Obituary of Dick Hing Hong 湯鴻爵

September 29, 1935 – Toishan, China

April 9, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Dick Hong, beloved husband of Betty Hong, of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at the age of 88 years.

Dick was born in Toishan, Guangdong, China, on September 29, 1935. With his father, George Hong, already in Canada, he left China and immigrated to Toronto, ON, in 1954. Later, he made stops in Kelvington, Saskatoon, Lashburn, Lloydminster, Neilburg, and Turtleford, SK, before retiring in Calgary, AB, in 1996. He dedicated his entire working career to the restaurant business. Dick married the love of his life, Betty, on March 9, 1959, in Lashburn, SK.

Active in the community, he was a member of the Toishan Society and the Calgary Chinese Music Development Association (CCMDA), which included volunteering for numerous casino fundraising activities. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren, often sharing valuable life lessons with them. In his leisure time, Dick enjoyed a variety of activities, including fishing, mahjong, gardening, swimming, travelling with family, and bus tours with friends. He especially cherished moments spent with his grandchildren, taking them to TD Square’s Devonian Gardens, Stampede events, playgrounds, and feeding fish at Prince’s Island Park.

Dick’s favourite saying was, “Get a good education.” He will be most remembered for his generosity, friendliness, strong work ethic, and unwavering patience, especially when caring for and feeding his grandchildren.

Besides his loving wife Betty, Dick is survived by his daughter Janet (Albert Ho), sons, Kailee (Gloria) and Kailen (Julie Sun); and his seven grandchildren, Evan and Cameron Ho; Grayson, Keegan, and Dylan Hong; and Ashlyn and Kinton Hong; all of Calgary, AB.

Dick was predeceased by his parents, George Hong and Ngan Ho Choi; daughter Julie Hong, and granddaughter Celina Ho.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so by attending the viewing at McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB) on Thursday, April 18, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Dick’s Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB) on Friday, April 19, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the Hong family requests donations in memory of Dick Hong be made to the Bethany Care Centre, #100, 2915 – 26th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2B 2W6. Donate online at https://bethany7754.thankyou4caring.org/donate, select Calgary as the Site Location and fill in the Tribute Information section at the bottom of the webpage by selecting Type: “In Memory of” and enter the name “Dick Hong”.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Dick’s family here.

In living memory of Dick Hong, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.