Norman KWONG

KWONG, Norman Lim (Kwong Lim Yew)
Born Calgary, AB, October 24, 1929 - Died September 3, 2016

Normie Kwong, The China Clipper, carried the ball one last time in the early morning of September 3, 2016, as he passed away peacefully in his sleep with his loving family surrounding him.

He was preceded in death by his father Charles, mother Lily (Lee), brothers Henry and Hank and sisters Lily and Dorothy. He is survived by his brother Richard, his wife Mary, four sons and their wives, Greg (Elly), Brad (Veronika), Marty (Letti) and Randy (Lisa), and 10 grandchildren whom he loved dearly - Jamie Lee, Bryanne, Caitlyn, Brendan, Niah, Marcus, Mia, Tyson, Kira and Jessica.

Normie grew up the fifth of six children in the Calgary neighbourhood of Riverside, where his hard-working immigrant parents instilled in him an inner drive, competitive nature and extreme sense of humility that would serve him well throughout his life.

His considerable accolades and achievements are well-documented. He lived a blessed and fulfilled life. Like his favourite singer, Frank Sinatra, he "travelled each and every highway." Successful as a professional athlete, businessman, sports executive, community leader and public figure, whatever fueled his drive to succeed was masked by a natural, seemingly effortless manner in which he carried himself.

Throughout his many careers, he touched so many with his humility, intellect, dignity and unforgettable wit and sense of humour. Among the many who met him, virtually no one was safe from his dry sense of humour and unique style of ribbing, whether it be a soft jab, friendly prank or wry, backhanded compliment. He used this keen sense of humour to build and foster lasting and memorable relationships.

The magnitude of everything he accomplished in his public life can only be matched by the enormity of love he had for his family and family life.

At home, he loved playing football in the backyard with his sons. He was pleased when Sony invented the remote control for television. He was a voracious reader, mostly of car magazines. He loved cars and somehow managed to have a new car, usually silver in colour, every six months. And he liked to cook. His culinary skills were impressive and he was known most for his steaks, Sunday breakfasts and delicious homemade apple pie.

He loved his four sons and derived great pleasure from watching each of them play sports - football, soccer and particularly hockey. In fact, his love of the game of hockey and his interest in the Calgary Flames was fostered by the passion he had for watching his sons' games. Most notable as a parent was the fact that he never lived vicariously through his sons' athletic careers, nor did he ever chase his goals and dreams at the expense of theirs.

His daughters-in-law and grandchildren will remember him as the kindest, gentlest man they have ever known. They loved him dearly and, in turn, his love for them overflowed.

Above all else, his love and respect for Mary, his wife, was the greatest. As his true life partner, her soft demeanour combined with her strong constitution contributed most to all that he achieved in life, both personally and professionally. She was there by his side for close to 60 years and was the person he turned to in all matters good and bad, large and small.

We have been overwhelmed, humbled, even surprised by the enormity of public outpouring since Dad's passing. As we have become more aware of the magnitude of his impact on his community, his province and the many lives he touched, we realize how fortunate and blessed we were to have had such an accomplished man as a husband/father/grandfather who still held us, his family, as his No. 1 priority. We will miss him profoundly

A Gathering will be held for close friends and family at Eden Brook Funeral Home on Monday, September 12 from 6-8 p.m. A public State Memorial Service will be held at First Alliance Church (12345 - 40 Street S.E.) on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. Forward condolences through http://www.alberta.ca/norman-kwong-memorial-condolences.cfm. The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation and a loving thank you to Dad's caregivers Annie, Maryann, Susan, Marlyn and Mitchie who cared for him with much grace, compassion and love right until the end.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in memory be made to: The Hon. Norman L. Kwong Memorial Fund* online at: www.calgaryfoundation.org (go to "Donate Online" and select: The Hon. Norman L. Kwong Memorial Fund) or by cheque payable to "The Calgary Foundation" with fund name in memo and mailed to: The Calgary Foundation 1180, 105 12 Avenue SE Calgary, AB T2G 1A1.

*The Hon. Norman L. Kwong Memorial Fund has been created to honour the legacy of the Hon. Norman L. Kwong. Proceeds from the fund will support youth in sports with a focus on the underprivileged and new Canadians.

Arrangements entrusted to EDEN BROOK FUNERAL HOME AND RECEPTION CENTRE, 24223 Twp Rd 242, Calgary, AB, T3Z 3K2.