Michael Wong, beloved brother, uncle and friend, died in Missoula on June 6. He was born in Helena, Nov. 17, 1952, the fourth child of Fred and Ella Wong.
Bright, studious and always curious, Mike served as a page in the Montana legislature while attending Helena High. In addition to his scholastic achievements while in high school, he was active in student government. His public speaking sessions with Mrs. Gallagher were fond memories for Mike, and helped a shy boy gain confidence and poise.
While still in middle school, Mike joined his older siblings working at Yat Son, the family restaurant on South Main. He drew the job of washing dishes and found a way to be good at that, too.
Later, he found his dream job in the company of men and women he considered family. Mike went to work for the Forest Service as a summer employee just out of high school. He continued his career in several locations and jobs throughout his life. Highlights included his work on a “Hot Shot” firefighting crew and as a group dispatched to Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. He enjoyed the relationships he built while on that assignment and often treated the family to “Nun’s Pie,” a recipe he was given by a nun with whom he worked in New Orleans.
Mike continued his Forest Service career in Bozeman and later accepted a position as Equal Employment manager in Madison, Wis. His work gave him opportunities to travel and he enjoyed trips to Washington, D.C., where he could experience the Smithsonian and historic sites. He was part of a national wildfire coordinating group representing a Fire Incident Pilot Project and later served on the Northern Rockies Coordinating Group while working in Missoula. Mike graduated from the University of Montana.
As Uncle in Charge of Adventures, he treated his nephews and nieces to many trips and activities. His announcement of the arrival of a fire check signaled another great adventure in the old Ford pick-up, the Black Marble. Later, all grown up, his nieces took him on the adventure of a lifetime: a trip to China.
A voracious reader and lifelong learner, Mike always surprised us with the depth and variety of topics he could discuss, everything from Frank Lloyd Wright to the Mann Gulch Fire and more. We will miss Mike’s dry humor, his thoughtfulness, his wisdom, and his authenticity. We did not have him long enough, but we had the very best a person could give.
Mike is survived by his brothers Fred Wong, Phoenix; Steve (Deb) Wong, and Jeff Wong, Helena; sisters, Peggy Wong Chamberlain (Jim) and Crystal Wong Shors (Dave) also Helena, as well as his best friend Ed Albertini.
Also surviving are nieces, Sara Wong, Hannah Wong and Chanda Wong Beppu, Seattle; Amy Wong Little, Boise; nephews Michael Hahn, Whitefish; Jeff Chamberlain, Sidney; and Quinn Chamberlain, Helena. Great nephews and nieces are Zach, Lauren, Claire, Payton, Mackenzie, Josh, Cole, Drew and Tate.
Mike Wong’s life will be remembered at the Myrna Loy Theater, 15 N. Ewing, Wednesday, June 17 at 10:30 a.m., reception following at the Montana Historical Society at 225 N. Roberts. Those wishing to honor Mike may make donations to the Montana Historical Society or the charity of choice.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Jerry Meyer says
My deepest condolences to the family–I know he was very close to all of you. Mike certainly didn’t get to enjoy retirement nearly as long as he deserved–he served the FS so well and was just an outstanding employee. He was also a valued friend and I’ll always appreciate how good he was to my son, who is now 35 but who took a strong interest in computers at 6 years of age. I didn’t know a thing about computers then and still don’t know much and Mike was very generous with his time in coaching Loren along. Mike, I’ll always be grateful and I’ll miss you, Jerry.
Nan LeFebvre (Larsen) says
I am saddened by the news of Mike’s passing and hope that his family and friends can find peace in happy memories. My condolences to Mike’s family.
Mike was a good friend of my husband’s, Dave Larsen, who passed away February 2014 at the age of 61. Mike and Dave shared many adventures over the years working together on Incident Command Teams that took them to all sorts of places. I am sure the two of them are “swapping fire stories” already. The thought gives me comfort, as Mike was one of those guys I knew would always look out for Dave and he always made Dave smile.
Mike was smart, interesting, kind and thoughtful. It was a blessing to have known him.
Nan LeFebvre, Katie and Ally Larsen
Casey Cassidy says
Mike,
A Big Smile, soft spoken…not hesitant to pursue an important issue.
Such a pleasant person to work with, or just be friends with.
What a pleasure it was to work with you – very patience, very professional.
