Mr. Wing Kong Chan (陳均柱; 號應洽) was born in Guangdong, China (廣東台山) in 1910. At fourteen, he immigrated to the Philippines where he eventually built a productive life and successful business in bread and baked-goods production.

A strong believer in the value of education, Mr. Chan served as a director of the school board of Manila Chinese Patriotic School, a popular Chinese (Cantonese) language elementary school in Manila. Mr. Chan was likewise committed to the welfare of the Chinese community. He held leadership positions as president of the Chan Family Association (Chan Wing Cheung Fraternity [菲律濱粵僑陳穎川堂]) and a member of the Board of Directors of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce in his community. In these capacities, he generously supported their philanthropic missions.

In his retirement years, Mr. Chan and his wife, Lee Siao Lian (李小蓮), settled in Beaverton, Oregon enjoying the comfort and company of their children and grandchildren. He passed away in January, 1993.

It was with gratitude and hope that this Wing Kong Chan Memorial Scholarship was created by his children in 1994. May each recipient turn this small gift into a big stepping stone to academic success.

by Terry J. Chung

This Scholarship was established by Terry and Debbie Chung (children of Warren and Ella Chung) to honor and emphasize the symbols that they represented in hard work and commitment to the community. Both Warren and Ella recognized that classroom successful students may not have the economic support necessary to attend post-secondary schooling. This is our way of encouraging those students to continue their education and help their communities.

Warren Chung was born in Astoria Oregon and return to China as a child. He returned to Astoria at about the age of eleven years old and was an orphan by the age of thirteen. Hardworking and industrious he completed his elementary and high school education within the next five years. He served in the US Navy during World War II that allowed him the opportunity to attend Oregon State College (now OSU), graduated in Pharmacy, and through hard work owned his own successful pharmacy business in Northeast Portland until retiring in the mid-1980s.

Ella Kong Chung was born in San Francisco California, raised in Portland Oregon and graduated from Girls’ Polytechnic School. She also returned to China as a child and received a classical Chinese education. During World War II, she also served in the US Navy in the Waves, the naval service for women, when she met Warren in Washington DC. Also a graduate of Oregon State College, she set aside her own career aspirations to help Warren raise a family and develop a successful business. She was active in the Portland Chinese Music Club and Opera.

Our parents had a passion for the community they lived in. Much of their free time was volunteering in pharmacy professional organizations, educational activities, Northeast business community, Chinese community, and improving the relations between US-China. It was because of the hard work and sacrifices by both our parents that my sister Debbie and I have offered this scholarship to deserving and hardworking students. Our goal is to encourage higher education and good citizenship in the community.

“A first-generation immigrant to Oregon in 1997, I received my bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Biophysics from OSU, and later a Master of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from OCOM. As I practice Tradition Chinese Medicine (acupuncture and herbal medicine) created by our ancestors, earning a living as I go, I now want to share my fortune with those that are trying to attend higher education, as I was once a recipient of one of CCBA’s scholarships back in 2005. I would like the recipients in return for my scholarship: from time to time, to look back, and try to replicate the goodwill bestowed upon them to others.” 

by Pedro Kong, brother

The Rosa L Kong Memorial Scholarship commemorates the life of a successful professional and caring individual whose immigrant family has deep roots in the Portland community.

Rosa was born in Manila, Philippines in 1953. She graduated from the University of the East in Manila in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, Magna Cum Laude.

In 1976, following other siblings, Rosa immigrated to the United States with her parents, Wing Kong Chan and Lee Siao Lian, and several other siblings. While most of the family stayed in the Portland area, Rosa moved to the Midwest where she earned a Master of Science in Management Information Systems from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

After graduation, Rosa launched a successful career in Information Technology with the Ford Motor Company in Detroit. She moved to California to work at Paramount Pictures and Taco Bell and then retired from Oracle. She was a highly- regarded professional and received many recognitions for her work.

In her 69 years, Rosa never forgot the family that made her achievements possible. When one of her siblings needed assistance, Rosa selflessly relocated and devoted over five of the remaining years of her life to help out.

