Post by NZBC on Feb 8, 2014 16:50:00 GMT 12
In Memory Of
Frank William Kwok
25/03/1929 - 3/02/2014
Kwok, Frank William - Passed away peacefully on 3 February 2014 at Wellington Hospital, aged 84.
Devoted husband to Nanette, beloved father and father in law to Warren and Carol, Martin and Gabby. Cherished Ye Ye to Nyah and Ethan, Ruby and Theo. Dedicated brother to the late Hilda and Gun– Sheung Choie, Sadie and the late Percy Leong, the late Nancy and George Goddard, the late Winnie and Peter Young, the late Mollie and Willie Ngan Kee, Linda and Keith Lowe, Betty and the late Ken Young, Mona and the late Paul Wong, Norma and Ray Low. Dutiful brother in law to the late Leon and Pat Wallis, Ian Wallis and Elaine Roberts. Much loved by his many nephews and nieces across generations within both the Kwok and Wallis extended families.
Respected Doctor, surgeon, friend and patron to Wakefield, Bowen, Wellington Hospital and the greater Wellington community, and esteemed Director for the Hong Kong ENT Department in the 1980's.
Special gratitude and thanks for Dr Tim Ngan Kee’s exemplary care, the extended Kwok family and the team at Wellington Hospital’s Ward 5 South.
In lieu of flowers donations to Ronald McDonald House would be appreciated and may be left at the service. Messages to the Kwok family may be left on Frank's tribute book at www.tributes.co.nz or posted c/o PO Box 9647, Wellington.
A service to celebrate Frank's life will be held at The Cathedral of St Paul, 45 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington on Monday 10 February, 2014 at 1pm, followed by a private family burial at Karori Cemetery.
Harbour City Funeral Home
Lower Hutt - Upper Hutt - Wellington
Members of Funeral Directors Association of NZ
Service Information
Date: 10/02/2014
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Cathedral of St Paul
Molesworth Street
Thorndon
Wellington
Tom Farrar
7/02/2014
In 1956 Frank was a Registrar and I was a House Surgeon in the Eye/ENT Department at Wellington Hospital - 58 years ago. Over the years I referred numerous patients to him and at one stage was one of his patients myself. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him. He will be sorely missed.
Tom Farrar
6/02/2014
Uncle Frank,
It has been a privilege knowing you. You will be fondly remembered for your gentle spirit, ready laugh and big heart - our paths crossed sporadically but thank you for always making us feel so welcome.
You and Nanette were an inspiration to us all.
With love, Vivian & Charlie Blake
STAN CHUN
6/02/2014
I am so sorry to hear of Frank's passing.
Strangely, I had just returned from teaching tai chi on Monday 3rd February and to catch my breath I sat down at the computer and clicked on to my many photos.
For some reason I clicked onto pictures of Frank and Nanette taken in 2005 at their neice's wedding.
I did some special studies of the elegant couple as they told me they had only one wedding photo taken as the photographer had only one plate left.
I was shocked to receive an email the next day to advise of Frank's passing.
Frank and Nanette were so pleased with the photos that I decided to send the best to Warren and Martin straight away. Martin acknowledged receipt of the photos and said they would use some of them at the service.
For me it was an honour to photograph such an esteemed couple.
Frank had blazed quite a trail in his lifetime albeit quietly.
I spoke of his and Nanette's 13 year engagement period at the National Library Auditorium some years ago and Frank and Nanette were a few rows from the front.
The issue was race and the Chinese of the old days.
After the talk I went to Frank and he shook my hand saying he felt so humbled by my words.
I thought that Frank personified humility and humbleness and it was my privelige to shout this to the world.
He also helped break through the glass ceiling of racism with his marriage finally to Nanette. and he showed that Chinese could rise to the top of their profession through hard work, tenacity and professionalism and from this perhaps arose the long row of Chinese doctors at a later stage.
