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CHIU MING WONG
Born: Jul 08, 1935
Date of Passing: Oct 27, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryCHIU MING WONG On October 27, 2014, Dr. Chiu Ming "C.M." Wong. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife and constant companion of over 54 years, Elsa, his son Tony (Bina), daughter Stephanie (Bill Ogolin) and two grandchildren Amanda Wong and Mac Wong. He was preceded in death by a son, Derek Wong in 1988. Born July 8, 1935 in Guangzhou, China he fled to Hong Kong in 1949 where he first met his neighbour, Elsa Ma Mo Fong, who became his best friend and wife for over 54 years. C.M. received his Ph.D in Chemistry in 1964 at the University of New Brunswick then completed his post doctorate studies at Harvard. Over the course of 27 years, C.M. taught chemistry at the University of Manitoba with enthusiasm and vigor to thousands of students while also conducting valuable research in, and helping develop anti cancer medicines. He was widely published and cited for his research in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, Canadian Journal of Chemistry and Journal of Organic Chemistry. He was a consultant to many companies and was invited by the government of China for ten years to teach and he was able to spend many summers with his family in various parts of China. He was nominated twice for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. The passing of his son Derek in 1988 led to an earlier than planned retirement in 1993. C.M. was passionate about traveling and for many years, his family would take frequent trips with other families to Caribou Falls. After his kids grew up, he traveled in a motor home with Elsa making multiple trips to Alaska and Yukon. They also traveled to Europe, South America and a memorable visit to the Silk Road in China. His grandchildren carved a special place in his heart and he and Elsa spent every summer and Christmas with them and took them on many of their travels including an Alaskan cruise in 2012. C.M.'s children and their families were able to gather in Vancouver and celebrate memorable moments in his life including his 70th birthday in 2005 and his 50th wedding anniversary in August 2010. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Foundation or the Canadian Blood Services. His work ethic, concern for people and drive in life, were lessons he continued to impart on others well after his retirement. Chiu, dad, ye-ye, C.M. you have created enduring and indelible memories for us to treasure forever.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 01, 2014
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Dear Uncle C.M.: Today I am thinking of your younger son Derek, one of my first childhood friends, who left us too soon. I think of the massive RV sitting on your driveway, and how we were allowed to play in and around it on hot lazy summer afternoons. I think of your family's friendship with mine. I think of your energetic lectures at the U of M, the excitement in your eyes and voice as you shared your knowledge with us. I think about how I took your Organic Chemistry course only one year after Derek's passing, the pain that you must have still felt, the resilience that you showed then. Today I wish to tell you how you are missed, and to thank you one more time. - Posted by: Richard Lim (childhood friend of Derek, former student at U of M) on: Dec 07, 2021
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Professor CM Wong was an enthusiastic and inspiring chemistry Professor and teacher. He was friendly, extremely energetic and always had time to help students, friends and family. He was a servant leader. He served the Chinese community here and abroad. I worked with Professor Wong, who led the mission with Mayor Norrie to twin the City of Winnipeg with Chengdu, China. Professor Wong develop a new cancer drug, Idarubicin, which the pharmaceutical company, Pfizer has been very successful with. He was a post doc at Harvard and part of the team with the "father of medicinal chemisty, Robert Woodward, who won the Noble Prize in Chemistry in 1965. My sincere condolences to the family and wishes for God's care. Bert and Lee Friesen - Posted by: Bert Friesen (Student, friend and later colleague) on: Nov 03, 2014
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My condolences to the family. Val Alderson - Posted by: Valerie Alderson (Co-worker ) on: Nov 01, 2014
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Instantly recognized the photo and was sitting in Organic Chem at UofM in 1972. "Enthusiasm" doesn't seem adequate. Showed up each class with only the text book (that he never had to open), no notes, just a pen for the overhead, and he shared his knowledge in a most enjoyable way. Had a unique way of engaging large classes right to the back row. It was always "standing room only" as kids from other classes came to learn from someone who knew his stuff. Approachable after class, or at his lab, he was always willing to help his students. I have over 10 years of post secondary education; sat in may classrooms, listened to many profs on many subjects, and Dr. Wong has always been at the top. Thank you Dr. Wong. I am sure he would have no idea who I am, but for me, he was unforgettable. My condolences to his family and friends. I wish you all strength at this difficult time. Tom Harrison B.Sc. M.Sc. LL.B. Calgary, Alberta - Posted by: Tom Harrison (Former student, University of Manitoba) on: Nov 01, 2014
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C.M. was a kind, wonderful and intelligent man. He was a very popular professor and a gifted scientist. He did not only make contributions to his profession, he was also a wonderful volunteer. While in Winnipeg, he was a community leader who helped us re-rebuild Chinatown. We will miss him dearly. Elsa, Tony and Stephanie, God bless. Sincerely, Philip, Anita and Family - Posted by: The Lee Family (Old Friends) on: Nov 01, 2014
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