Kevin Wong

1956 - 2014

Kevin Brian Wong

January 21, 1956 - November 3, 2014

Kevin Wong, 58, passed away peacefully at home with his family at his side. Beloved husband of Jeanette Haslam Wong, devoted & proud father of Cameron and Corinne. Kevin fought this dreadful cancer for 5 years with every ounce of courage, tenacity, and grace. He was not angry, he never asked "why me?" but accepted his journey with honor and bravery. He showed us how to live and how to die – he was more than a wonderful man; he is our hero and he will ALWAYS be in our hearts. Kevin was predeceased by his parents Richard and Florence Wong. He is survived by his siblings, Kelley Kirst (Tony), Kathleen Wilson (Evan), and Colin (Valerie). In addition, he leaves behind his mother-in-law Eugenia Haslam, and sisters-in-laws Katherine Fahd (Taha), Nanette Smith (Rod), and Jacqueline Reynolds (Ron). Many nieces and nephews will miss his smile forever. Kevin grew up in Richmond, CA until high school when his family moved to Moraga, CA. Following his graduation from Cal, he pursued his love of tennis by teaching at Cal and in Germany. Upon his return he took a job in automotive sales at Ron Goode Toyota in Alameda, CA – a job he intended to do for a few months to earn enough money to allow him to take time off to play more tennis. Instead, it was the beginning of his lifetime career. His outgoing and friendly manner proved to be a successful combination in the auto sales business and he quickly became a top salesman. He worked through the ranks at Ron Goode Toyota and remained there for more than 30 years. He stepped out of the business to enjoy time with family until Downtown Toyota & Subaru of Oakland came calling. He was the General Sales Manager/Advisor for the last 7 years. The employees that worked for him and his customers were his extended family. He was a unique car salesman; he still did business with customers from 40 years ago. He was invited to customers' birthdays, weddings, and other family celebrations. He was honest, respectful, and generous and had a keen sense of humor. For Kevin, there was nothing better than a day on the courts with friends, watching a Giants game, spending time with dear friends, and anything that involved Cameron, Corinne or Jeanette. He was famous for bringing pink boxes to events – the pink box may have a pie, donuts, dim sum, or fried chicken; always more than enough. Kevin was a friend to all and taught us all life lessons of being brave, tolerant, accepting, proud, and, most of all, an appreciation for everyday. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at St. Theresa Church 4850 Clarewood Dr., Oakland at 10:30am with a reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers the family requests Gifts can be made in honor of Kevin Wong to Stanford University. Gifts will support the Stanford Cancer Center nurses in the infusion treatment area. Stanford University Medical Development 3172 Porter Drive, Suite 210 Palo Alto, CA 94304. Please be sure you include Kevin's name on the donation.