The Rosa L Kong Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of a woman of immense strength and courage who never let barriers get in her way. She remains an inspiration to her siblings, nieces and nephews who remember her wittiness, compassion and generosity. This scholarship encourages the next generation to achieve higher goals, while never forgetting to care for others.

by Dr. Myron Lee, son

Gock Jack Lee was born in 1895 in Sui Low village, Toisan, Guangdong, China and immigrated to Portland with his mother, Wong Jin, in 1908. They joined his father, Lee Hong, who managed Bow Yuen, a dry goods store on N 4th Avenue, in “New Chinatown”. Dad was tutored in English, in which his father was fluent, and attended Lincoln High School and University of Oregon and graduated from University of Illinois, Urbana, in 1922 with a Business B.A., a suitable fit for a man who loved talking with everyone. He joined his father in his multiple partnerships including Bow Yuen, Far East Trading Co, Tuck Chong and Co.(grocery/meat market), Portland Noodle Factory, Bamboo Inn (restaurant), Golden Pheasant Cafe, and Oregon Fireworks (fireworks and toy wholesaler). He married Hazel Louie from “Old Chinatown” in 1939 and they settled in Ladd’s Addition on Hickory Street.

Dad worked hard at his business but loved growing vegetables in his back yard, digging clams in Seaside, giving out fireworks and cap guns to the neighbor kids on 4th of July, and teaching his children to value their Chinese culture in stories, songs, and food. Hazel Louie Lee was born in 1916 in Portland, the second daughter of Louie Sing Chung and Jue Sim Ngook, both of whom were from Hoi Yin, Toisan, China. Her father owned Goey Hing Co, a clock and jewelry store, and On Wo Tong, a traditional herb store and lottery on 2nd Street in Old Chinatown, and a truck farm on the Columbia River. The family lived upstairs from the business and mom enjoyed a happy young childhood growing up with friends and 4 siblings. Her father died when she was 10 and she finished her education at Girls Poly and Clinton Kelly School of Commerce. She met Dad at the Golden Pheasant Cafe, and became his stenographer and secretary, eventually marrying the boss. She had 3 boys, Harvey, Gordon and Myron, taught them the value of hard work and a good education, how to wrap won ton, and how to win at Mah Jong. She always had a positive outlook on life and if the day ended with a great Chinese meal, then it was a good day!

Myron was an early recipient of a CCBA scholarship and he and his wife, Anita, wish to pass on the legacy of appreciation of the value of education and heritage to today’s Chinese American scholars.

Growing up in Portland, our families encouraged hard work, learning and education. As a youth Randy attended Chinese Language School and played Basketball through CCBA.  Sherri and Randy met at Chinese Baptist Church and later married in 2000.

Randy graduated from Portland State University with a B.A. Business Administration: Finance and Marketing, and a Certificate in International Business.  Sherri graduated from the University of Oregon with a B.S. Accounting degree. Both of us are long-time employees at Nike.

Raising our boys, Joey and David has been a pleasure as they are eager to learn and excel as students.  It has been exciting to watch our boys compete in Cross Country and Track and Field.  Randy and Sherri combined have competed in over 200 triathlons and running events.  As a family we enjoy many activities together including running, hiking, traveling, and gardening.

We recognize our Chinese heritage and appreciate those who helped pave our pathway. It is with this recognition that we desire to award a scholarship to a person that has excelled both scholastically and athletically (such as in Cross Country or Track & Field).

Written by Louis Lee (husband) and Vanessa Lee (daughter) 

Rosemary Lee (1946-2014) was a Portland native and lifelong educator.  After completing her training at Portland State University and Lewis and Clark College, she spent her entire 30+years career in the Portland and  Reynolds school districts in Oregon, as a special education, elementary and middle school teacher, and library and media resources specialist, where she passed on her passion for reading and learning to countless students. She also advocated for children and families outside of the classroom, particularly those from communities of color or in the foster care system.  She was married to Louis Lee, and mother to Vanessa Lee. This scholarship is in memory of Rosemary’s energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to leveling the playing field for all children through education.

