Norman Fong

Norman Gin Fong of San Diego died June 2. He was 91. 

Fong was born Aug. 26, 1923 in San Francisco. He lived in Oakland for many years, before moving his family to San Diego, his hometown for the past 60 years.

Before his career as a research lab technician, Fong served in the U.S. Navy as a medical photographer at Balboa Naval Hospital, San Diego. His years as a lab technician brought him to the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Convair and General Dynamics and the University of California, San Diego. While at UCSD, he worked under the direction of Drs. Harold Urey and James Arnold, with one of their most interesting projects consisting of analyzing moon rocks, brought back by one of the Apollo missions. He retired from UCSD in 1987 and joined Pacific Robotics, Inc.

Prior to retirement, Fong was active for many years, backpacking with the Sierra Club. He also enjoyed playing tennis, traveling, fishing, shooting and was an avid photographer. After retiring, Norman enjoyed traveling with his wife Pauline and actively volunteered with the San Diego Museum of Photographic Arts, the San Diego Historical Society, Birch Aquarium at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography and the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum.

Fong will be remembered for his generosity, sense of humor, hospitality and readiness to help others. Through the years, he took pleasure in gathering with friends and took every opportunity to combine his love of Chinese food with his passion for introducing friends to authentic Chinese cuisine.

Fong was preceded in death by his beloved wife Pauline of almost 64 years, and his siblings Kenneth Fong (Stockton, California), Edward Fong (Hayward, California) and Daisy Yee (Sacramento, California). Fong is survived by his children Ronald (Peggy), Linda Hom (Jerry), Martin (Darla) and Gary (Kimberly), 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Esther Fong, of Stockton and former brother-in-law, Frank Yee, of San Leandro, as well as many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to SDCHM, 404 3rd Ave, San Diego, California 92101. Interment will be held privately, with a military color guard, at El Camino Memorial Park. A reception to remember Fong will be held at the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum on July 25 from 2 to 4 p.m.