WONG, Lewis Ping Sum passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, November 10, 2013 in Vancouver, B.C. at the age of 78 after facing pancreatic cancer. He leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Betty Ping Hon (nee Chung), son, Andy, daughter, Barb, son-in-law, Roland Tanglao, grandson, Simon, brother, John, and sister-in-law, Philomena (nee Leung).

Born in 1935, Lewis grew up in Japanese-occupied Hong Kong during the Second World War. When Lewis was a toddler, his father, Wong Man Yung, died from pneumonia and he and his older brother were raised single-handedly by his mother, Wong Wai Yin (nee Wong), in hardship. Encouraged by his mother to study, Lewis achieved top marks at Hong Kong Queen Elizabeth School and continued his education at Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Lewis began his teaching career at Tak Sing Elementary School where he met fellow teacher and future wife, Betty Ping Hon Chung. As an educator, Lewis was strict, yet caring of his young students while he taught them the fundamentals of English. His dedication to enriching the lives of children is evident in the relationship he has maintained with former students 50 years later.

Inseparable from the moment they met, Lewis and Betty married in 1963 and both continued to teach at Tak Sing Elementary School. In 1964, they were delighted at the birth of their first child, Andy.

In 1966, Lewis, Betty and young Andy immigrated to Vancouver, B.C., Canada to seek a better life. They settled easily into Canadian society and they quickly became involved with the local Chinese community. Lewis found a new career as a realtor and continued his education at U.B.C., studying land management. In 1968, the family grew with the birth of their daughter, Barb.

Lewis felt a strong commitment to reuniting his extended family, especially after realizing a better life in Canada for his wife and children. After settling in Vancouver, he sponsored the immigration of his mother and several nieces and nephews over the years.

As a final career, Lewis worked in Land Management in the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs for the Federal Government. He retired after 25 years of advocacy and service.

Throughout his life, Lewis was a devout Catholic. He drew on his strong faith to guide him and he trusted in the mercy of God. In his faith, he devoted much of his time and energy into building the Chinese Catholic community at St. Francis Xavier Parish. As a parishioner for over 45 years, Lewis participated in many clubs and groups including St. Joseph’s Sodality, Parish Council and Photo Club. He was one of the founding members of the parish chapter of the Knights of Columbus. Lewis will be remembered as a tireless fundraiser for the parish who championed campaigns to raise funds for a new school and church.

Lewis volunteered with various community groups. He was active in the early development and establishment of the Sun Yat Sen Gardens and the Chinese Cultural Center in Vancouver’s Chinatown. He canvassed for the Strathcona Property Owners and Tenants Association which assisted local residents to renovate their homes and avoid mass demolition and redevelopment of the area. In later years, Lewis volunteered at the Oakridge Seniors Centre.

Lewis enjoyed many hobbies. He was handy and found great satisfaction in building and working on various projects around the house. He enjoyed capturing moments through photography and inspired Andy to pick up the hobby. He was also a natural gardener and passed on his knowledge and expertise to Barb and Simon. Lewis enjoyed current events and politics and would keenly entertain any debates about politics. His greatest hobby, though, was enjoying good food with family and friends. He constantly read local restaurant reviews and was always keen to try new foods and places to dine.

Lewis was an enthusiastic traveler who enjoyed meeting people and learning about their histories and cultures. He and Betty traveled to all corners of the world. They were particularly fond of going on cruises and relished in the relaxing lifestyle of the high seas.

Lewis delighted in spending time with his much adored grandson, Simon. Buddies from the very beginning, Goong Goong and Simon shared a special bond and spent countless hours together playing, gardening, reading, building, exploring and chatting. As Lewis’ life drew to an end, the one person who could bring a sparkle to his eye was his dear Simon.

Of all of Lewis’ accomplishments, he would no doubt say that his greatest one was raising his two children. He was not one to spoil. However, his children were never left wanting. Lewis emphasized the importance of education and community service - he supported his children to strive towards their chosen careers and embrace a lifetime of learning and volunteering. Through living by his words and by example, he instilled a sense of integrity, humility and gratitude in his children.

Lewis touched many lives as a respected educator, civil servant, community volunteer, loving husband, devoted father, adoring grandfather, dutiful son, kind brother and caring uncle. He will be remembered fondly and will be truly missed.

Funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 23, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 438 Great Northern Way, Vancouver, B.C., Fr. Aloysius Lou, celebrant. Reception to follow in the church hall. Private interment will follow at the Gardens of Gethsemani. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Lewis’ memory to St. Francis Xavier Parish (http://sfx.rcav.org) and St. John Hospice (http://www.stjohnhospice.ca).