Eugene C. Wong

September 3, 1947 - July 1, 2015

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service

Sunset View Mortuary

Wednesday 7/8, 11:00 am

cemetery

Sunset View Cemetery Association

(510) 525-5111 |

Thursday 1/1

Eugene C. Wong, one of the country’s pre-eminent immigration lawyers, and founding member of the Law Offices of Eugene Wong was born in Guandong, China in 1947. Mr. Wong lived in Hong Kong until the age of 11, when his family moved to San Francisco in search of better educational and professional opportunities. Mr. Wong received his A.B. in Biochemistry from the University of California at Berkeley in 1970. From 1971-1973 he was a Frederic Burk Fellow at San Francisco State University performing cell and molecular biology research. From 1973 to 1976 Mr. Wong was an instructor in the Department of Chemistry at City College of San Francisco. Mr. Wong received his J.D. from the Antioch School of Law in Washington, D.C. in 1979. During Law School, Mr. Wong interned at the office of California Senator Alan Cranston. He was the recipient of the Reginald Heber Smith Community Lawyer Fellowship in 1979, an award sponsored by the Legal Services Program within the Office of Economic Opportunity and administered by the University of Pennsylvania. The fellowship recruited recent law graduates into poverty law, provided them training and a two year placement in regional legal service projects throughout the country. From 1979-1981, Mr. Wong worked in Legal Services in St. Croix, the Virgin Islands as a Staff Attorney specializing in immigration matters. There he assisted in the passage of the Virgin Islands Temporary Workers Adjustment Act of 1981, where approximately 10,000 people received green cards. Mr. Wong published three cases on immigration matters at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. In the late ’90s, Mr. Wong also started the first local Cantonese language radio station – AM 1400, and played the part of Radio Personality in his free time. Mr. Wong was a true gourmand and enjoyed cooking for his family and friends. He was a collector of rare and antique cars, watches and typewriters, yet he also had a passion for the latest gadgets and innovations of his day. He was fluent in English, Cantonese and Mandarin. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, three brothers and three grandchildren.

Sunset View Mortuary

Wednesday 7/8, 11:00 am

Sunset View Cemetery Association

(510) 525-5111 |

Thursday 1/1

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Lit a candle in memory of Eugene C. Wong

I just heard about Eugene's passing. I was impressed with his wide interests and knowledge---when he moved to Chinatown. He took me on a ride in a vintage car that he was so proud of. Eugene definitely had an inquisitive mind and was a pleasure to converse with. The world is less interesting without him. My condolences to his family. Regards, Howard Wong, AIA

I just heard about Eugene's passing. Eugene was one of the most brilliant men I've ever met. If it wasn't for him, I'd not have received my greencard nor my citizenship. He was a fixer, digging into the law and finding incredible solutions. Having known him for 6 years, we discussed my business, he connected me with great people, talked about our mutual adoration of dogs and his fantastic ideas for his future immigration law ventures. I'm in shock. Why would someone who is so incredibly talented, with a heart of gold and energy like no other be taken away at such a young age? Eugene, you changed my life for the better, gave me security and I know you have done this for many others. You're one of the very few people who made a tremendous impact on my life and for that, words can't continue to describe how much I adored you. Even though you're not here, look down on us and guide us. You're still needed and you will always continue to make a difference. Heddi & Muppet x

I will be in San Francisco early Sept, I emailed Eugene To invite his wife and him for lunch. Connie informed me of his passing . We where working on a project last year and have yet to meet. Our Family shared the same road as refugees leaving communis China - my road forked through South America, Canada and finally United States - his road to San Francisco. Our conversations had the Chinese's view of life and destiny - even the hard and tragic parts where laced with "Chinese" humor - and his stories truly made me laugh. My condolences to Eugene Wife and Family - A life well lived. Kee Chan, Rancho Mirage, CA

I knew Gene in San Francisco for more than 30 years. He grew up in the same building in Hong Kong as my business partner., I found him to be a delightful luncheon companion, with his warm wit, breadth of knowledge and genuine good will. Thousands of new Americans found their dreams because of him. He was a brilliant attorney and wonderful companion. I only learned of his passing today and it hit me hard. I had hoped to rekindle our luncheons together next time I was in San Francisco. He will be missed by all who had the great pleasure of knowing him. Leslie U. Harris Brasilia BRAZIL

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Late last year I was sadden to learned Eugene had passed in July. I knew Eugene when he was attending Cal Berkeley. He came to the church where my father was the minister and joined the Chinese college student fellowship. Eugene was like our extended family as many of the students were. I have very fond memory of Eugene. He let me rode his Honda 50cc motorcycle. We went to Point Reyes in the MGA sports car he restored. I brought a Honda 550K1 motorcycle, and Eugene brought another one too. Eugene and I went abalone diving along the California coast together. He invited me to visit him when he was in the U.S. Virgin Islands doing immigration work. Unfortunate I was not able to go diving with him in the crystal clear water as he said. Eugene was like another older brother to me. I will keep my fond memories of Eugene in my heart. ~ Martin Lee

Lit a candle in memory of Eugene C. Wong

We are San Francisco attorneys that knew and worked with Eugene for many years on labor, civil rights, immigration and other community cases and issues. Eugene was a wonderful person and a devoted legal specialist who worked for and helped hundreds of immigrants and others trying to live the American Dream! We only recently learned of his tragic death, and will miss his friendship, his humor and wisdom in the months and years ahead, Jerome M. Garchik, S F Attorney Joel H. Siegal, S F Attorney

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.