Written by Jimmie Luey, friend 

Tarcy Lee was born in 1944 and passed away in 2002. Priscilla Lee was born in 1943 and passed away in 1999. They came to the United States from Hong Kong separately in the early 1960’s to pursue their higher education. Priscilla first attended college in California and Tarcy attended University of Idaho. However, love could not keep them apart and Priscilla eventually transferred to University of Idaho. Following graduation, they worked in Seattle for a short time before moving to Portland. Tarcy was an electrical engineer for Pacific Power and Light and then for Bonneville Power Administration. Priscilla was a graphic designer for Meier and Frank and then later worked as social worker for the State of Oregon.

Both Tarcy and Priscilla Lee were very active in the Chinese community. Tarcy served on the Portland Chinese Scholarship Foundation for thirty years, twelve years as the treasurer. Priscilla designed the wonderful graphics on the annual Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association New Year dinner program cover for many years. Their families and many friends established this scholarship in 2002 in recognition of their community services and friendship.

Wing Jung Lee was born in 1910 and his wife Poy King Lee was born in 1909, both in China. Mr Lee immigrated to Portland as a teenager in 1916. He worked his entire life in several restaurants, first as kitchen helper and then as cook and chef. Following his World War II service in the US Navy he brought his wife and children from China to Portland in 1947. Mrs. Lee worked several years as a seamstress. Her ready smile and friendly attitude quickly earned her a new name from her coworkers. They called her “Happy.” She also loved making delicious dim sum for family and friends who looked forward to her phone calls to “come and pick up” the freshly made treats. You see, the family never owned an automobile.

Wing Jung and Poy King Lee were both hard working and frugal. They believed that learning and getting a good education was essential for succeeding in America. All four of their children earned college degrees. Mr. Lee passed away in 1989 and Mrs. Lee passed away in 2001. In appreciation and memories of their parent’s sacrifices the family established this scholarship in 2003.

by Sarah Leong Chung, daughter

Frank Ping Leong (1909-1998) and Sui Fong Ho (1914-2019) were both born in Hoiping district of Guangdong China. He was the son of village farmers and she was daughter of merchant family in a neighboring village. She was very privileged as a girl in her time to have formal education through middle school. He became a teacher and taught at her school where he met first met his future wife. Education was of high importance for both of them and they were proud of theirs.

After immigrating to Alberta Canada to follow his own father and uncles, and then later solo to Oregon, Frank was drafted in World War II and served in the US Navy in the South Pacific region. After the war, he was able to bring Sui over from Hong Kong and they settled in Astoria Oregon where he worked in the fish canneries. Later the family moved to Portland, and quickly immersed into the local Chinese community. Frank joined the Board of Directors at Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association and was one of the original founders of the Portland Chinese Scholarship Foundation. Sui joined the Chinese Women’s Auxiliary Club and enjoyed the camaraderie of good friends and delicious foods. Their daughter Sarah was enrolled at CCBA Chinese Language School throughout her elementary and middle school years, and only Cantonese was spoken at home. Education was again prioritized, along with appreciation of Chinese Cantonese culture, and especially the Hoiping village culture.

This scholarship is established by their son Carl and daughter Sarah, to continue their parents’ legacy and to provide an opportunity for that first generation to be able to continue their higher studies. To be an engaged and contributing community member and to pay it forward would have been their motto.

GEORGE LEONG 1925 – 2003
George was born at Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland Oregon on May 5, 1925. He attended Benson High School and received a Bachelor’s Degree from a small college back east. His World War II military service was in The Philippines and the Occupation of Japan. His working career started with a variety store chain owned by Joe Shoong (Chinese owner) and took him to Vancouver WA, New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco and El Paso Texas. Later he worked for New York Life Insurance, along with his wife Mary. Over the years he loved his cars, and owned many TR3s and Mercedes!

George served as CCBA president for four terms and co-president for two terms. His grand-uncle Leong Jue Hing was the first CCBA president in 1911. George has been the only American born president who was literate in both Chinese and English, having attended high school in China. Along with his wife Mary, they were instrumental in having the Lion Gate built, and were founding members of the Portland Dragon boat races, the first of its kind in the United States. George’s passion was to perpetuate the Chinese culture and heritage for future generations.

