Vivian Wong Obituary

Vivian, such a sweet, warm heart, humore, care people, so smart and modest , your personality inspired all friends meeting you. We danced Argentine Tango , visited various Milongas in Japan. You were so magically danced and communicated people making happier. Each year January, you come up in my heart. Missing you. RIP

Will always remember watching her dance Tango. Magical

Jon

Brightened every room she entered

Incredible dancer, creative witty and clever

Always remember

Jon Anderson

I still think about you my Friend and i miss you!! Betty Norman

Well now, here it is Sept 29, 2014, some 5 1/2 years after my sweetheart's death and I can say that not a day has gone by that she hasn't been in my thoughts and dreams. A most remarkable woman who continues to influence me. I love her so. Howard

I am grateful that I got to see Vivian and talk to her shortly before she passed. Even more to have her as a friend for so long. She was a fighter until the end.Ayone who saw her dance, as I did several times, knows her magic. She's still around.

Dear Howard and Wong family,

As you can tell from the date on this message, unfortunately I only found out about Vivian's departure from this world today. I can not tell you how sorry I am for your loss.

Vivian and I worked together at Hyatt International's corporate offices in Chicago for years. Thinking of her reminds me of the beautiful, welcoming and cheerful person she was. Whether we saw each other in the office or somewhere in the world during our respective travels, Vivian was a pleasure to encounter and very much part of our Hyatt International family.

My thoughts are with you and your family.

Dear Howard and the family of Vivian,
Reading all these lovely messages tells me so much about Vivian and the many people she has touched. Like all of you she has been a wonderful influence in my life. I worked with Vivian at Hyatt for several years and she always amazed me how she could run all her projects and still have time to advise me on mine. She had boundless energy and a wonderful wit. Vivian was always full of hidden talents and surprises such as her passion for tango. That must have been wonderful to see!! This is a great, great loss to our small world.

i will never forget bibi

To Vivian's Family and Howard,

It was sad to know of Vivian's passing. I knew Vivian when she and I used to work at Hyatt International Corporation. She was always full of life, full of laughter. She was a good friend, too. I remember her thoughtfulness especially around the Chinese New year. I worked in the Finance Dept and she takes the time to go down to our floor and share her goodies to celebrate the Chinese New Year. She always stopped by my cube and Ester's to say hi to us.

She will always be remembered. My prayers are with her and her loved ones. May her family have the strength and faith they need as they go through this difficult time.

To Vivian's Family,
I am truly shocked to hear the news of Vivian's passing. I worked with her for several years in the Hyatt Corporate office. She was always hard-working and full of life. I will always remember her wonderful laugh!
I am saddened that she left this world way too early. She had so much more to offer. I will miss her.
Please accept my sincere condolences.

To the Wong Family
I was very sadden to learn of Vivian's passing.. I worked with Vivian on several Hyatt projects and found her to be a true professional in every sense.

To the Wong Family,

My deepest condolences. Vivian was so full of joy and life. What amazed about Vivian is that she had so many interests. She certainly lived life to the fullest and had the most positive outlook on everything. I am going to miss her.

Vivian is the BEST of the BEST. Her grace, beauty, character and spirit will never be forgotten. To Howard, I am very sad to learn of Vivian's passing. I re-connected with Vivian in Washington,DC when she was here on business and was proud to introduce her to my friends. Vivian will be missed by everyone who worked with her. Her professionalism and devoted work ethic, putting in many long hours at Hyatt were respected by all of us who worked with her in Chicago. Her spirit passed through my mind recently and I knew something had happened. NO doubt she is going to be missed by everyone. God will bless her and Howard.

My memories of Vivian are all happy ones - of the times we worked together in both Chicago and in particular when I was Project manager for GH Bali - working together with Gary Chin and Eugene. Vivian's professionalism, patience and dedication were well balanced by her sense of humour. We remained in contact after we both left Hyatt and hoped to catch up sometime in HK as we were both HK girls.
Let us remember that "Death is not extinguishing the light but putting out the candle because the dawn has come."
My thoughts and prayers go out to Howard and Vivian's family.

