Wesley Hong Ching Wong Jr.'s Obituary
Wesley Hong Ching Wong, Jr.
July 10, 1939 – March 8, 2026
Wesley Hong Ching Wong, Jr. of Maui passed away on March 8, 2026, at the age of 86. He was born on July 10, 1939, on Maui to Wesley Hong Ching Wong, Sr. and Chiyoko Matsumoto.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marie Wong; his sons Matt (Loke Kaholokula) Wong and Ernest Wong; and his daughter Shelley (Chris) Quipotla.
He was a proud grandfather to Courtney (Kaulana) Kaʻaʻa, Chassidy Sakamoto, Cody-John Sakamoto, Aineki Traverso, Tiani Quipotla, Sam Marie Quipotla, and Tate Quipotla. He is a beloved great-grandfather to Noa Kaʻaʻa, NāKoa Kaʻaʻa, Naʻi Kaʻaʻa, Nohea Kaʻaʻa, and Hinatea-Sanae Wilhelm-Anderson.
Wesley graduated from Baldwin High School in 1957. Soon after graduating, he joined the United States Marine Corps, and received an honorable discharge.
After completing his military service, he continued his education at Oregon State University in Corvallis, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Management in 1964.
Wesley built a distinguished career with the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife, as district manager.
Over the course of 37 years, he contributed to the conservation and restoration of native ecosystems. Assisting with early revegetation work on Kahoʻolawe, thousands of Tamarind trees were planted, and A’ali’i seeds were scattered to help stabilize the land, and support the return of native plants. The Kaho'olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) continues the work today. One of his projects during his time with DLNR was helping establish the Ke'anae Arboretum, where native plants, flora and different varieties of kalo were cultivated.
Throughout his career he served on numerous boards and organizations including Maui County Federal Credit Union, Hale Mahaolu, Kwong Fook Tong Society, Maui United Way, Hawaii Natural History Association, Native Hawaiian Cultural & Arts Program, Maui County Planning Commission, Maui Redevelopment Agency Board, Boy Scouts of America, Maui Leathernecks, Wailuku Judo Club, and Wailuku Hongwanji Mission.
Wesley’s awards include the Conservation Council of Hawaii Conservation Award, Rotary District 500 Student Group Exchange Program Tasmania, Governor’s Manager of the Year Award (DLNR), Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver Award, and Wailuku Hongwanji Mission Fuku-Dana Service Award.
He unselfishly gave his time cooking for the Boy Scouts, Bob Nakasone’s campaign and Wailuku Hongwanji Mission.
Continuing the work of his parents, Wes and his sons, Matt and Ernie took great pride in working the family’s taro patch in Waiehu, where generations of family and friends gathered, lessons shared and memories created.
A storyteller by nature, and an outgoing personality, Wes was a leader, a speaker, writer of articles, poetry, a hunter, cook, and an antique bottle collector. His life was a reminder of generosity, treasuring time spent with friends, and most importantly, caring for family.
Wes will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.
Services will be held on June 6, 2026, at Hongwanji Mission of Wailuku. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with services beginning at 12:00 p.m. A luncheon will follow in the hall.
To the staff members and workers of Maui Adult Day Care Center and Island Hospice with gratitude and appreciation, Mahalo.
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