MARY N LEONG
Mary was born in Tualatin Oregon on Nov 4, 1921. At age two she and her family moved to Portland and lived in Oldtown-Chinatown for twenty years. She attended Atkinson Grammar School, Lincoln High School, Girls’ Polytechnic School, and two years of college in California. She sang in Chinese opera during the Sino-Japanese War to help raise money for China. Together with husband George, they raised three children, and worked for New York Life Insurance. She was appointed Commissioner for Oregon Elder Services for eight years.

Mary has literally grown up with CCBA. At age five, she started attending CCBA Chinese Language School and was one of the first members of the Lion Dance Team. She has served on CCBA Board for over forty years and is now a Permanent Advisor. She formed a CCBA young girls performance group from 1980-1990, designing and sewing all the costumes. From 2000-2001, she was appointed by Republic of China to be Commissioner of Overseas Chinese in Oregon. She helped start the CCBA museum in 1998 and has made 21 framed stories of people of importance in the Chinese community. To this day she continues to be the acknowledged living historian of Portland Chinatown.

by Linda Leong Tsang, daughter

Wing and Yet Leong immigrated from Hong Kong in 1962 to seek a better life for their family. They came from humble beginnings and with a talent in the arts, Mr. Leong graduated from the New Asia College, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, with a BA in Art. After many years of hard work and saving, the opportunities arose to open the Chinese Art Studio and Gallery. He is a living master of Chinese art and calligraphy. They were in successful business and also ambassadors of Chinese art and culture. Wing was an educator at local colleges, sold his art at festivals and with Yet Sim’s business acumen, one of the original vendors who started the Portland Saturday Market. They established themselves in the community and believed in education, instilling those same principles in their three children. All attended public schools and went on to get university degrees.

It is their desire to ensure the next generation can achieve their dreams. As the ancient adage goes: 學海無涯 唯勤是岸  Hard work will lead you to shore; the ocean of knowledge knows no bounds. .

by Rebecca Liu, wife 

Liu Chi lived a life dedicated to a love of athletics and community. A graduate of Taiwan National Normal University, with a physical education degree, he was the youngest certified International Basketball referee in the history of Taiwan. He worked as a physical education instructor at Chung Chi Univerisity before coming to the US in 1972 to continue his education. In 1976, he represented Taiwan as a swimming judge at the Summer Olympic Games in Montreal.

He moved his family to Portland, Oregon in 1980 and for the next 2 decades, helped develop, promote, and serve the Chinese community. Liu Chi was principal of the CCBA Chinese Language school in the early 80′s and CCBA vice president in 1994. He also served as a member of the CCBA Board for over 15 years. In 1990, Liu was appointed by the President of Taiwan, ROC as the first commissioner of the Northwest United States Region for the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, and he served in this post until he passed away in 1998.

Liu Chi’s legacy revolves around his passion for life and his commitment to his community. Some of his most notable contributions to the city of Portland and its Chinese community include his role in securing funding to complete the CCBA building renovation and fourth floor museum; making the Portland Chinatown Gate a reality; establishing the Portland Kaohsiung Sister City Association; and spearheading efforts to hold the first ever US-based annual Dragon Boat Races. His legacy also continues in this scholarship to help our students.

Dr. Sam B Liu was born near Canton (Guangzhou), China and immigrated to the U.S.A. in 1925. He was educated in Portland Oregon at Reed College and Oregon Health Sciences University Medical School. Dr. Liu served his country honorably as a Major in the U.S. Army during WWII. During his service, he was a surgeon in North Africa, Corsica and Italy with the U.S. Air Force, 25th Airborne Unit.

Upon his return to Portland he established his private medical practice as a physician and surgeon for over forty years. He was very active in the Chinese community, having served in Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association for many years as president and advisor, founding member of Portland Chinese Scholarship Committee and Foundation, and established one of the first perpetual scholarships. He also served on the Reed College Board of Trustees.

Betty Chin was born and raised in Seattle Washington. She entered University of Washington at the young age of sixteen to study Pharmacy. When she graduated from Pharmacy School she was too young to be licensed or get a pharmacist job because of the age regulations at the time regarding handling sensitive drugs. Later on she worked as Sam’s office assistant in his private medical practice.