The Chinese went from fruit shops to accountancy, doctors, lawyers and other respected positions even mayoralty because Frank had shown it was possible.
At a Chinese function attended by the then Mayor Mark Blumsky the mayor spoke of the atributes of Wellington and for the Chinese he remarked "We have Frank Kwok.."
That pretty much says it all.
I had written this tribute the other night and was waiting for it to be published but I must have hit some wrong button, but it gave me a chance to read all the other tributes before I wrote another.
All are complimentary but the most complimentary and one I think most heartfelt was by Carol Kwok.
She said everything so it is time for me to stop and just sit for a while and reflect on one of the finest gentleman I have had the pleasure of knowing.
Stan Chun
Wellington
Carol Seah-Kwok
5/02/2014
Once in every life time, someone so gentle, so kind, so perfect walks into one’s life. I had the honour of meeting such a man and calling him dad for the longest time.
Dad had this way of making everyone feel special, cared for and at ease (even with a knife in his hand ready to take your tonsils out).
Brilliant, sharp in his analysis and thoughts, yet able to deliver the hardest, coldest facts with the warmth of genuine care straight from the heart. That was dad, his whole being was perfectly balanced.
In a world filled with a multiplicity of complexities and conflicts ranging from idealism and pragmatism, cynicism and gullibility……Dad sailed through life on an even keel, calmly confident and solidly anchored with his principals and those his parents instilled in him.
I remember dad telling us what his dad wrote in his autograph book as a boy – literally translated it said “Respect your elders. Obey your parents. Love your sisters.” Dad’s lifelong story was focused on the family and these simple principals. He spent much of his time ensuring we knew our roots, the extended families and the lovely people that comprised those families both present and past. His actions exemplified his principals with the many family reunions and gatherings both he and mum organized. He filled us with rich and vibrant stories of his dad’s efforts during the war torn years of the 1940s and 50s in assisting the early Chinese immigrants, visits to Bak Shek and the history of the ancestral home.
Dad could never have delivered on his dreams and aspirations without Mum - A perfect partnership so diverse in culture to start yet one that evolved and fused into a deep and harmonious love over time. He once told me that in any mixed cultural marriage, one partner had to give more than the other – mum evolved beautifully into the dutiful Chinese wife and dad saw that strength and loved her deeply for this, cherished her and missed her so much after she left. I can only but take strength in such acts of love as I strive to support Warren through this difficult time.
I am so blessed to share such an identity of solid family foundations and roots and I am sure Gabby feels the same way too. The other night I reminded our son why his middle name was “Frank”. The little munchkin is still clueless, but I’m sure if we keep to the simple recipe given by dad and mum (especially the part about obeying your parents) their legacy of love and their principals will form an integral part of Nyah and Ethan's identities.
This Christmas past was special - dad was obviously frail, but even in his weakened state, he insisted on having the whole family together one last time, something that gave him immense happiness and contentment. It also gave Warren and I some quality time with him, to spoil him, to hug him and love him – to have Nyah and Ethan say goodnight to him each night.
Dad, I would love for you to stay and chat, to seek your reassuring wisdom and love and to lay our babies on your lap - but alas you need to go, your work is done and mum awaits.
I love you dad!
Carol
Stephen Chan
5/02/2014
I was very saddened by Frank's death. He was a beacon and model as I was growing up that you could force the establishment to make room for you by sheer professionalism. I never forgot that, and I never forgot his kindness.
Alma Kwan
5/02/2014
For the many wonderful memories shared by your family and ours in HongKong in the 1980s.
Fondest regards, Alma, Robert and Jenny
Rosemary Chanel
5/02/2014
Dear Frank
Words will never describe the sadness we feel that you are no longer with us. It was always with joy we looked forward to seeing you. My first memory was what a handsome cousin I had. We always looked up to you and held you in high esteem. You were always welcoming, charismatic and enthusiastic, held high family values, strived and achieved so much as a prominent and renowned surgeon.
Without you we would not discover nearly as much of our family history as you painstakingly uncovered.