I had hoped to learn more of your heritage:
Chinese/Irish American, grew up in Helena, family had a restaurant. He made a trip to China with 2 of his nieces (one of whom spoke Mandarin?) That’s where I firs heard of the amazing Teracotta Army of Emporer Qinshihuang
Lots of rich heritage there – I was hoping to hear more of it
Mike, we will miss you
Hugs -kc-
Ray McCready says
Mike, so glad we reconnected 12 years ago after a long time on different paths; for you visiting my home in Seattle when you came to visit your nieces and nephews here, and for the visit last June to your home in Missoula, plus the great float trip with Ed Albertini’s help. We even went to visit the UM campus and reminisced. Will miss your wry and dry humor, and your warm and loving heart. See you later, buddy. Ray McCready
Linda Blondeau says
To Mike’s Family,
I worked with Mike on Wildland Fires. Mike was so professional and always had a great smile. I shall miss him.Too short his life!
Bob Fry says
It is very sad news to learn of Mike’s passing. He was a valued Incident Management team member and a personal friend for many, many years. They must have needed a Finance Chief in heaven to complete the team up there. Mike, you will be greatly missed as a friend and team member. I know you are in good company with Larsen, Lynn, Tony, Cameron, Roger and the others that have passed before. God speed, my friend. RIP.
Dale Chamberlain says
To the Wong family,
Mike was a great classmate and good friend especially when fighting fires for the famed Helena IR crew. Mike was a great squad boss and better friend! I feel your grief, wish there were something more I could do. Your family has been so nice and gracious to my family. Thank you so much! Respectfully, Dale R. Chamberlain
Julie Shea says
Mike, you left us much too soon ….. You were a great friend and wonderful colleague. I always enjoyed seeing you, and you would ALWAYS greet me with a big smile, hug and loads of humor. Even when the work got more and more intense, you kept calm and focused – even when we were dismantling the yurt down around you and pulling the plug on your printer… you laughed, smiled … You will be missed greatly…respectfully, Jules
Pat Screnar says
Ever since our high school and college years, Mike has been a wonderful and dear friend. I could always count on Mike for his calming influence and leadership during our years as college roommates. His kindness was immeasurable. He was always there when you needed someone to sort things out or to lend a helpful hand. I’ll miss his warm, friendly smile and unique sense of humor. I will always remember the famous “Duck Dinner” he prepared at Yatson’s one night when the restaurant was closed. Mike was so gracious to open the restaurant and cook our “harvest” from that day’s hunt. He invited our entire family to enjoy numerous delicious duck recipes. A special and incredible evening for all of us. My family thought the world of Mike. Living in California the last 30 plus years, we didn’t see each other often, but when we got together it was special, we seemed to pick up right where we left off. Mike was my best man at our wedding in 1978. We were able to re-connect recently as Mike was a surprise guest at our 35th Wedding Anniversary. Reminiscing and catching up on old stories as only Mike could tell with his wit and humor, a memory I will never forget. He truly had a knack for making people feel comfortable. My deepest condolences to Fred, Chrystal, Steve, Peggy, Jeff and the entire family. I’ll miss you roomie. Pat Screnar
Loren Dickey says
What sad news. My condolences to the family. Mike was one of the most interesting people I ever worked with. I found him to be pragmatic, curious, and ready to help no matter what the project entailed. His dry sense of humor was especially welcomed. I loved hearing his stories about the early procurement process used by the Helena Hot Shots in obtaining chain saws and other accountable equipment from their various assignments. Then Irony made him a finance chief! Whether the stories were true or not didn’t matter, the way they were told was the payoff. We’ll miss you Mike…
Loren Dickey
Mike & Nancy says
There are no words to express our sadness when we read of Mike’s passing. Mike was a very special person who we have lost to soon. We are sure you have many memories of great times with Mike to help you through this difficult time. Our sincere sympathy to the entire family. ~ Mike & Nancy McGrorty
Diana Macaraeg-Langenfus says
Crystal, Fred, Steve, Peg, Jeff and families,
I cannot begin to express to all, the the sadness we feel for all of you loosing Mike so early in life. It is a difficult time and I am in hopes you all will find solitude in sharing stories and good memories. Peace be with you all at this very sad time.
Mike and Diane Langenfus and families
Tim Hancock says
I want to send a tribute to Mike! Wokred with Mike over the years on the Gallatin NF in Bozeman and he was a stellar USFS guy. There was no doubt he rode for the FS brand and I believe he bled green. Mike was a good guy and I enjoyed working with him on a daily basis while in Bozeman….but my fondest memories go back to the “A” Team… where we were just a bunch of regular people who came together as a TEAM and did things and managed fires that Type 2 teams in those days didn’t do. None of us were special, but as a team, it was the “A” Team. Mike was the FSC and although he did limit us in those days to how much bottled water we could buy, we were about as efficient as they come. It was a pleasure to know and work along side Mike. Gonna miss you Mike and you certainly left a legacy with the USFS. My thoughts and prayers along with condolences to your family. I posted a picture of the 1994 “A” Team (partial) in Idaho on the last fire of the year. You will no doubt notice that there are several members missing and Smokey I am sure has welcomed you HOME.