Today at 12:00pm January 27 in Tokyo, Japan that was at 9:00pm January 26 in Chicago I prayed for Bibi san. I met her at the bulletin board of CompuServe. I enjoyed talking with her and with other members there. She was clever and had a warm heart and a nice sense of humor. I hope she will have happy and peaceful days above the heaven and I will give her a lot of thanks having been friends with me.

at 12:14pm on Tuesday January 27th, 2009

Toshi Takayama
Tokyo, Japan

I am absolutely dumb-struck to hear of Vivian's passing. Having known Vivian since 1995, I never knew Vivian had any health issue. We worked together at Hyatt International (indirectly) for more than 10 years, her as Hyatt Representative and me as the Owner's PM. She was a very strong-willed person and obviously hid her affliction from many of those she knew and befriended. I last had lunch with Vivian in mid-2008 in Macau at the Wynn Hotel-Casino along with Gary Chin. She was the picture of health and vitality and I wish to remember her that way.

My sincerest condolences to Howard and the rest of her family. I had hoped to work with Vivian again before ending my career. She will be greatly and sadly missed.

To Howard Borde, Mother Choi Sim Wong Chui, sisters Jean and Cindy Wong, brother-in-law Alfred Ho, her niece Eva Lai, and her nephews Michael Ho and Felix Lai. I was very saddened to hear just now of our dear Vivian’s having passed away. Please accept my deepest sympathy and sincere condolences’ on this tragedy. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Certainly am so shocked, rather emotional and so saddened just to have learned of Vivian’s passing away.

I have known Vivian for some 25 yrs. We kept in touch by mail until very recent just before the Holidays. Vivian has worked for me and with me at Hyatt Intl. for some 15 years. There is no question or doubt in my mined of Vivian having been an exceptional true & respectful professional Architect, more so, she was a tremendous asset to the company, to her team of colleagues, to our clients across the globe and very much to our department as a whole.

Vivian was a very strong person, but above all Vivian was a real good friend and genuine human being. A lady who constantly went far beyond the call of duty to assist, support whether her friends, colleagues in the office or design teams across 5 continents. While doing her work she always strived in a graceful way to introduce, safe guard and promote Hyatt standards, concepts and requirements, in doing so in a rather prudent manner but with diligence and perseverance to the realm of each project in accordance to country, market, culture and financial frame work established any given project.

Her charm, grace, and wit were always there through the most difficult circumstances. Indeed Vivian was one of the important support and backbones to the development efforts of Hyatt Intl. Hotels. Her tremendous dedication, loyalty, and commitment certainly were exceptional.

While I have kept over the years photographs in my album, you, that very special lady will remain in my heart forever.
May God bless you Howard and the family in Hong Kong in this difficult times of sorrow!

We worked with Vivian on many projects during our time at Hyatt International and also spent fun times outside work with Vivian and Howard. We kept in touch via e-mail and phone calls over the years and are shocked and saddened to receive the news of her passing this morning.

We would like to extend to you, Vivian's family and to Howard, our sadness and sympathy in the loss of your beloved Vivian and would like to wish you much strength, companionship and good wishes in this difficult time. Our thoughts will be with you now and in the not easy coming time of understanding and letting go.

With all our sympathy,

Lisa Anke + Tom Mowbray

Dear Howard, Vivian's Family,
I would like to offer my sincere condolences in these difficult times. I just wanted you to know that I am sorry I could not make it to Chicago tonight but I will be thinking about my old friend ‘Vivian de Hong Kong” as we called her when we were at U of I together. After graduation, we did not see each other as much as we would have like to, but the times we spent together - in Chicago or in Florida - were all memorable and always included a lot of laughing. My family and I loved when Vivian & Howard came down to visit us in Miami. I think it was the last time we saw her. She was an exceptional friend; she showed me what real strength and determination were. I will miss her always.

My thoughts and best wishes are with the family and friends of "Bibi," as most of us know her. Her loss is a tremendous one to those of us whose lives she's touched.

