Michael Yim Wah Kwong

Michael Yim Wah Kwong passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on May 31, 2024.

Mike was born on November 20, 1941 in Kowloon, Hong Kong, then a British colony. At 9 years old, Mike lost his father to tuberculosis and was admitted as a full-time boarding student at St. Louis (Catholic) School run by the Salesian Fathers. The school gave him consistency during his formative years, where he excelled academically and became a lifelong Catholic. He spent his holidays at home, surrounded by his two older brothers and extended family while engaging in boyhood mischief. He later became close to his stepfather.

Mike exhibited a thirst for knowledge and was a citizen of the world. He eagerly studied English, history, and philosophy. He later met and married Victoria, and moved to Seattle, Washington where he graduated summa cum laude from University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1973. Mike became a naturalized citizen and spent most of his career in management for Brown Shoe Group and worked in Washington, Alaska, and later Oregon. A lifelong learner, he was an avid reader of numerous periodicals and always listened to National Public Radio. Needless to say, he was well read on many subjects and was always open to engaging in deep conversation about current politics or the human condition even in his last days.

Mike was active throughout most of his life, from childhood soccer to swimming. Having learned to swim in the ocean after his brothers pushed him in as a child, Mike became an avid swimmer in pools, rivers, and oceans. His love of water ensured all adventures were on or near the water whenever possible, including opting to take the Queen Mary Ocean liner from Hong Kong to Seattle to begin his life in the United States to purchasing a Bayliner boat as a young father in the early 80s. He even flew to Florida to swim with the dolphins upon retirement.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Victoria, his daughter, Carmen (Patrick), daughter in law (Dana), his grandchildren, Zachary, Kelsey, Maxwell and Simone, his sister, Hilda Lee, and countless nephews, nieces, cousins and friends throughout the world. He is predeceased by his son (Peter), brothers, and parents.

The family would like to express our gratitude for the wonderful help and support given by our hospice care team as well as numerous friends, family, and neighbors. 

In lieu of flowers, friends may make memorial contributions to St. Pius X Catholic Church, 1280 N.W. Saltzman Road, Portland, Oregon 97229.