Choi Man Wong was born in Taishan (Toisan) in China’s Guangdong province and later moved to Hong Kong. After starting a family, he and his wife made the decision to relocate to San Francisco to be closer to relatives. He worked in a garment factory, but when many of those factories closed, Self-Help for the Elderly—a longtime SFF grantee—helped him find the role here.
In 1999, Mr. Wong joined the San Francisco Foundation, never imagining he would be here for so long. Over the years, he became far more than a colleague—he became a steady, trusted presence and a familiar face that made work feel a little lighter and a lot more human. Mr. Wong’s cheerful attitude, warm greetings, and signature smile lifted spirits in ways that are hard to measure but easy to feel. He consistently met each day—and each colleague—with kindness, patience, and quiet generosity. Whether during a hectic morning or a high-pressure moment, Mr. Wong had a way of making people feel seen and welcomed, shaping our workplace culture through countless small but meaningful interactions.
Mr. Wong also played an essential role in supporting the foundation’s many events in the office, particularly through his meticulous attention to setup and cleanup. His behind‑the‑scenes work ensured that meetings and gatherings ran smoothly, often without notice because everything was already done perfectly. His reliability, care, and quiet dedication were deeply appreciated by staff.
Mr. Wong has shared that what kept him here was the stability of the role, the benefits, and—most of all—the people. He often described the foundation as a big family. In turn, he helped create that feeling for everyone else by showing up consistently, doing his work with pride, and treating others with respect and warmth year after year.
As Mr. Wong begins this well-earned next chapter, we extend our heartfelt thanks for his many years of service and wish him a retirement filled with good health, happiness, rest, and time with loved ones. Mr. Wong will be truly missed and always appreciated.
Choi Man Wong (center row) with SFF staff in our 2005 Annual Report.