Sam and Betty raised four children, Philip, Diane, Benson and Thomas, in Portland until his retirement in 1987 to Tiburon California. Sam was an avid bird watcher, enjoyed wine tasting and they were proud grandparents of five.

Betty passed away in 2002 and Sam passed away in 2005 at the age of 93 years. Their four children have continued their parents’ legacy by supporting their parents’ memorial scholarship for future students.

by Carol Low Woo, daughter

Shelton and Isabella Low were reared & lived in Portland their entire lives. He was a member of the famed Flying Tigers during WWII. They passed away 2001 & 2004 respectively. They loved Portland and in particular the Chinese community.

Shelton owned and operated grocery stores. Later he worked for the Bonneville Power Administration. For decades they were involved with Triumph Travel as independent contractors. Isabella was in retail sales as well.

They loved University of Oregon football and attended the Rose Bowl Tournament when UO played there in 1958 and 1995.

They enjoyed traveling with daughter Carol Low Woo who was a flight attendant for Pan Am. Trips to the Orient & Hawaii were there favorite destinations. They also enjoyed visiting Carol, husband Conway and grandchildren Darren & Doreen in Califiornia.

Shelton and Isabella were active volunteers and participants in the CCBA Scholarship Foundation, and if they were with us, would be pleased that their fund continues to help future students.

by Harlan Luck

On May 20, 1931 in the coastal town of Astoria Oregon, Nancy Beatrice Lum was born and where she lived until the summer of 1948 just prior to her senior year in high school. With her mother, Mary Lum, they then moved to Oakland, California for her senior year in anticipation of matriculating into University of California – Berkeley as a freshman. She spent such a lonely year there, missing her many friends and family, that immediately after graduating from Oakland High School in June of 1949, she and her mother returned to Astoria. There in the fall term of 1949, she enrolled in the School of Pharmacy at Oregon State University. She graduated in 1953 with a B.S degree in Pharmacy and upon passing the pharmacy board examination, she became a licensed pharmacist. She worked as a pharmacist for a few years until her first son was born in 1956. After raising her family, she returned to pharmacy work at the Portland Veterans Hospital for 11 years until her retirement in 1996.

Except for the two years in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953 (Korean War) Harlan Dean Luck, born in Portland Oregon on November 15, 1928, spent his entire life in Oregon. After graduating from Benson Polytechnic High School in 1946, he enrolled in the School of Architecture and Allied Arts at the University of Oregon, where he received a Bachelor of Architecture Degree in June 1951. Shortly, after graduation, he was drafted into the U.S. Army for exactly two years. He served in the Corps of Engineers at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, not far from Washington, D.C. Because of a special program, he was able to immediately use his college education to design and renovate the buildings on the base while serving his time in the service. He was discharged on July, 1953.

In November, 1954, Harlan and Nancy were married in Astoria before family and friends. Living in Portland, they raised a family of 3 sons and 1 daughter. Harlan practiced as a Consulting Structural Engineer for 41 years and as a sole proprietor for last 39 years. Harlan coached kids sports for over 10 years including baseball, basketball, football, boys and girls soccer, girls softball and truly enjoyed every minute. Nancy was an avid tennis player, knitting scarves and a shopper of the highest order. They were married for over 51 years until Nancy’s passing on March 2, 2006.

Our parents from both sides always set education as a major goal for us in spite that they lacked the opportunity for themselves. We, in turn, set the same goals for our children, and hopefully, they for their children. Through our scholarship, it is our hope that young people will succeed and continue to cycle the scholarship program over and over for others.

by their sons Ja-Kael, Ja-Mie Ja-Sen, Ja-Lan

Jimmie Min Luey (1935-2020) was born in Sam Dwo Village, Toisan, Guangdong, China, to Yuen and Gim Fong Luey. The family immigrated to Portland in 1948, where Jimmie graduated from Benson High School. He earned his BA in architecture from the University of Oregon in 1961, and married his wife, Kim, in 1964, eventually raising four boys. He was a partner with Hewlett Jamison Atkinson Luey Architects, and later opened Luey Architects in 1985 to focus on school projects in Oregon and Washington. Finally, he joined LRS Architects as Vice President prior to his retirement.
Jimmie was also active in the Chinese community with the CCBA, CSEPA, and the Portland Chinese Scholarship Foundation (former Chairperson for over 20 years).

