Kenneth “Kenny” Wong

Wing Ken Ong, also known as, Kenneth “Kenny” Wong was born in China August 18, 1918. He was one of many Chinese immigrants who came to America with “Acquired-Papers” (also known as: Hoo Gee). Sadly, he moved from China, far away from his Mother for a better life in Gold Mountain (Geem San). According to his “Acquired-Papers” he was only 51/2 years old. (Actually, he was nearly 10).The “Acquired-Papers” were given to Ken by his Grandfather who was living in America while working on the Rail Roads as a Cook (One of the few who survived the tragedies from the Rail Road abuses). The Family “Acquired-Papers” were passed down from one family member to the next to assist with bringing relatives to “Gold Mountain”. Arrangements were made for Ken to live with his Uncle Wong when he arrived to San Francisco, California on May 3, 1928. In his new life, his cousin Moon S Wong became his brother.To survive in San Francisco he became a shoeshine boy. He nailed together a wooden box and bought shoe brushes along with shoe polish. His fee was a nickel, and a dime if they wanted a spit shine.Everyday after counting his earnings he always saved up money to send back home to his Mother in China.During the “Depression Era” he moved back to China, but returned a few years later and moved in with other relatives, (Aunt Mary Ong and Uncle Tong Ong with their children Ben, Henry, Helen, Josie, and Turman) in Mesa, Arizona.Fortunately, they provided him a loving home and taught him how to be a butcher and manage a grocery store.On December 15, 1942, at the age of 19, he enlisted into the United States Navy. He started as a Third Class Ship Cook and was then promoted to Ship’s Cook FIRST CLASS and was HONORABLY discharged from the U. S, Naval Service on March 12, 1946 at the age of 23.In 1947 he was called back to China at his Mother’s urging. While in China, he was introduced to beautiful Yuet Ying Lim (Emma) and soon arrangements were made and they were married. He and his Bride were wed in 1947. On their voyage back to America they conceived their wonderfully magnificent first child, Fred who was born in 1948. Kenny remained in Arizona with his family and lived in a fixed up garage at hisAunt and Uncle’s home while helping them run their Grocery store. In 1949 they were overjoyed with the addition of another perfectly beautiful child, Evelyn.In the 1950’s Kenny and Emma decided it was time to make a move to Los Angeles California.Kenny bought his own Little Market on Sitchel and Main in Los Angeles, where they sacrificed and struggled to succeed while saving enough money to partner up with relatives and open a larger store. He assisted in guiding the relatives on the“know-how’s” of the Grocery business.In 1958, they were ecstatic over the new arrival of another son, Perry. Followed by their final bundle of joy, Penny in1960.In 1966 Kenneth Wong became a naturalized citizen and returned to his birth name, Wing Ken Ong. During the partnership with relatives, they all became successful enough to separate and branch out to have their own businesses.Ken owned and operated Capitol Market where he was the Meat cutter and Produce man. He maintained the entire stock of the market. His passion was cooking and he incorporated selling hot cooked food in his store. His Navy training and creative ability gave him a magical talent for cooking. A true innovator, Kenny combined his passion for cooking with his keen business skills and introduced a Hot Food Deli within his market. This novel idea set an example that numerous other Southern California supermarkets followed.He was a businessman and a great contributor to the community. He sponsored many sports activities, community events, and group association functions.He became the Honorary Mayor of El Sereno and was active and involved with many Political Leaders.He tried to inspire others who followed the Chinese Old ways to be open-minded to the New. He believed in giving back to the community to ensure growth and prosperity for future generations. He participated in many organizations in hopes of bettering the world. Organizations such as the Chinese Grocers Association, Hoi Peng Benevolent Association, El Sereno Chamber of Commerce. Mexican American Chamber of Commerce, Lim Association, Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Chinese American Citizen Alliance, and the American Legion are just a few of the many groups he was actively a part of.He was a wonderful man filled with great intentions who accomplished a tremendous amount of humanitarian deeds. His desire was always to share his love of people and to share his wealth of knowledge with whomever desired to know. Only those who really took the time to get to know the real man knew his enormously loving heart.He was born in1918 and passed away with his family and friends in 2009.He is survived by his wife, Emma…his son Fred, daughter in-law, Shall…grandchildren Randy and Erik…his daughter, Evelyn, son in-law Alan…grandchildren Dana and Pam…his son Perry, daughter in-law, Suzana…grandchildren Ashley and Matthew…his daughter Penny, son in-law Benny…grandchildren Kevin and Cody.