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Alan Wong Obituary
Dec 23, 1930 - May 15, 2020
Alan S. Wong passed away on May 15, 2020 at the age of 89. Born in San Francisco on December 23, 1930 to parents Walter M.G. Wong and Lai Lin Tai, he was the second of four children: Carol, Alan (1930-2020), Victor and Lloyd (1933-2005).
Growing up in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Chinatown and later becoming a deacon, teacher, and elder prepared him for a future as a community advocate. Alan affiliated with organizations such as both National and San Francisco Council of Churches, Chinese Christian Union, Confab, Juvenile Hall, War on Poverty, EOC Poverty Board, Community College Board, and the Chinese Democratic Club.
Alan served in the U.S. Army in the 1950's. After discharge, he earned a B.A. and Master's degrees in Social Work at SFSU. Supporting the student strike in the 1960's, he later became a lecturer in the newly formed Ethnic Studies Department
Alan served on the boards of over 50 associations over time and was a co-founder of Self Help for the Elderly, Asian, Inc., Chinese Cultural Center, and Northeast Federal Credit Union. He also served on the Advisory Committee for the I-Hotel and as Director of Programs for Asian, Inc., (1973-1976), Executive Director of Self Help for the Elderly (1976-1979), and Director of Business Development for Asian Inc., (1979-1983).
His early affiliation with the YMCA began in his teen years as a member of a boys' club, which later, combined with 2 other clubs, converted into the ARO's, which celebrated 69 years of service last December. Alan once wrote, "Although some people encouraged me to go to seminary, I chose the YMCA as a vocation because I thought that would be the best way to express my theology. As a YMCA professional, I was required to take religious courses which were available through correspondence from the YMCA college." Alan served as the Executive Director of the Chinatown YMCA from 1972-1990.
In 2004, Alan suffered a fall which left him a quadriplegic. He struggled a bit early on, but remembering that God's grace is sufficient for him, continued pursuing life for 15 ½ years in a wheelchair, attending meetings, events, and socializing.
Alan's personal creed was "...to be an innovator, to be on the cutting edge, to be accountable, to be responsible, and to be a person of integrity---behind it all always is Christ."
He is survived by his wife Rachel, daughter Kimberly (Robert), son Kevin (Tricia), and four grandsons, Jordan, Tyler, Connor, and Christian.
Donations may be directed to the following organizations:
Chinatown YMCA: 855 Sacramento St., SF., CA 94108
Cumberland Presbyterian Chinese Church (memo Building Fund): 865 Jackson St., SF., CA 94133
Presbyterian Church in Chinatown: 925 Stockton St., SF., CA 94108
charity of your choice
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alan Wong
Maxine Chan
May 30, 2021
One of the best things that I remember about Alan is the advice he gave me when Alan was only a teenager. Duringa high school youth meeting at Cumberland, I encouraged people to pray for help from God in any situation, because God always answers. Afterward, Alan said to me privately, "Don't forget to tell people they need to do their part in helping God answer prayer."
Leigh Wong
May 17, 2021
Hello Aunty Rachel, Kimberly and Kevin,
I want to say that it's been years since I've seen you all. Less since I've seen you Aunty Rachel...you and Uncle Alan went to one if not both or our kids' homecoming when we adopted them from China. You are a part of my extended family as I think about the Y and my dad's friends and family. I didn't know you were so devoted to God and to your faith. Why should I be so surprised as many of my Dad's friends from the Y are and were. I have to say as I reflect on being so far away from home (in Tacoma, WA now and before that Vancouver, Canada) that I value our growing up years together, the Y outings as well as all the AROs family gatherings. Knowing that we were all sort of all the same in the Bay Area growing up (I think I am a tiny bit younger than Kevin). Then, moving farther and farther away, missing all that, missing the outings year after year, missing the banquets, the culture, the food! And you Aunty Rachel and Uncle Alan were a part of that. Uncle Alan always talked to me, always had something to say, and seemed so big and tall to me! What a great family you all are a part of. Aunty Rachel, God is present in your life in a big way...and has been for these years of hardship and blessing. Thank you for your smiles and greetings all these years. And to you all, May you continue to feel God's presence in your life, continue to grieve well, and enjoy the blessing of having had. Uncle Alan as your dad and husband. Blessings to you. What a beautiful service. Peace to you all.
Leigh Wong
Pam Cheung
May 16, 2021
When I moved to SF thirty years ago, Uncle Alan welcomed me. When Uncle Alan was at work, he called and asked me "Have you unpacked yet"? My response was "No". Every Sunday before church service, we would go to ABC Bakery to get a cup of coffee and pork bun. After church service, we would go as a group to Kam Lok Restaurant or Capital Restaurant to eat lunch. Uncle Alan got me my first job! It was working at Eppler's Bakery. He wanted me to learn how to become independent and have a little spending money. As the years had gone by, Uncle Alan and I talked about church and politics. The most memorable time that I will always remember Uncle Alan was happy that I moved into my new home. After I moved into my home, Uncle Alan came to my church(St. Marks) and saw me Serving the Lord. When the congregation got up from the pews and shared Peace among each other, Uncle Alan shared with me, "Pam, You should serve the Lord always"! I can see it in Uncle Alan's eyes that he was happy and proud of me I found a church that I feel comfortable in its environment. Uncle Alan was great as Master of Ceremonies on special occasions and loved taking pictures. I follow in his footsteps. In closing, Uncle Alan was a Dad to me too. I loved Uncle Alan. I Thank Uncle Alan for showing me love, caring, support and laughter to me. Uncle Alan will always be remembered in my heart.