TIM
Paulette Riggs-Blaseg says
I appreciated Mike’s loose supervisory skills when I worked for him at Bozeman Ranger District. As long as I got the job done, he didn’t bug me about how or when I did it.
He did encourage all of us in the admin group to be ready to support fire activities, even if it was loading supplies or answering phones into the evening hours for a new strike on our district.
Mike, maybe now you will meet up with that elusive “woman of child-bearing age”!
Karen (Wong) Dorcas says
Cousins Crystal, Fred, Steve, Peggy, Jeff and families:
So wish that we all could have been closer over the many years but I have wonderful childhood memories of each of you; Mike would have been so much fun to have visited with and gotten to know as an adult with all the life experiences he encountered. Please know that my love and prayers are with you as you go through this time of transition. There obviously will be many memories to recall and pass on, savor and enjoy for the future. Special thoughts will be coming from Alaska to you as you remember his life on the 17th. Blessings to all.
Cindy Christophersen says
To The Wong Family,
Mike and I became friends doing the “Finance”” work on fires. We spoke often through out the years about fire finance. I appreciated his friendship, our working relationship, his calm manner and his quiet humor. I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Mike. I extend you my deepest condolences. An Old Finance Chief – Cindy Christophersen
Dale DeHart says
It was so sad to read the news of Mike’s passing. I met Mike way back when we were in 4th grade at Central School. I lost track of Mike somewhere in our high school years but kept up with some of his adventures and travels through his mom Ella, and brothers Steve and Jeff. I hope all of your happy memories of Mike bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.
God bless.
Linda Stowell says
I am so sad to hear of Mike’s passing. He was a wonderfully supportive supervisor, terrific story teller, and the first babysitter my boys had – he was Uncle Mike to them. I will remember his quick wit and dry humor; and the love and pride he took in family. My deepest sympathies…
Linda
Jeff Kindrick says
My sincere condolences to the Wong family. I didn’t know Mike well as he was a bit younger, but know how close knit you are. Some of my fondest childhood memories are linked to your family. It was always a special treat when my folks took me to Yat Son for dinner, usually on a Friday night if memory serves. Traversing the “Billy Goat Trail” in pre-urban renewal downtown with Steve and other classmates from Central School was a great adventure. Those and other memories are rekindled each time Linda and I dine at Jeff’s new “old” Yat Son after Saturday mass in East Helena. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jim & Tina Hansen says
To Mike’s Family:
Mike was a very close and dear friend who we have known for longer than we can remember. How shocking and very sad to hear of his passing. Thinking of all the hours we spent talking on the phone, the times we went bargain shopping and to garage sales, the many evenings we spent cooking up special Chinese dinners, the weekends we spent around the camp fire or fishing. He was a joy to be around. He was someone you could always count on for a shoulder to cry on or for encouragement and support. He will be so very missed. Our deepest sympathies go out to you all.
Cheri Hartless says
My fondest memories of Mike were working with him since 2006 on the many fire incidents we were on. I learned a lot form Mike since he was a Finance Section Chief and I was a new supply unit leader in logistics and we had many laughs and tears when crews tried replacing equipment or ordering items. Mike’s calmness and ability to listen was always refreshing and I will dearly miss him. My deepest sympathies to Mike’s family.
Pablo Godoy says
This evening I tried to call Mike to see how he was doing. Unfortunately, it has been a while since we last spoke. When I could not get through, I searched to see if his contact information and learned the unfortunate news.
I interned for Mike at the Forest Products Laboratory (Madison) in the Civil Rights Office. Mike was the head of the Civil Rights office and worked tirelessly to ensure that the civil rights of all persons, both within the Forest Service and the public, were respected. He hired me as an intern from the Hispanic National Internship Program. As a transplant from South Florida, Mike became my mentor, friend, and surrogate parent during my time in Madison. He reminded me of the importance of public service and never forgetting the importance of integrity. Mike drove me to get groceries, had me over his home where he schooled me in pool, and even let me borrow his beloved truck when I managed to get a date. Even after leaving Madison, Mike and I would occasionally speak and catch up. He helped me get into law school and later served as a glowing reference.
Today, I am a civil rights attorney within the Department of Justice. This would not have been possible but for the help and mentorship of Mike. I am forever indebted to him and vow never to forget his lessons.
My condolences to Mike’s family. He was an exceptional person. Thank you Mike.