|
The exuberant Raymond T. Wong, Jr. died peacefully at home on September 13, 2024 at the age of 91. Ray served three years in the U.S. Air Force before earning his degree in education at Marquette University. Returning to Hawaii, he taught Spanish and American History for over 25 years at Kaimuki High School. Former students continued to call even 50 years later to say how much his guidance and energy impacted their lives. Ray’s talents and passions were many and he never did anything "half-ass." A Saint Louis School 1950 alumnus, who bled red and blue, Ray was inducted into the Gallery of Distinguished Achievers in 2007. Others know Ray for his floral arts. This master lei-maker won so many Grand Prizes in the Honolulu May Day contest that he was tactfully invited to judge contests to give others a chance to take home ribbons. Then there was Christmas. Ray and wife Gail traveled the world with Christmas Club friends collecting ornaments and toys. The set-up of their over-the-top decorations at home began in October. Ray Wong’s joie de vivre was his trademark. He was stylish, expressive, generous, grateful, and irrepressible until the end. Predeceased by wife of 59 years, Gail Chieno Kumashiro Wong. Ray is survived by brothers Herman (Beatrice) and Norman (Dorothy); sister-in-law Helen Kumashiro Nishida; children Michael (Allie), Tracy (David Mau) and Patrick (Terri); grandchildren Lauren (Matt Talavera) and Erin; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. Services: Saturday, November 2nd at Clarence T.C. Ching Athletic Center on the Saint Louis School Campus. Visitation 9 a.m. Service at 10:30 a.m. Red and/or blue attire is appreciated. Donations gratefully accepted by the Ray Wong ’50 Scholarship Fund at Saint Louis School. Arrangements Provided By: Hawaiian Memorial Park Mortuary |