Bill Quan
May 15, 2021
You remembered I (Bill) met you at Asian Inc. before I joined Cumberland. We will never forget your indomitable and gung ho spirit and the fellowships we had with you, your family, and others at Cumberland. May God bless your soul. We pray for God's peace and comfort for Rachel, Kevin, Kimberly and other family members.
In God We Trust,
Bill and Michelle Quan
Donald and Carol Jung
May 15, 2021
Alan enjoyed singing in the choir. We will remember the celebrations the choir had at his home. They were truly memorable - the potlucks and the fellowship along with the singing. May the Lord be with Rachel and the family.
Connie Bateman
May 15, 2021
In addition to his tremendous advocacy work in the community, it was very apparent that Uncle Alan enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was definitely a people oriented person. I miss his friendly and outgoing spirit.
Lori Chan
May 15, 2021
Alan lit a lasting light for so many youths who joined the Club program at the Chinatown Y. Under his guidance, we formed lifelong friendships and experienced character-building events: Youth-in-Government in Sacramento, La Honda retreats, a state conference at Yosemite, going to hear President Kennedy speak, caroling at the Laguna Honda Home, and more. His ever-present gentle, corny sense of humor and extensive photo-taking were part of our experience, too. Thank you, Alan, for everything you did for so many. May you rest in peace, knowing you did His work on Earth, and may Rachel, Kimberly, Kevin and all the family always take comfort in the light you lit. Bless you.
Pam Cheung
May 15, 2021
I Thank Uncle Alan(Dad) for welcoming me thirty years to SF! Thank You for your love, support, caring and laughter to me. You will always be in my heart.
Dom and Brenda Lau
May 14, 2021
We will miss Uncle Alan and his warm smile and laughter. We remember all the fun times we had singing in choir and on family retreats. We take comfort that he's with the Lord and in a better place. May the Lord continue to give peace to Auntie Rachel, Kim, Kevin, and their families.
Dale and Sharon Lieu
May 13, 2021
May God bless you and your family as you remember Uncle Alan fondly. May He grant each one of you His comfort and peace as he is greatly missed. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Laurene Wu McClain
May 12, 2021
Alan Wong nurtured many young people at the Chinatown YMCA. He mentored a number of us who belonged to the clubs at the Y to represent the Chinese community at the Youth in Government program. He taught us leadership, speaking, and debating skills which stayed with us long after the program in Sacramento. That was just the beginning of his career as a civic leader. He used his many talents to represent the people of San Francisco on the Community College Board and many other organizations. I will miss his leadership.
Rick Bowie
September 22, 2020
My deepest and most hearfelt condolences go out to the Wong family for the loss of a brother, husband, father, grandfather and a wonderful friend. I remember him as a kind and gentle man, with a fond dedication to his family and the community where he lived. His spirit will continue to live on in those who knew him best. May Gods loving arms and embrace, provide the entire Wong family with the love, strength and faith that will help them endure this loss. Alan will be missed by that had the opportunity to know him.
Amy Chung
June 24, 2020
Thank you for your good example and benevolence. My father Burk always talked about your dedication to Chinatown and how you lead by example. Now that you are both in heaven, I know that you must have some great stories to share. It was an honor to know you and to work with you. You are sorely missed. God bless you and your family.
Ronnie Fong
June 23, 2020
I'm sorry to hear this news. So hard to so good bye with CoVid19 restrictions. Alan was a kind soul and I have fond memories of his mentorship at the Y and Cumberland. He brought me to my first Presbytery meeting while I was at Cumberland. Other than they had decent food, I remember little else except that Alan thought it would be good exposure for me and he always had a kind and gentle laugh. Who knew that I would be involved with Presbyterian things now on the national level from such beginnings. May blessings and peace surround Rachel and the family that they may have all strength and wisdom and love with their grief journey.
Linda A Tom
June 23, 2020
Dear Rachel and Family,
My condolences to you and your family. Alan and your kindness was and is so heartfelt even after 4 decades have passed since i met you at church. Thank you for your love of people and your heart to serve and help others. Prayers for you and your family. take car.
Thank you for welcoming me to Cumberland Presbyterian when I was away at SFSU for the 3-4th year college years. I felt so welcomed to church and appreciated your kindness when I was new and away from my family.
Amy Chung
June 23, 2020
God bless you, Allen! You are my hero! Dad always talked of your dedication to Chinatown. You can tell stories in heaven now.
Kent Woo
June 22, 2020
I met Alan in the later part of his life. He recognized the harms caused by gambling on the Asian community, and was instrumental in helping bar one powerful family's attempt to bring remote horse race betting to Chinatown and in supporting the Chinese Problem Gambling Task Force convened by my organization, NICOS Chinese Health Coalition, in the late 90s, which continues to effectively address the issue today. I was impressed by his dedication to the community - he participated in our Task Force as a retired volunteer - and his humble nature despite great stature among his peers.
Chris Loo
June 21, 2020
Alan was responsible for getting many individuals into the Chinatown YMCA youth clubs. He gave people a sense of belonging and a passion for community service which many of us pursued. Alan was an outstanding role model. His passing leaves a void in the community which will be difficult, if not impossible, to fill. Alan was a one of a kind individual and I was privileged to have him in my life. Condolences to Alan's family.
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