In our lives, there are few people outside of our immediate families who change the course of our lives. Bibi became one of those people for me. Her spirit and "live each day to the fullest" mentality, even today, affects the way I look and face life. I recall a motto she often referred to about a fish struggling to swim upstream or be swept away, and I remember that is how she lived each day, challenging herself to learn or experience something new each day. In the short times I was able to spend with her, she could challenge me to get out of my box, open my eyes, and try new things and I credit her for giving me the opportunities to face those challenges without fear. Even though I had lost touch with her, her influence still lives within me.

I'm sure that we all have our "Bibi stories" to tell. I recall on a trip I made to Chicago for a family wedding in May 1999, she was able to meet with me for lunch in Chinatown and provided me with a quick tour of downtown, a trip to the aquarium and Navy Pier. While at the aquarium, near closing time, security was shutting everything down and Bibi decided she wanted to take some photos at the front of the aquarium, but security had closed it off and was escorting us out the side or back exit. Undetered, Bibi explained to security how her father was waiting for us on the other side and did not speak English, so reluctantly they allowed us to cross through the ropes and thus getting the photos Bibi wanted. I was always amazed with her quick thinking ability! I also remember a funny thing that happened at a dim sum restaurant in San Francisco. Bibi was under the weather a bit and trying to make herself some lemon tea. She requested a fresh lemon from the waiter and sliced it in half and used a spoon to force every single drop out of the lemon. Pressing too hard, the lemon and bowl went flying in the air and all I can remember now is Bibi sitting there with lemon juice dripping off the top of her head, both of us laughing hysterically, well maybe it was just me laughing.

I was fortunate to have met Bibi in a Japan related chat channel sometime around 1995 or 1996. Since Bibi was a jet-setter back then, frequently flying to destinations around the world, she frequently stopped over in San Francisco and in September of 1997 I met her for the first time in person. There was a large circle of friends who lived in the Bay Area of California so we had many gatherings between 1997 and 2000 and Bibi attended many of those gatherings. She could challenge those of us in attendance to try new foods. For me, fresh harvested uni, monkfish liver, natto, and kusodofu (stinky tofu) were all new things I had never experienced before.

On a long stay in California, I had the great opportunity to meet up with Bibi and drive her down the coastline of California. Throughout the trip we experienced great foods along the way, but also great conversation. I am proud to have introduced Bibi to amaebi, but prepared by the sushi chef using a live shrimp, something new for her. It was on this trip that I learned of Bibi's illness. I was always amazed at how she never let her illness stop her from accomplishing her goals or slowing her down in any manner. She never used it as a crutch or an excuse and I commend her courage over the past 20+ years.

It has been over 8 years since I last saw Bibi in person, at the last gathering we had in San Francisco. Since then, our lives have drifted apart to different priorities, but we still shared occasional emails along the way. Even Bibi's last email to me in September 2008 left no real hints as to how bad the illness had become, it is only through reading between the lines that I can now see how things were becoming. It is with great sadness that I write this and I will miss Bibi dearly, but I have great memories to hold onto and I know her positive influences will be with me forever. She was a great friend and I hope our paths will cross again in another lifetime.

Dear family and friends of Vivian,

When I started working at Hyatt, Vivian was my first boss. Never had I worked so hard for someone and never have I been so appreciated by someone. The gifts she would bring me from her travels are even more precious to me now.
And the memories of the 'interesting' foods she'd bring to share! However I don't think I'll miss the chocolate covered insects or the durian. Especially the durian.
I miss her and still can't believe she's gone. My heart is sad.

My sincere sympathy to Howard and Vivian's family. I worked with Vivian at Hyatt 1989-1994. We just recently found eachother again this past year thru e-mail. She was always encouraging and full of energy. I was always amazed at her talent and her ability to draw/sketch anything. I remember a funny time when I would challenger her to "draw something random". I would come up with some obscure thing and she could do it, and quickly. When I was going through a particular difficult time she gave me words of encouragement and brought a "good luck" charm back to me from one of her many trips. I still have it today and I can honestly say, I see it daily. Thank you Vivian for treating "just a secretary" like a friend. Your courage is an inspiration to all. Until we meet again....