Kim Forn Luey (1941-2020) was born in Guangyang Village, Toisan, Guangdong, China, to Wing Jung and Poy King Lee. The family immigrated to Portland in 1947, where Kim graduated from Franklin High School. She earned her BA in education from the University of Oregon in 1963, married her husband Jimmie in 1964 and raised four boys. She worked nine years as a tour guide at Alpenrose Dairy starting in 1977 and then was a substitute teacher for the Beaverton school district for 19 years. Kim spent 4,300+ hours volunteering at the Lan Su Chinese Garden starting when it first opened in 2000.

They are survived by four sons, Ja-Kael (Debi), Ja-Mie (Shelly), Ja-Sen (Shelley) and Ja-Lan; six grandchildren, James (Meghan), Kellen (Corinne), Joe, Branden, Jackie and Gwyn.  Education was strongly emphasized and they were first generation immigrants and university graduates. That legacy has now passed on to their sons and their families.

Granted by Franklin and Sharry Quan in memory of their beloved son David Lee Quan, born 1979, died 2016. 

Robert Kong Saiget was born Jan. 15, 1923, in Astoria Oregon and passed away in Portland on March 7, 2006, at the age of 83. Born near the mouth of the Columbia River, Robert spent his youth fishing, swimming and boating along the river where he grew up with Chinese immigrants on Astoria’s famed cannery row. Following his 1946 honorable discharge from the U.S. Army, where Robert served as a sergeant in the China theatre, he returned home and graduated from Oregon State University as an electrical engineer. Following graduation, Robert moved to Portland where he spent 34 years at Bonneville Power Administration working to harness the “Great River of the West” and provide electricity to the region. Robert wedded Bertha Lee in 1952 and they devoted their lives to raising their five children and doting on their eight grandkids. He actively served on the Portland Chinese Scholarship Foundation during the early years. Always fascinated with his Chinese roots, Robert remained a history buff throughout his life and regularly read the latest books on China’s history and development. If his spiritual life could be characterized, it surely would be one that had Taoist leanings, with Robert’s sense of patience and humility – and his inner peace – his defining traits. His family established this scholarship to honor his memory in 2006. 

by Gloria Wong, wife; and Shelley Wong Kamikawa, daughter 

Born on April 2, 1931 in Portland’s New Chinatown to William and Esther Wong, Bruce Luen Wong lived his life to the fullest with his greatest treasures: his family, his friends, and his community.

He attended Couch and Hosford Grade Schools, and graduated from Washington High School in 1949. Bruce received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering and Metallurgy from Oregon State University in 1958, after serving four years in the U.S. Air Force. Bruce married Gloria Lee on July 26, 1951 and they were blessed with children, Bruce (Kimberley), Craig (Kathleen), Scott (Nadine) and Shelley (Jim); and grandchildren, Kristoffer (Megan), Taylor, Kendall, Collin, Karsten, Clarice, Helen, Jared, Grayson, Kylee and Sydney. He was most proud to be the great-grandfather to Ethan Andrew Wong.

Bruce led an active community oriented life. He served as president of the North Powell Little League, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, Oregon Chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, American Society of Metals, Portland Chinese Classical Garden Society, Old Town Chinatown History Committee, Chinese Scientists Engineers and Professional Association, and Chinese Old Timers of Portland. He was a founding member of the CCBA Chinese Scholarship Committee in 1963 and the Portland Chinese Scholarship Foundation in 1965. His career started as metallurgist at Metallurgical Engineers Inc. and continued through Tektronix, Omark Industries, Electronic Specialties, Talbott Wong and Associates, and concluded with his own Wong’s Forensic and Metallurgical Engineers Incorporated.

