Search by Name

Search by Name

Norman Wong Obituary

Norman Wong was born in Hawaii July 4, 1928. He closed his eyes on Monday, December 17, 2012 and transitioned from this world quietly, peacefully, with strength, comforting and teaching those around him. He moved to SF in the early 1950's, where his studies ranged from English literature to the esoteric sciences and soon after became a devoted student of Magana and Walt Baptiste, pioneers of Yoga and Health. Norman became an advanced practitioner of the Walt Baptiste Teachings and a key teacher at their SF yoga and health centers for over 40 years where he devoted his life to the service of others. A teacher of weight training, health, nutrition and Yoga, he quietly inspired thousands of students over the years. He assisted in all aspects of the Magana and Walt Baptiste Yoga and Dance Centers in San Francisco and El Salvador. His steady presence and wry smile as he stood behind the counter at the Baptiste Health Food Store at #1 Clement St, was a draw for many seeking advice and counsel. He never offered advice unless asked but gave freely of his knowledge, wisdom and time in every circumstance.
In addition to being a great scholar and philosopher, Norman mastered Raja Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga and Karma Yoga. His deep understanding of Yoga, devotion to the Baptiste teachings and egoless personality provided insights which helped many to right and redirect their lives in times of hardship.
After the passing of Walt Baptiste in 2001, Norman assisted Magana Baptiste in continuing the Baptiste teachings and classes. As always he worked tirelessly, with a sense of joy. He understood the highest spiritual principles of life, lived them and taught by example, enriching the lives of all who knew him. Surrounded by the love of his spiritual family, as a true yogi, Norman peacefully closed his eyes and consciously transitioned to the next life. He was and will always be a force of good and truth who everyday made this world a better place.
He is survived by his extended family, his spiritual family including Magana Baptiste, the Baptiste family and thousands of health and spiritual seekers throughout the world who love him dearly. Memorial Services are open to the public and will be held at the Columbarium, One Loraine Court * San Francisco, CA 94118 January 10, 2013 from 2-4pm. Per Norman's wishes, in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Magana Baptiste.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jan. 4 to Jan. 6, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Norman Wong

Sponsored by wade and anya smith.

Not sure what to say?





Craig Smith

May 9, 2023

Dear Norman, I woke up this morning and thoughts of you were on my mind. Still to this day and forever you will continue to inspire me. Thank you for being here, the lessons you have shared and the inspiration provided to so many to truly make this world a better place

Baptiste Center

December 29, 2022

Eternally grateful to you, dear Norman. You changed my life and I feel your Being every day.

wade smith

December 29, 2022

Dear Norman, I think of u every day and I am happy you are still with me. Much love, wade

Carin Lee Bauder

March 13, 2021

I remember Uncle Norman and his ghost stories he used to tell us. He had such a peaceful , calm mannerism about him. Sorry to say I didn’t keep in touch with him as an adult but he did give me some cherished memories of my childhood.

Jasmyn Mabalatan-Weissman

March 20, 2017

Thinking of you , your words of wisdom and Golden energies....

wade smith

March 8, 2017

long live norman, walt and magana. i think of them each day with love and thanks.

roger cornwell

January 28, 2017

Truly blessed with gentle hospitality.

November 18, 2014

long live norman in our memories. long live our teachers. jai guru

Norman Wong, Golden Sage

Jasmyn Mabalatan

November 14, 2014

Dear dear Norman, you are always within my heart. With much gratitude to a Golden Sage... I am very honored to have known you...

Norman Wong and Jasmyn Mabalatan

Jasmyn Mabalatan

November 14, 2014

wade smith

January 2, 2014

A little over a year has passed since the passing of our friend and teacher norman. May god bless him and may god bless all of us to remember his quiet suggestions, unobtrusive words of guidance and non dramatic devotion. Always alive in memory and soul.

June 27, 2013

Some beautiful Ahoha wishes from his family in Hawaii where he was born and would visit over the years. He came from a big family there. We are very thankful for having Norman in our life's for all the years. - D.B.

deborah carter

May 7, 2013

Thank You, Norman

Dylan Baker(leibowitz)

February 16, 2013

What a great man. Norman used to look after me when I was was no more than 4 or 5 wandering the aisles of the health food store, the yoga center, and the boutique. He taught me about eating healthy even back then. On occasion he would split a piece of raw sugar cane with me, which to me, is such a great memory. He will always be in my thoughts.

