful age of 93. He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Lily; two sons, Robert (Suzie) of Toronto, ON and Franklin of Regina; five daughters, Anna May of Burnaby, BC, Mary (David), and Jean of Regina, Rosalie (Allan) of Vancouver and Patricia of Regina; 15 grandchildren, Ben, Lori (Phil), Ronald (Karen), Brian, Gordon, Gary, Richard (Fennie), Carla (Scott), Taralee (Scott), Johanna (Jeff), Jodi, Chad (Audra), Tania (Chris), Stephanie, Kelly (Rob); 12 great-grandchildren, Bailey (Rob), Connor, Josh, Cameron, Alison, Colby, Clarice, Cynthia, Lily, Noah, Mia, Cary; 1 great-great-grandson, Rhyder. Also surviving Arthur is his brother, Chester (Shirley), and sister, Belle both of Vancouver, plus numerous extended family, nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all as he enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and each one has fond memories of him. Arthur was born in Cumberland, BC to Kwoh Wong and Chan Shee Wong. It was evident that he was born with an entrepreneurial spirit, having worked at the local cannery; delivered milk for the locals and worked as a log counter for the forestry company before the age of 11. When Art (as he liked to be called) was 12 years old, his parents moved the family to China, where at the age of 21 he met and married Lily. Art and Lily returned to Canada in 1937, briefly lived in Assiniboia before settling in Lake Alma where they operated a general store for a number of years. In 1956, they sold the store and moved to Regina, where he went into the apartment business. Although he only had a grade 8 education, he educated himself with self help books in plumbing and carpentry, building and financing until he was able to oversee the building of his own apartment buildings. The first was Beacon Towers (now Graceland), followed by the Lily Rose on Rose Street; his own house, and finally the Santa Monica Villa. He helped many jobless people, offering them employment in his many entrepreneurial ventures. He also served as a contractor in the building of the Regina Chinese Alliance Church. He was an active member of Central Lutheran Church as well as the Regina Chinese Alliance Church, serving on the Board of Deacons of both churches. His life revolved around service to God and through this touched the lives of many people, who have remained lifelong friends of Arthur and Lily. Many thanks to the staff at the General Hospital 4F and 5E, Pasqua Hospital 4B and Wascana Hospital for their loving care in the past. Special thanks and appreciation to the doctors and staff at Solace Care Home for the patient tender loving care over the past year. A Celebration of Arthurs life will be held at Our Saviours Lutheran Church, 190 Massey Road on Monday, December 28, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to Central Lutheran Church, 2625 12th Ave. Regina, SK, S4T 1J1; Chinese Alliance Church, 3010 Arens Road East, Regina, SK, S4V2P7; or your favourite charity. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com