Gloria Lee was born on September 1, 1931 to Sam S. and Helen Lee in Portland. She and her sisters Irene, Marian and Geraldine, grew up in Ladd’s Addition district when her parents bought their family home on SE Spruce Avenue in 1933. They all attended Abernathy Elementary School and Washington and Commerce High Schools. After graduation in 1948, Gloria worked as secretary in the Oregon State Welfare Office and the University of Oregon Medical School before her marriage to Bruce. In 1951 she joined her husband in Honolulu where he was stationed in the Air Force and worked as a secretary in the engineering department at Mutual Telephone Company until the birth of their first child in 1953.

When the children were older, Gloria went back to work as the secretary/registrar at Cleveland High School from 1975 to 2000. She also served as English Secretary for the CCBA and on the staff of the Oregon Chinese News for over two decades. She has been secretary of the Portland Chinese Scholarship Foundation since 1976 and continues to this day, along with service to the CCBA high school graduation dinner.

Bruce and Gloria took great pride in celebrating every major milestone during their 62 years of marriage. Throughout the first half of their marriage, they shared their journey with their children. Bruce and Gloria infused in their family practices the importance of community service, which proved fruitful as each child was awarded CCBA’s “Junior Citizen of the Year” in each of their respective high school graduating years.

Bruce believed that every child deserves the right to an education. Devoted to this focus, he maintained the financial sustainability of the Scholarship Trust to benefit all Portland Chinese high school graduates. Both Bruce and Gloria established the “Bruce and Gloria Wong Scholarship” to assist high school graduates in obtaining post-secondary education.

They also desired to be present in the lives of their eleven grandchildren. Both Bruce and Gloria were enthusiastic supporters attending many graduations, ball games, tournaments, musicals and concerts. Bruce treasured cooking, fishing, and clamming with his grandchildren on a regular basis. Teaching them various aspects of the culture and customs of their Chinese heritage, his legacy runs deep in the veins of his family, and will continue on for many generations to come. Bruce passed away on October 21, 2013 while clamming at his favorite beach on the coast.

Bruce and Gloria modeled a perfect team who impacted their community. Together they received the Northwest China Council’s Flying Horse Award in 1997 for their lifetime service to Portland’s Chinese Community.

In culmination, Bruce desired to leave a legacy for his family and friends to carry out in his absence. He charged everyone he befriended to carry out the gift of education to young adults. Life goes on and the memories must be shared in order to leave lasting imprints in the lives of our descendants.

by Kelly Wong, brother and son 

Mrs. J.P. Quon was born in China in 1900 and immigrated to the United States with her husband, Wong Cue, in the early 1900s. They settled in Spokane Washington, but later moved to Butte Montana. Her husband was a tailor. Before he passed away, he made many patterns for shirt making. Mrs. Wong had six children who were all born in Montana. As a single mom she made shirts to support her family. She also sprouted soy beans and made tofu which the kids sold to the local Chinese community.

She remarried to J.P. Quon and had one son, Jimmy. The family moved to Portland shortly after WWII started. She became known as an excellent seamstress and a creative and innovative cook. Every Chinese New Year she would cook up a traditional Chinese banquet and invite her friends for a feast. She passed away in 1979.

Mrs. Quon’s daughter, Elizabeth Wong, attended Washington High School in Portland, graduating in 1948. She was a legal secretary for a Portland law firm. She helped her neighbors and friends file their income taxes and wills. She also was an excellent cook too. She carried on her mother’s traditional Chinese New Year dinners with her friends. “Liz” to her many friends, passed away in 1999.

The children and grandchildren of Mrs. Quon established the Elizabeth Wong and Mrs. J.P. Quon Memorial Scholarship in honor of their mother, Grandmother, Sister and Aunt in year 2000.

Since we are both life-long educators, we desire to provide a scholarship to a student who plans to be a teacher, or to a student who plans to be a pharmacist, as we have two daughters who have their Doctor of Pharmacy degrees and a third daughter who is currently a certified pharmacy technician.

As for us, we both have our bachelor and master’s degrees in education. Fred’s BS is from Portland State College and MEd from Oregon State University, while Jane received her BA and MEd degrees from Arizona State University. Also, we are both retired from the Portland Public School system.

Hap Wong is a retired attorney having served Portland in Personal Injury Law, Criminal Law, and Real Property Law cases. He graduated from Reed College and received his law degree from University of Oregon. 

