Wong, Key
Key Wong
On Sunday, February 24, 2008, long time Moose Jaw resident, Key Wong, age 84, passed away with his family by his side. Predeceased by his wife, Ruth (1978), and his parents, Charlie (1968) and Wai Ching (1991). Key will be deeply missed by his children, Kim (Erin Tourigny) and Mavin(David Maubach). He was a loving and proud grandfather to Emile, Julianne, Ariana, and Aidan. Key was the eldest of five children including Jack (Pauline), Christine (the late Tak Hayashi), Fern (Andy Chu), Perry (Eloise), and David (Karen). Key’s life began in China in 1924, but he immigrated and settled in Moose Jaw in 1949. Key’s father, Charlie Wong, began the Exchange Café, located at the corner of Main Street and Manitoba. The Exchange Café was legendary in Moose Jaw beginning in the 1930’s, and was so named because during the Depression, customers could not always pay for their meals in cash, and would instead “exchange” goods and services for their food. In 1972, Key and Ruth, later built and operated the City Centre Motel until he retired in the later 1990’s. In his latter years, Key enjoyed the peace and quiet of his community, but would often visit his grandchildren in Calgary and Toronto.
The family extends their heart felt thanks and appreciation to the medical team at the Union Hospital, especially the nurses on the Medical Unit on the 1st floor, where sadly Key spent considerable time over the past six months. Also, the family is deeply indebted to long time family friend, Jane Powell, and Key’s good neighbour, Lorne Overs, without whom, Key would not have been able to maintain his independence for so long. The family invites friends to a service and reception at the Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Private family burial on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Key’s memory to the Moose Jaw Union Hospital Foundation, 455 Fairford St. East, Moose Jaw, Sask. S6H 1H3; The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, 279 3rd Ave. North, Saskatoon, Sk. S7K 2H8; or to a charity of your choice.
Kim and Mavin
I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing We grew up next to your family on Francis St.
What a great legacy Key has left the Friendly City. I recall as a child the thrill of attending those great meals and the hospitality of the Wong family during the war years. Often we would invite the British Airforce members from south of Moose Jaw (#32 SFTS) to take in an evening with the Hampsons and Adkins families.. They were unforgettable times made possible by the Wong management.
Garth Hampson, Ottawa.