Dr. Joseph Wong-Sing, DPM passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on July 2, 2022, at the age of 76, at Vancouver General Hospital, British Columbia. He lived with Parkinson’s Disease for almost 20 years. Despite the functional decline in the past several months from Parkinson’s Disease, Joseph showed his fierce independence, and resilience in managing his disease.
Born on February 20, 1946, Mayaro Bay, Trinidad and Tobago, to Edwin and Lily, Joseph left for Hong Kong at age 12 for high school. Traveling to Canada as a student in 1966, and eventually immigrating in 1968, Joseph attended the University of Windsor in Ontario where he met his future wife, Resela. He completed his Bachelor of Science degree at University of Toronto, Ontario, before they were married in 1970. Joseph obtained his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine in 1977 from Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. He then returned to Toronto to join his wife before moving to Vancouver, British Columbia, where he practiced podiatry for 32 years and raised his family in Kerrisdale.
Joseph was active in his profession. He sat on the board of the BC Association of Podiatrists, enjoyed teaching podiatry residents, and took many “under his wings.” He established the Canadian Podiatric Education Foundation. Joseph was also dedicated to providing foot health care services to underserved communities: home care to seniors, long term care residents, and the communities in Haida Gwaii. Later in his career, Joseph volunteered annually at the Special Olympics Fit Feet Fair.
With family life, Joseph loved travelling and passing on knowledge and wisdom, while encouraging and supporting his children with their passions. He was dedicated to ensuring his son, Aaron, had the skills and abilities to live independently and overcome any barriers he may face living with Cerebral Palsy.
He was passionate in fundraising for charities and was generous with both his money and time. Joseph was also very entrepreneurial, setting up and managing several businesses with family and colleagues.
Joseph was active in his church, St. John the Apostle parish in Vancouver. He joined Knights of Columbus on February 20, 2017, becoming one of the charter members of the St. John the Apostle Council since its inception on March 28, 2017.
Joseph would always go the extra mile for anyone who came to him for help. We will sorely miss his quiet strength, and his generous and caring nature.
Predeceased by brothers David and Francis, Joseph is survived by his wife Resela, sons Aaron and Irwin, daughter Erline (Tom), grandchildren Kathleen, Meghan and Valerie. He is also survived by siblings Jeanette and family, Herbert and family and Jenny and family, as well as many members of his extended family around the world.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to all the staff at Vancouver General Hospital Intensive Care Unit for their compassionate care during Joseph’s short stay there.
Those who knew Joseph well would know he would want money to be given to those in need. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to BC Centre for Ability ( bc-cfa.org ); Chalice ( chalice.ca ) or Vancouver General Hospital ( vghfoundation.ca ).
Joseph will be honoured with Prayer Vigil and Mass at St. John the Apostle Parish. Details are provided below:
Vigil (Prayers/Viewing/Eulogies) : Tuesday, July 19, 2022, at 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm at St. John the Apostle Parish (5457 Trafalgar Street, Vancouver).
Mass : Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at 11:00 am – 12:00pm at St. John the Apostle Parish (5457 Trafalgar Street, Vancouver). You can attend the live stream for Mass at legacystreaming.com/kearney/ .
Reception : Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm at Arbutus Club (2001 Nanton Avenue, Vancouver). Please RSVP here by July 18, or use the QR Code located below.