Person

Wong, Fong Kaw

• Way, Wou Kow
• Wong, Fing

1890-1962

WONG Fong Kaw, known simply and affectionately as “Wong”, was born in 1890 in Guangzhou.

Wong left China and arrived in Canada in 1911, at the age of 21. He settled in in Nelson, BC where he worked and resided for 51 years. During this time, he made life-long friendships and became a well-known, well-respected and well-loved member of the community.

Wong worked as a gardener and houseboy for many prominent Nelson families including the Walley family, Rutherford family and Willis family of the Nelson North Shore. He worked for the latter for over 20 years. Such a great friendship flourished during this tenure that the Wong and Willis families would still be connected two generations later.

In later years, Wong became part owner of the former New Star Cafe, on Baker Street in downtown Nelson. He also worked as a cook at several other restaurants in town during the winter season.

During the summers, Wong cultivated a large garden along the waterfront of The CPR Flats, located behind Nelson’s historic railway station. His garden supplied local residents and businesses with a bounty of fresh vegetables. The CPR Flats is also where Wong built his family home. 

Wong returned to China once in the early 1930s, staying for two years. Over this time, he married ENG Shung Quai. Their daughter WONG Show Ha (also known as Susan Show Ha LOUIE after marriage) was born in 1932.

With the responsibility of supporting his new family, Wong returned to Canada shortly after the birth of his daughter. A separation of 18 years would follow. During these long, lonely years apart, Wong worked very hard and toiled lengthy, arduous hours, but always maintained his great sense of humour throughout. Wong eventually saved enough to send for his wife and daughter. The family was finally reunited when Shung Quai and Show Ha arrived in Nelson on Christmas eve in 1951.

For the next decade, Wong enjoyed and doted on his family, cherishing his time with them. He and his wife hosted a grand wedding for their daughter at the Hume Hotel on January 10, 1961, when she married Dean Wah LOUIE. Wong lived to see the birth of his first grandchild, whom he thoroughly adored. He named her Nancy.

Wong touched a good many of his Canadian friends’ lives with his kindness, generosity and humour. One Nelson old-timer recounted a distinct memory from his boyhood during the Great Depression. He remembers his mother crying in despair, without food in the house, contemplating how to feed her family. They heard a knock on the door; there stood Wong, delivering a basketful of his farm fresh vegetables!

Wong passed away on February 9, 1962. He is remembered fondly by his family and the many friends whose lives he touched.

Sam, Fook Gam (1906-1991)

Description supplied by collector/curator