Frank Kwai Wong

Frank Kwai Wong passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, reuniting with his beloved parents, Tom Mow Wong and Gim Hoy Wong. Born into a family shaped by resilience, Frank was the youngest of four siblings—brothers Thomas and Len (born in Canada to his father’s first wife) and sister May Ham, who was raised by relatives in the UK due to the Chinese Exclusion Act. Frank stayed with his mother in rural China until age 17, when he emigrated to Canada with just $10 in his pocket, a parting gift from his father.

His first years in Canada were spent working as a lumberjack in Port Alice, BC, alongside his brother Len. Later, the family moved to Moose Jaw to run a restaurant and grocery store, while his eldest brother forged a career in aviation. In 1950, they settled in Hanna, Alberta, where Frank and his family opened The York Restaurant. It was there he met Anita Chung, a stylish and spirited woman visiting from Hong Kong. They married in 1955 and raised three children—David, Jenny, and Perry—while running the restaurant until their retirement in 1987.

Frank’s kindness and generosity touched everyone who knew him. He never hesitated to help others, whether people or animals, and his tireless work ethic left a lasting impression. A proud Papa and Yeye, he adored his six grandchildren: Darci, Kailee, Quinton, Sawyer, Jamie, and Christine and 3 great grandchildren: Ethan, Keira and Kiffig.

Food was his love language. To Frank, “Have you eaten yet?” wasn’t just a greeting—it was a real question, followed by a meal made with care. He had a gift for barbecue, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary with his instinct for fire and flavor.

A lifelong sports fan, Frank cheered passionately for his teams—the Calgary Stampeders, Calgary Flames, and Toronto Blue Jays—through every season’s high and low. He never missed an opportunity to watch tennis, following the tournaments with quiet intensity. An avid athlete himself, he curled, golfed, and fished with enthusiasm. Between games, he loved playing cards, whether a quiet hand at home or lively rounds with friends, always playing with a mix of strategy and joy. Country-western music was his soundtrack, and he treasured the music-filled days at Origin, where he found laughter and connection.

The family extends deep thanks to the staff at Canmore General Hospital for their compassionate care.

Frank’s legacy is one of nourishment—not just of the body, but of the heart. He will be dearly missed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.