Kelly Wong was born in Butte, Montana in 1924 where he received his elementary and high school education. Upon his graduation, he was drafted into the Army and sent to Infantry Replacement School at Camp Wolters, Texas. Upon completion of basic training, he was sent overseas to Hawaii, Saipan, Okinawa and The Philippines. In Okinawa he was assigned to the 96th Infantry Division, 381st Regiment as a rifleman. After the campaign the entire Division was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation for its extraordinary heroism and gallantry in action against the enemy in the conquest of Okinawa. The Presidential Unit Citation is normally awarded to battalions or smaller units. Thus this is only one of four armored, infantry or airborne divisons that have been so honored in their entirety for World War II. Kelly was also awarded the Combat Infantry Badge and a Bronze Star with one oak leaf cluster.

Upon his discharge, Kelly attended Montana State University under the GI Bill, earning a graphic arts degree. He worked as an interior designer for Sieberts in Beaverton, then at Skidmore, Owing and Merrill Architecture firm, Rudat and Boutueli, and Kubli Howell before starting his own business. Kelly retired in 1990, at the age of sixty-five.

In addition to setting up the Elizabeth Wong and Mrs. J.P. Quon Memorial Scholarship with his siblings in year 2000, Kelly established the Kelly Wong Scholarship in 2007 which awards $1000 annually to graduating high school seniors of Chinese descent.

by Gloria Wong, friend

Ying Shun Yee was born in China in 1920 and immigrated to The United States at an early age. She was employed at various manufacturing sites in Portland. After the death of her first husband, Mr. Chin, she married Hung Wei (Happy) Wong.

YIng was an active member of the Chinese Presbyterian Church and the Wong Family Women’s Auxiliary. She was an excellent seamstress and cook, and delighted many families with her delicacies.

Even though she had no children of her own, she doted on the young people around her. She recognized the importance of education for our younger generations. Before her death in 1996, she enlisted the help of Ray Chang and Bruce Wong in setting up her will. The proceeds from the sale of her home was to be divided equally between the Chinese Presbyterian Church, the Po Leung Kuk Orphanage in Hong Kong, and the Portland Chinese Scholarship Foundation.

Through her generosity, The Ying Shun Wong memorial Scholarship was established. Twenty-six students have received scholarships in the amounts of $1000 and $500 to date (2014), with many more recipients in the future.

We have a long history with the Portland Chinese Scholarship Foundation and we are excited to award a scholarship for a student who will focus their continuing education in Finance or Accounting.

Growing up, both our parents continually stressed the value of studying hard and to get a good education.   We were both awarded college scholarships through U.S. Bank.   Ron also earned an award from the Portland Chinese Scholarship Foundation.  And we are grateful for the initial help those scholarships provided us.  Joanne graduated with a Business degree from Portland State University and Ron a Business/Accounting degree from Linfield College.

As we raised our family, we made sure to emphasize to our three sons the value of a good education.  During their high school years, we encouraged the importance of academics, athletics, being involved in school activities, and serving their community.  They all have graduated from college with Bachelor’s degrees in Finance/Accounting.

We are happy we can support the Chinese community and invest in our future leaders.

Andrew Yang was born on March 22, 1988. He was a most wonderful kid, full of life. He was an Angel that God gave me at a very difficult time of my life and he sustained me. When I was sad, he would come and curl up to me and hugged me for hours.

He loved soccer and was pretty good at it. He loved other sports also, such as basketball, skiing, tennis, etc. He was a cub scout and very well-liked by his troop. When he died, the boys got together and bought a star and name it Andrew. He was very intelligent, but his biggest attribute was his kindness and empathy for others. I learned after he died, that he had helped the teachers and the counselor at school deal with students with issues since first grade. He was widely popular at school because of this attribute. He loved to eat, but would share his lunch with whoever didn’t have money or forgot to bring a lunch ticket. He took kids under his arms that others would have nothing to do with. This was told to me by other parents and teachers. His 4th grade teacher said Andrew was one of his best friends. They sat across from each other at lunch and would discuss religion. politics and world affairs. He thought if Andrew lived, he might be the person that could have solved the Middle East crisis. He was nine years old at the time.