Our father, Ning Hoy Wong, was born August 5, 1937, in Toishan, China.  He passed away on August 8, 2024 - three days after his 87th birthday.  He lived a rich and meaningful life and will be missed.

Ning was born to our grandfather, Shuck Moon Wong and grandmother, Sue Kun Wong.

Ning and grandmother Wong escaped from Hong Kong during World War II to join grandfather Wong in San Francisco.

They arrived at Angel Island to be processed through immigration but were not detained because of grandfather Wong's United States military status.

Grandfather Wong was an honorably discharged World War II veteran who earned a Silver Star medal and Purple Heart for his valor and bravery while fighting in Europe.

Ning and his parents lived in San Francisco for a relatively short period.

They later relocated with Ning's uncle, Jim Moon Wong, to a small town called Lompoc where they opened "Lompoc Cafe", a restaurant serving American fare.

Ning attended San Francisco City College, majoring in Engineering before moving back to Lompoc, then transferred to Allan Hancock Junior College in Santa Maria to finish his education.

Ning was summoned home to Lompoc to help in the family business.

Years later, the family saved enough money and secured a loan to buy a piece of land on Ocean Avenue to construct a mixed use restaurant and residential unit on site.

They named the restaurant "Rice Bowl".  Chinese culture was added to the regular American fare, giving it the first Chinese-American dining experience in Lompoc Valley.

In 1960, Ning married Rosa Kung Wong, in Lompoc.  It was love at second sight and a match-made in Heaven.

Together, they raised a family of three sons: Kenneth, Arthur and Dean and two daughters: May Ann and Lila.
Lila married Mel Palaby in Lompoc and have two daughters, Kalea and Jadeyn.

Ning never traveled far from Lompoc.  His personal dedication was always to his family and his restaurant business.  He worked tirelessly to keep his restaurant alive in Lompoc to serve the community.  Ning's restaurant motto was to always serve big portions to keep everyone well fed.

Ning leaves behind his beloved wife, three sons, two daughters, son-in-law, two granddaughters, many relatives and friends.

His legacy will long live in Lompoc and within our memories as we bid farewell to Ning Hoy Wong, a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and a trusted member of the community.

May you rest in peace until we meet again.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, August 26, 2024, at 11:30 a.m. at the chapel of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. Burial will follow at Lompoc Cemetery District.