Obituary of Kai Yim Wong

Kai Yim Wong of London passed away peacefully at the age of 93 at University Hospital on Thursday, June 20, 2024. 

He was a caring, kind and gentle soul.  Beloved husband of Siu Man Wong. Loving and devoted father to his son Jim (Marilyn) and daughter Selina (Steve) Vertes. He was the proud and doting grandfather to Jack, Emily and Chloe. Predeceased by his late brother Kai Lim Wong.

Kai Yim was the youngest of two siblings.  He was born in Hong Kong, China on January 31, 1934.  Kai Yim moved to Guangdong, China in the county of Toisan in the village of Nam Tuen.  Kai Yim returned back to Hong Kong with his brother when he was 17. In 1954 he left Hong Kong in search for a better life.  Upon his arrival in North America at the age of 24, Kai Yim apprenticed at restaurants across Canada and the U.S.  Starting out as a dishwasher, he eventually worked his way up to becoming a chef.  After settling in London, Ontario, in 1965, Kai Yim met and married his wife Siu Man a year later.  After a few years, he saved enough to open his restaurant, Chopstick House, which was one of the first Chinese restaurants in London. In 1983 he opened China Garden Restaurant and ran it successfully for 20 years.

Kai Yim also went out of his way to generously train newcomers and friends how to cook.  His legacy of kindness remains as they went on to eventually open and operate their own restaurant businesses.

Kai Yim lived life to the fullest. His passion for food was not only because of his profession as a chef, it was also his joie de vivre. His love language was cooking and sharing food he made with loved ones. He was happiest cherishing meals amongst family and friends. He shared his love of cooking generously and never hesitated to teach family and friends how to prepare his delicious dishes always filled with love.

Upon retirement, Kai Yim’s world opened up to enjoying time with family. One of the great joys in his life was spending time with his three grandchildren. His eyes would light up whenever he saw or spoke to his grandchildren. Telephone calls and video chats always warmed his heart. Yeh Yeh and Goong Goong Bob will be dearly missed and never forgotten. He will always be with us in our hearts.

A funeral service will be held in the Logan Funeral Home, 371 Dundas St., London, Ontario on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 11 a.m. with visitation starting one hour prior at 10 a.m. Interment to follow in Woodland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial donations are asked to consider London Health Sciences Foundation - University Hospital or McCormick Care Foundation. Online condolences can be expressed at www.loganfh.ca.

The Wong family is truly grateful for your prayers, words of comfort and support during Kai Yim’s illness and this time of bereavement.  Thank you for your continued friendship and love.  May God Bless you!

        A tree will be planted, by the Logan Funeral Home,

  as a living memorial to Kai Yim Wong.