You have made our lives richer for having known you. It has been a privilege to be your cousin. May you be in peace on your journey as you reunite with Nanette.
Rosemary Chanel & Jon Wardrop
Kiddle Family
5/02/2014
A truly wonderful man.
He will be sadly missed
Kind Regards
The Kiddle Family
Lorna Wong
4/02/2014
Frank was a good gentle, man.
My condolences to his family.
Debbie Sew Hoy
4/02/2014
Uncle Frank - will be missed, but never forgotten.
Katy Cook
4/02/2014
Frank was a wonderful, kind and gentle man.
I am sure he is now with Nanette.
All my love to his family.
Katy Cook.
June and Jim Brodie
4/02/2014
Jim and June Brodie of Napier (ex Lower Hutt) extend our deepest sympathy to Frank and Nanette's entire family.
Like us you still grieve for lovely precious Nanette and now you have lost the great and loved Family High Chief Frank himself.
Frank supported Jim in so many ways for many, many years before he finally achieved a Cochlear Implant while Nanette created wondrous things with Feijoas and Lemons in her 'spare' time.
It was an honour and a joy to know them both for so long.
In your sadness may you be proud that they are together again.
June/Jim Brodie Villa 65, 79 Merlot Drive Napier. (brodiejcjm@xtra.co.nz
Manying Ip
4/02/2014
Frank was such a loyal and kind person.
For over 20 years it has been our privilege to call him a friend.
I enjoyed talking with him on all sorts of topics, no matter whether it's on Chinese culture or NZ politics.
Frank and Nanette were always inseparable, and one could not help but feel that he's now at peace, at Nanette's side, exactly as he would wish for.
John Gyenge
4/02/2014
A truly good and kind man.
He will be missed.
Dorothy Shaw
4/02/2014
On behalf of past and present staff at Bowen Hospital we extend our sympathy to the Kwok Family.
Frank was one of the worlds 'gentlemen' who leaves lasting and fond memories.
Frank William Kwok
25/03/1929 - 3/02/2014
Kwok, Frank William - Passed away peacefully on 3 February 2014 at Wellington Hospital, aged 84.
Devoted husband to Nanette, beloved father and father in law to Warren and Carol, Martin and Gabby. Cherished Ye Ye to Nyah and Ethan, Ruby and Theo. Dedicated brother to the late Hilda and Gun– Sheung Choie, Sadie and the late Percy Leong, the late Nancy and George Goddard, the late Winnie and Peter Young, the late Mollie and Willie Ngan Kee, Linda and Keith Lowe, Betty and the late Ken Young, Mona and the late Paul Wong, Norma and Ray Low. Dutiful brother in law to the late Leon and Pat Wallis, Ian Wallis and Elaine Roberts. Much loved by his many nephews and nieces across generations within both the Kwok and Wallis extended families.
Respected Doctor, surgeon, friend and patron to Wakefield, Bowen, Wellington Hospital and the greater Wellington community, and esteemed Director for the Hong Kong ENT Department in the 1980's.
Special gratitude and thanks for Dr Tim Ngan Kee’s exemplary care, the extended Kwok family and the team at Wellington Hospital’s Ward 5 South.
In lieu of flowers donations to Ronald McDonald House would be appreciated and may be left at the service. Messages to the Kwok family may be left on Frank's tribute book at www.tributes.co.nz or posted c/o PO Box 9647, Wellington.
A service to celebrate Frank's life will be held at The Cathedral of St Paul, 45 Molesworth Street, Thorndon, Wellington on Monday 10 February, 2014 at 1pm, followed by a private family burial at Karori Cemetery.
Harbour City Funeral Home
Lower Hutt - Upper Hutt - Wellington
Members of Funeral Directors Association of NZ
Service Information
Date: 10/02/2014
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Cathedral of St Paul
Molesworth Street
Thorndon
Wellington
Tom Farrar
7/02/2014
In 1956 Frank was a Registrar and I was a House Surgeon in the Eye/ENT Department at Wellington Hospital - 58 years ago. Over the years I referred numerous patients to him and at one stage was one of his patients myself. Nothing was ever too much trouble for him. He will be sorely missed.
