Henry Fung's Obituary
Fung, Henry (Bak Fook) The remarkable life journey of Henry (Bak Fook) Fung ended on May 8th, 2018 at the age of 104. At home surrounded by his loving wife Ruth and all six of his children Henry slipped into the arms of his Savior. Henry was born in a small village in southern China on the 16th day of the tenth moon in 1913. At age 14 his father brought him to the United States. Henry spent two months at the immigration center at Angel Island awaiting his papers and approval to stay in the United States as the “son of a merchant”. A photo of 14 year old Bak Fook Fung and his Immigration Papers are inscribed in marble outside the recently renovated Immigration Station at Angel Island. From San Francisco Henry headed south to Cucamonga (now known as Rancho Cucamonga) where his father operated a general store for Chinese railroad and farm workers. Here he worked with his father for two years until his father returned to China to live out his remaining days. At the age of 16 Henry and an older brother were essentially alone in a foreign land. Over the next several years Henry found odd jobs in the fields, in private homes and in restaurants. He learned to read, write and speak English. Through hard work and perseverance he made a meaningful life for himself. He eventually found his niche in the restaurant business making a living as a cook. In 1940 he met and married Ruth Wong, the love of his life and constant companion for the next 77 years. They started their family in Los Angeles where they had three sons. They later moved to San Francisco and then to Oakland adding three daughters to their household along the way. In 1949 they bought a home in Oakland to raise their large family. Henry and Ruth have resided in the home for 69 years. Henry was able to close his eyes for the last time in the peace and tranquility of their family home. In addition to his wife Ruth, Henry was loved and cherished by his six children and their spouses: Mike and Gloria Fung, Victor and Thelma Fung, Vincent and Jeannette Fung, Manette and “Dickie” (deceased) Lim, Veronica and Donway (deceased) Eng, and Priscilla and Hal Thilmony. Henry also leaves seven grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Nothing brought Henry more joy then being surrounded by his large and loving family.
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