Frank Zderic

January 31, 2013

Thank you, Norman, for the gift of your life, a life of love and compassion. Have heard it said that a death in the material world is a birth in the spiritual world. Enjoy your journey through the realms of light.

Craig Smith

January 30, 2013

Dear Norman lives in our hearts forever. A spirit true, a master of wisdom, knowledge and the yogi path, my mentor. You will be missed every day in this lifetime, but you are with me every day too. You have given me such a gift, a practice I use every day. Your spirit shines in me, in all of us. Peace, Harmony, Well Being my teacher, my friend.

Norman Wong, circa 2012

Jasmyn Mabalatan

January 29, 2013

Jasmyn Mabalatan and Deborah Carter

Jasmyn Mabalatan

January 29, 2013

Walt "GuruDev" Baptiste and Magana Baptiste

Jasmyn Mabalatan

January 29, 2013

Memorial Program front and back side

Jasmyn Mabalatan

January 29, 2013

Norman Wong and Ethan Byxbe

January 29, 2013

Norman Wong and Jasmyn Mabalatan

January 29, 2013

Norman Wong and Madeline Camisa

January 29, 2013

Jasmyn Mabalatan and Deborah Carter

January 29, 2013

Walt "GuruDev" Baptiste, Norman Wong, Magana Baptiste

January 29, 2013

Norman's mother

January 29, 2013

Inside Memorial Program

January 29, 2013

January 29, 2013

Norman Wong, a true Golden Sage...

jasmyn mabalatan

January 10, 2013

NORMAN a true GOLDEN SAGE!
I give much gratitude to you for sharing your esoteric knowledge, wisdom and guidence along side with Magana in keeping on the TRUE MASTER PATH throughout these years…

I thank you for all the gifts of “mana” you have bestowed on me. Endless boxes of 10 year old ginsing. Many do not know this, he held several degrees. One was in botany. Norman was indeed a botanist…

I thank you for sharing with me your “golden” transition. I am honored…

Norman's selflessness, sincere effortless effort, tireless dedication, and AMAZING austerity culminating in supremely enlightened wisdom and all-embracing compassion throughout the years…
We all thank you…
As “GuruDev” would say,“Practice, Practice, Practice, Lo Behold the Goal”…

Norman would say after each class,
“Please, don't forget to take all of your bodies with you.”…

NORMAN a true GOLDEN SAGE!

Lou Thurman

January 10, 2013

Thank you, dear Norman, for the Honor of your presence in my life! To be in your presence of Purity and steadfast Devotion is to be drawn closer to God! Until we meet again, Lou Thurman

Janine

January 9, 2013

Norman was a great teacher. I always got so much from his classes, and from speaking with him. He was so generous with his time and knowledge. I'll miss him very much...

A Friend

January 9, 2013

For Norman...we will all miss you.

January 8, 2013

thank you for being a great example and role model. thank you for all your teaching. thank you for enjoying food so much! we love you. jai guru. wade

Ellen Gittleman

January 7, 2013

Until we meet again old friend.........

Laurie Dubin

January 7, 2013

Norman's yoga classes were among the best at the Baptiste Center. He believed in the breath. I will always believe in Norman.

Mary Burrows

January 7, 2013

Norman was a humble man with a great soul. I will miss his wisdom for this world. I know his light shines in the Divine Beyond.

Amy Corey

January 7, 2013

It has been many years since I lived in San Francisco, but Norman remained in my thoughts. He has touched so many lives and will be dearly missed.

January 7, 2013

Thank you Norman for your Being. You helped change my life for the better. Aloha, Great Brother! Deborah Joeen Carter

January 6, 2013

What a great friend you were.
I miss you so much.

shirley anderson

January 6, 2013

Norman was the go-to person for questions that one did not want to bother Walt or Magana with. He was a teacher to the end, he will be missed. Rest in Peace.

shirley anderson

January 6, 2013

Norman was the go-to person for questions that one did not want to bother Walt or Magana with. He was a teacher to the end, he will be missed. Rest in Peace.

January 6, 2013

A Great Yogi and dear Soul that will be deeply missed by the Baptiste Family and countless thousands of students.

Thank you for all you wisdom and Joyful Spirit though out the years.

Sherri Baptiste

Showing 1 - 43 of 43 results

Make a Donation
in Norman Wong's name

Memorial Events
for Norman Wong

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Norman's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Norman Wong's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more