Tom Farrar
6/02/2014
Uncle Frank,
It has been a privilege knowing you. You will be fondly remembered for your gentle spirit, ready laugh and big heart - our paths crossed sporadically but thank you for always making us feel so welcome.
You and Nanette were an inspiration to us all.
With love, Vivian & Charlie Blake
STAN CHUN
6/02/2014
I am so sorry to hear of Frank's passing.
Strangely, I had just returned from teaching tai chi on Monday 3rd February and to catch my breath I sat down at the computer and clicked on to my many photos.
For some reason I clicked onto pictures of Frank and Nanette taken in 2005 at their neice's wedding.
I did some special studies of the elegant couple as they told me they had only one wedding photo taken as the photographer had only one plate left.
I was shocked to receive an email the next day to advise of Frank's passing.
Frank and Nanette were so pleased with the photos that I decided to send the best to Warren and Martin straight away. Martin acknowledged receipt of the photos and said they would use some of them at the service.
For me it was an honour to photograph such an esteemed couple.
Frank had blazed quite a trail in his lifetime albeit quietly.
I spoke of his and Nanette's 13 year engagement period at the National Library Auditorium some years ago and Frank and Nanette were a few rows from the front.
The issue was race and the Chinese of the old days.
After the talk I went to Frank and he shook my hand saying he felt so humbled by my words.
I thought that Frank personified humility and humbleness and it was my privelige to shout this to the world.
He also helped break through the glass ceiling of racism with his marriage finally to Nanette. and he showed that Chinese could rise to the top of their profession through hard work, tenacity and professionalism and from this perhaps arose the long row of Chinese doctors at a later stage.
The Chinese went from fruit shops to accountancy, doctors, lawyers and other respected positions even mayoralty because Frank had shown it was possible.
At a Chinese function attended by the then Mayor Mark Blumsky the mayor spoke of the atributes of Wellington and for the Chinese he remarked "We have Frank Kwok.."
That pretty much says it all.
I had written this tribute the other night and was waiting for it to be published but I must have hit some wrong button, but it gave me a chance to read all the other tributes before I wrote another.
All are complimentary but the most complimentary and one I think most heartfelt was by Carol Kwok.
She said everything so it is time for me to stop and just sit for a while and reflect on one of the finest gentleman I have had the pleasure of knowing.
Stan Chun
Wellington
Carol Seah-Kwok
5/02/2014
Once in every life time, someone so gentle, so kind, so perfect walks into one’s life. I had the honour of meeting such a man and calling him dad for the longest time.
Dad had this way of making everyone feel special, cared for and at ease (even with a knife in his hand ready to take your tonsils out).
Brilliant, sharp in his analysis and thoughts, yet able to deliver the hardest, coldest facts with the warmth of genuine care straight from the heart. That was dad, his whole being was perfectly balanced.
In a world filled with a multiplicity of complexities and conflicts ranging from idealism and pragmatism, cynicism and gullibility……Dad sailed through life on an even keel, calmly confident and solidly anchored with his principals and those his parents instilled in him.
I remember dad telling us what his dad wrote in his autograph book as a boy – literally translated it said “Respect your elders. Obey your parents. Love your sisters.” Dad’s lifelong story was focused on the family and these simple principals. He spent much of his time ensuring we knew our roots, the extended families and the lovely people that comprised those families both present and past. His actions exemplified his principals with the many family reunions and gatherings both he and mum organized. He filled us with rich and vibrant stories of his dad’s efforts during the war torn years of the 1940s and 50s in assisting the early Chinese immigrants, visits to Bak Shek and the history of the ancestral home.
