Ping Wong

Ping Wong passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, January 17, 2014, surrounded by his wife of 69 years, his family, loved ones and caregivers. For many years, he was the well-known and respected owner of the China Lantern Cafe. He was 92 years old. A memorial service will be held at Denton-Wood Funeral Home on Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Ping was born in a small village near Bak Sa, Toisan Province, China in 1921. At the young age of 14, he came to America in 1935 with his elder brother of 16, to seek their fortune at the Gold Mountain. But the Chinese revolution and Communist takeover prevented his return, and so Ping's permanent home became the United States. He went to high school in Durango, Colorado, where he was a star student and athlete, maintained a full time job, and was a schoolmate of Eva Giles. After graduation, the two were soon married (1944). They lived in Salt Lake City, Utah, where he managed his brother's restaurant, and later moved to Provo, Utah, where Ping had gained a partnership in a new restaurant. During these years, they had two daughters, Susan and Pamela, and Ping maintained an active role providing assistance to the Chinese community, as he was one of the few who could speak English fluently. In 1952, the family moved to Carlsbad to start a restaurant, introducing Chinese food for the first time to many. Over the years, generation after generation of Carlsbad locals ate at the China Lantern Cafe, enjoying Ping's popular almond chicken, among other delicious food. Ping made many friends in Carlsbad. He enjoyed fishing and playing chess. He and Eva traveled frequently, both inside and outside of the United States. In 1976, they were among the 1st Americans to visit China, after the fall of the Bamboo Curtain. At that time, he was able to re-unite with his family after 41 years of separation. Ping and Eva returned to China 2 more times. Ping is survived by his wife, Eva, his two daughters Susan Ping Wong (Bart Connally) and Pamela Wong (Mike O'Connor); five grandchildren (Bree, Zane and Kai Connally; Tim O'Connor and Ellen Mohun), and four great grandchildren (Logan and Callum; Jordan and Sophia). Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com