Jack Fwi Cheong Kolling
1921 to 2014
Jack Fwi Cheong Kolling passed away peacefully in his sleep at Irene Swindell’s Alzheimer’s Residential Center in San Francisco on Monday, October 6, 2014. Born in 1921 and sold as a young child to the family of Wong Ko Ling of Nankow village near Meixian City in China, Jack left China for South Africa in November 1936. His “adopted” mother, Lee San Moi, recognized his work ethic and innate intelligence and took him with her to South Africa where she planned to rejoin her husband and daughters. To ensure his entry into the country, Jack was identified as one of her “twin” sons and listed officially with his brother’s actual birthdate of October 14, 1923,
Jack’s life revolved around the family grocery store in Durban, where he and wife Doreen worked 15 hour day, 7 days a week. Their work ethic became an inspiration and motivating force for each of their children; and their desire for a good education for their children led them, at an extremely high emotional cost, to selflessly let each child leave South Africa to attend college in the USA. To the great joy of their children, Jack disembarked with Doreen at the Port of San Francisco on January 1, 1973 to begin a new life in California with them. Over the years, he enjoyed his growing family of children and grand-children, all of whom came together at the Resort at Squaw Creek in Lake Tahoe for a 90th birthday bash given in his honor. He met his first great grandchild Emeline last Christmas 2013.
Relatives and friends around the world, endeared by Jack, have shared their fond memories of him. Many recall his movie-star good looks, athleticism, boundless energy, gregarious spirit, and cheerful disposition. He had a lifelong passion for fishing and golf. He excelled at lawn bowling, winning several lawn bowling trophies in the East Bay. Jack was active for many years in two mahjong clubs in San Francisco’s Chi- natown and was frequently asked to entertain acquaintances and friends at social events and banquets with his beautiful Bing Crosbystyled singing voice. Every night he enjoyed watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.
Jack will be remembered for many things; above all, he will be remembered for the generosity of his time, always being willing to lend a hand, whenever and wherever needed; he will be remembered for his scrumptious, family-style Chinese cooking, including special dishes like his deep-fried grated taro root appetizers, pickled fish, and steamed abalone with snow peas; and he will be remembered for his deep and abiding pride in his children and grand-children.
He is survived by sister Dolly of Singapore , brother George (Tsin Tau) of South Africa, children Jewel, Grant, Pearl and Alan, grandchildren Beau, Tiffany, Brooke, Asia, Erica, Matthew, Christopher and Claire, sons-in law, Ariel and Dana, granddaughter-in law, Christine, and great-granddaughter, Emeline. Wife Doreen, daughter Margaret, and sisters, Lily, Joyce and Ivy, predeceased him. He will be greatly missed by all.
The Jack Kolling family would like to express our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Yulia Koltzova — Rang, M.D. and Marc Cruciger, M.D. for their kindness and caring of our father. We are also greatly indebted to Carmen Manchola for her love, devotion and care of our father.
A celebration of his life will be held by his family in late November 2014.