Dad could never have delivered on his dreams and aspirations without Mum - A perfect partnership so diverse in culture to start yet one that evolved and fused into a deep and harmonious love over time. He once told me that in any mixed cultural marriage, one partner had to give more than the other – mum evolved beautifully into the dutiful Chinese wife and dad saw that strength and loved her deeply for this, cherished her and missed her so much after she left. I can only but take strength in such acts of love as I strive to support Warren through this difficult time.
I am so blessed to share such an identity of solid family foundations and roots and I am sure Gabby feels the same way too. The other night I reminded our son why his middle name was “Frank”. The little munchkin is still clueless, but I’m sure if we keep to the simple recipe given by dad and mum (especially the part about obeying your parents) their legacy of love and their principals will form an integral part of Nyah and Ethan's identities.
This Christmas past was special - dad was obviously frail, but even in his weakened state, he insisted on having the whole family together one last time, something that gave him immense happiness and contentment. It also gave Warren and I some quality time with him, to spoil him, to hug him and love him – to have Nyah and Ethan say goodnight to him each night.
Dad, I would love for you to stay and chat, to seek your reassuring wisdom and love and to lay our babies on your lap - but alas you need to go, your work is done and mum awaits.
I love you dad!
Carol
Stephen Chan
5/02/2014
I was very saddened by Frank's death. He was a beacon and model as I was growing up that you could force the establishment to make room for you by sheer professionalism. I never forgot that, and I never forgot his kindness.
Alma Kwan
5/02/2014
For the many wonderful memories shared by your family and ours in HongKong in the 1980s.
Fondest regards, Alma, Robert and Jenny
Rosemary Chanel
5/02/2014
Dear Frank
Words will never describe the sadness we feel that you are no longer with us. It was always with joy we looked forward to seeing you. My first memory was what a handsome cousin I had. We always looked up to you and held you in high esteem. You were always welcoming, charismatic and enthusiastic, held high family values, strived and achieved so much as a prominent and renowned surgeon.
Without you we would not discover nearly as much of our family history as you painstakingly uncovered.
You have made our lives richer for having known you. It has been a privilege to be your cousin. May you be in peace on your journey as you reunite with Nanette.
Rosemary Chanel & Jon Wardrop
Kiddle Family
5/02/2014
A truly wonderful man.
He will be sadly missed
Kind Regards
The Kiddle Family
Lorna Wong
4/02/2014
Frank was a good gentle, man.
My condolences to his family.
Debbie Sew Hoy
4/02/2014
Uncle Frank - will be missed, but never forgotten.
Katy Cook
4/02/2014
Frank was a wonderful, kind and gentle man.
I am sure he is now with Nanette.
All my love to his family.
Katy Cook.
June and Jim Brodie
4/02/2014
Jim and June Brodie of Napier (ex Lower Hutt) extend our deepest sympathy to Frank and Nanette's entire family.
Like us you still grieve for lovely precious Nanette and now you have lost the great and loved Family High Chief Frank himself.
Frank supported Jim in so many ways for many, many years before he finally achieved a Cochlear Implant while Nanette created wondrous things with Feijoas and Lemons in her 'spare' time.
It was an honour and a joy to know them both for so long.
In your sadness may you be proud that they are together again.
June/Jim Brodie Villa 65, 79 Merlot Drive Napier. (brodiejcjm@xtra.co.nz
Manying Ip
4/02/2014
Frank was such a loyal and kind person.
For over 20 years it has been our privilege to call him a friend.
I enjoyed talking with him on all sorts of topics, no matter whether it's on Chinese culture or NZ politics.
Frank and Nanette were always inseparable, and one could not help but feel that he's now at peace, at Nanette's side, exactly as he would wish for.
John Gyenge
4/02/2014
A truly good and kind man.
He will be missed.
Dorothy Shaw
4/02/2014
On behalf of past and present staff at Bowen Hospital we extend our sympathy to the Kwok Family.
Frank was one of the worlds 'gentlemen' who leaves lasting and fond memories.