Thomas T. Wong

Thomas Toone Wong was born in Los Angeles on May 1, 1946 to Eddie & Mae Wong of Hollywood, California. He passed away in Pomona, California on March 18, 2021.

Tom was a member of the "Sons and Daughters of the Montana Pioneers" through his grandfather Sam Tom. Ancestors had to have arrived in Montana by 1870 to be eligible for membership.

Tom attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic Grade School in Hollywood, CA where his talent for humor and light-heartedness made him a leader in his class. He attended St John Vianney High School in Los Angeles and was Valedictorian of his class in 1964. He was a popular student known for his wit, humor, and charm being Class President his senior year.

He received his Bachelors Degree in History from Stanford University in 1968. He was an avid photographer who did many photos for the Stanford Daily newspaper. Despite his initial interest in science, he chose to study history after studying at Stanford-in-Italy. He always followed his heart.

Tom received his PhD in East Asian History from Columbia University in New York City. His thesis covered his family's roots in Missoula, Montana.

Although he was given offers to be a professor on the East Coast of the United States, he wanted to stay with his family in California. He was a Professor of History at Loyola-Marymount University, Whittier College, and California State University, Fullerton.

He had a passion for photography, bird watching, fishing, bicycling, and traveling around the world.

Tom was fluent in Italian after studying in Florence, in Japanese after living in Japan for two years, and in Chinese after teaching at the prestigious Jiao Tong University in Shanghai, China.

It was in Shanghai that he met the love of his life, Song, who captured his heart. He was so happy being married to Song, and when Michael arrived his life was complete.

In his wanderlust to see the world, some of the countries he visited included Canada, Mexico, Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Japan, China, Austria, Netherlands, and Egypt.

Tom was a true Renaissance man who loved everyone he met, and was loved by all who knew him. His wit and humor started from his earliest days in grammar school and carried through his teaching his popular courses in college. He was one of the first professors to use videos in his classes. We miss you, Tom!