John Wong

John Wong, M.D. John W. H. Wong passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones, on June 17, 2014. Dr. Wong was born in Hong Kong on April 1, 1932, the fifth of eight children. His early years were shaped by the Japanese Occupation in World War II, but in spite of this difficult beginning, he flourished, graduating from medical school in Canada. While there, he met his beloved wife Jacoba (Greta), whom he married in 1960. Dr. Wong started his medical career with Project Concern in Hong Kong before moving to the Visalia area, where he established a long-term medical practice. He loved his work as a family physician and served the community for almost 45 years, both in public and private practice and as Medical Director of the Tulare County Hospital. Along with his medical degree, he also earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. He then broke medical ground as a patient when he became the first recipient of a radical new kidney transplant procedure in the United States. Dr. Wong retired from his practice in 2009, which gave him more time to pursue his hobbies. He was a true Renaissance man with many interests. John loved playing classical piano from a young age and also learned to play the guitar and more esoteric instruments such as the harmonica. He fenced and played tennis as long as his health allowed him to do so. John was passionate about his Chinese heritage and food and never met a plate of dim sum he didn’t like. He was a talented painter and dabbled in other arts, including modern wood sculptures, much to the chagrin of his family. Dr. Wong loved to travel and explored many parts of the world. He was the quintessential family man and spent time during his final years cruising in Mexico, Greece and Italy with his wife, children and especially his beloved grandchildren. He is survived by his wife Greta, his children Kimberley (Cornelius Wright), Kendall (Kimberly), Kevane (Janice), Carol (Greg), Kellicia (Terry Kotsatos) and Keenan (Alicia) and grandchildren Chris, Jenny, Gillian, Braeden, Anikka, Kaia, Ava, Joshua and Keira. Additionally, he is survived by his sisters Lucille, Miranda and Lillian, brother Joe and countless nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, two sisters and a brother. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dr. John W. H. Wong can be made to Kaweah Delta Hospice. A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com. A public celebration of John Wong’s life will be held at the Chinese Cultural Center, 500 S. Akers St. in Visalia on Saturday, July 19th at 5:00pm.

John Wong

April 1, 1932 - June 17, 2014