Arnie Wong passed away in Lahaina, Maui on May 7, 2002, doing what he did best - living life to the fullest. He was born in Oakland, California on July 1, 1930 to Art and Lillie C. Wong. He attended Oakland High School and was active in the Young Chinese Athletic Club, where he built life-long friendships. Arnie graduated from Boston University Medical School in 1959, and returned to California to begin his medical practice. He was a board-certified otolaryngologist, respected for his medical skills, good judgment, and personal attention to his patients. He was a leader in his community - he served as Chief of Staff at Washington Township Hospital in Fremont, volunteered as a clinical instructor at Stanford University Hospital, served as President of the Peninsula ENT Society, and was an active member of Rotary Club. Arnie was an avid golfer, skier, world traveler, and gung-fu enthusiast. He subscribed to Bruce Lee's style of gung-fu, and the admiration was mutual - Bruce Lee became one of his patients. Arnie and his wife Doris enjoyed golfing and traveling together. He took up skiing after age 40 and was often seen "surveying the terrain" with daughter Amber on mountains throughout the Tahoe region. He was competitive in many golf tournaments throughout the East Bay. After retiring from active practice, Arnie immersed himself in new interests. Hunting and fly-fishing were significant new passions, and Alaska, British Columbia, the Yukon, Montana and Idaho became favorite new haunts. He enjoyed the company of several hunting and fishing buddies, including his son, Arnold, Jr., brother Art, and the "King City" gang. Although he did not attain the "Grand Slam of Sheep", he was content with a triple. What he lacked in skill, he made up for his great attitude toward life. He lived by his credo, "Whatever's right...you never know". Retirement also gave him the opportunity to pursue other challenges. Arnie served on the board of the Blackhawk Country Club, was President of the Board of the Maui-Kaanapali Villas homeowners association, and co-sponsored an annual golf tournament for the Young Chinese Club.

Arnie is survived by his loving wife Doris, who supported him through all his endeavors; son Arnold Jr., daughter Amber, and grandsons Alex and Bryce. His daughter, Adrienne, predeceased him. He held a special affection and friendship with his brother Art, who also survives him. In addition, he leaves behind his brother Alvin (Betty) and many caring relatives and friends. Arnie's sense of honor and loyalty was unequivocal. He will be dearly missed.

Private services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to The Goodnews Preservation Memorial Fund, which has been set up in Arnie's memory to protect the fishery resource in Alaska's Goodnews River. Donations may be sent to The Goodnews Preservation Memorial Fund, c/o Berge-Pappas-Smith Mortuary, 40842 Fremont Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538-4334.