In Memory of Hoi Wong 黃開旺 (1957 輝)

Hoi W. Wong, aged 85, gracefully passed away on April 7, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born on June 29, 1938 in Hong Kong to Hong Sing Wong and Shau C.T. Wong, Hoi’s journey was one of determination and purpose. He attended the Pui Ching School and while playing basketball in the 4th grade, met his first sweetheart who eventually became his wife, Risa Wong.  After graduating from Pui Ching in 1956, he went on to attend the University of Taiwan where he obtained his B.S. in Civil Engineering. In 1962, Hoi and Risa married and had their first son, Wayne. Shortly thereafter, Hoi left for Australia and obtained a M.S. in Civil Engineering at the University of New South Wales. After returning from Australia, Hoi and Risa welcomed their second son, Sam. Given the tumultuous political landscape at that time in Hong Kong and looking for a better life for his family, Hoi and Risa decided to move their young family to Sacramento in 1968.

Despite initial hardships after arriving in Sacramento, Hoi studied and persevered to obtain his CA civil engineering license. He later sought an additional specialty and became a licensed structural engineer.  After working for some very reputable engineering firms in Sacramento, Hoi decided to launch his own engineering consulting firm, Hoi Wong and Associates, in 1976.  Throughout his career, Hoi designed or consulted on hundreds of commercial projects and landmark high-rise buildings throughout California. Hoi was showered with many accolades in his career and was highly respected within the engineering community. In the 1990’s, Hoi was appointed by Governor Pete Wilson to the State of California Engineering Committee. As a liaison for the Committee, Hoi was honored to be selected to travel to China to help universities develop their engineering programs. After over thirty years of running his consultancy, Hoi retired in 2004.

Above all things, Hoi was a devoted father, grandfather and loving husband. Hoi had many interests – enjoying music, opera, basketball (particularly the Kings), cruises, staying connected with old friends from the local Pui Ching alumni association and anything that he could do DIY.  Beyond his passions, one thing served as a driving force in his life - his faith in our Lord. Risa introduced Hoi to the Lord early on in their marriage and his faith became a beacon for his life ever since. Hoi was known to immerse himself in the Christian community, including serving as an elder and consistory member at Chinese Community Church for many years. In more recent years, he was actively involved at River’s Edge Church. Hoi also volunteered to help design or consult on many construction projects at various churches in the region including Chinese Christian Mission (new building), Riverside Wesleyan Church (addition) and Chinese Community Church (gym).

Early in the Covid pandemic, Risa suffered a debilitating stroke – necessitating fulltime skilled nursing support at ACC Care Center. In the face of this adversity, Hoi’s love for Risa shone the brightest. He was adamant in his devotion to care for Risa and after over a year at ACC, he was able to arrange for Risa to return home where he served as her primary caregiver until his very last days.

Hoi is preceded in death by his elder brothers, Albert Wong and Yuen Fat Wong.

Hoi is survived by his loving wife, Risa, his sons, Wayne and Sam, his daughters-in-law Carina and Angela, his grandchildren, Nicholas, Aaron, Kayla and Matthew, his younger brother, Henry Wong and sister-in-law Patty Wong.

Hoi's funeral service is scheduled on April 20, 2024 Saturday at 1:00pm at the Elk Grove East Lawn. Consolation dinner will be hosted at 4:00pm at the Elk Grove Well Season Restaurant.