I was so shocked to hear about Vivian's passing .. I handled her travel for many years during her employment at Hyatt Intl Corporation .. She was a vivacious and spunky lady .. She will be missed

Howard and Vivian's Family,
I am shocked and so saddened to hear this news. I've worked with Vivian at Hyatt's Technical Services Department for years and always remember her smiling face - always fun and energetic - she will be missed. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Vivian will always be in our hearts.
Olga Gillespie and Family

To Vivian's Family and to Howard,

It is so hard to believe that someone with so much energy, so much joy and so very much to share is gone. I had the pleasure of working for Viv some years ago.

During the time we worked together I got to know the Gem in which she was and will always be.

Continue to shine Vivian as only you can. Your beauty, grace, charm and wit will be remembered by all that you came in contact with.

My deepest condolences to the family. Vivian will truly be missed.

Vivian the fighter, all along...

So sad to read about her death. A loss to everyone who has known her. I got to know her as a tangodancer in the Netherlands, reaching out to others around her.
Choking on the news but also knowing she would cheer us up, thinking of her brings smiles.
At loss
Jutta

Dear Howard and Vivian’s Family,

Although I met Vivian almost twenty years ago, I’ve never had the opportunity to meet Howard or Vivian’s family. Vivian was very successful in hiding her illness, i.e. a complete shock. Our (Gretchen Gharrett and myself) sincere condolences.

My first encounter with Vivian was on a bus tour through parts of Java. Vivian was the Hyatt Technical Services representative and I was the Owner’s representative. That was a very successful collaboration. I then joined Hyatt and worked on a somewhat daily basis (at least when we were simultaneously in Chicago) for approximately 10 years. Vivian was a very strong willed and skilled architect who fiercely defended the Hyatt “standards” to the various owners.

One funny incident during our Hyatt days was when it was discovered the secretary to the VP was taking lunchtime naps under Vivian’s desk. Vivian even provided a pillow and blanket.

Working with a very difficult owner for the successful opening of the Venetian Macau is a testament to her diligence and perseverance in working with difficult owners. Vivian will be sorely missed.

Bibi! I still would like to call her even now. I just opened e-mail for Chinese N.Y greeting and found a shoking title of yours! Then I realized why I missed your greeing E-mail recently. Tears are rolling down on my face and can't think of anything ,but why you... . We met each at Tango salon in Tokyo more than 10 years ago.Since then we shared all matters about Tango life. We were world traveled tangueras and enjoyed exchanging informations of anything about Tango. Bibi worked very hard both her career and Tango. She stayed my house, sisters'and hotel for Tango in Tokyo,Nagoya,Osaka,Kobe for 24hrs. Her sence of life was so valuable and made all friends with joyful power. I was in H.K. 2007 and realized she was also,but missed each other. She invited me at Las Vegas and Chicago,then I planned to visit her in late 2009. How regretable it is! She distributed her charm for all milongueros in the world. Although no one knew her own matters, it gave us courage and respect how she has been through by her own way. I know that there is Tango/milonga, there will be her soul. "two to tango" the wormest hug and kiss, Mena

I still can't believe she passed away.
I met her through the Japan Forum on CompuServe more than 10 years ago while I lived in Tokyo, Japan.
She was always energetic and humorous.
We're going to miss you a lot, Bibi-chan!

Dear Vivian's Family and Friends,

Just got the news and I am still in shock. I worked with Vivian for many years and will truly miss her. She was always full of so much energy and strength. As you all know, she was just a lot of fun to be around. Her laugh and smile will be with me forever.

Kip Townsend

Dear Vivian's Family and Howard,
We worked together on the Grand Hyatt Bali project from 1989 to 1991. You as the Project Architect and I as the Project Coordinator. This was the first contact. When I moved back to Chicago you invited me once to a dinner and I brought the peanut (sate) sauce. You have always been a tremendously dedicated and passionate professional from whom I learnt an awful big amount. You were so persistent and detail oriented, hard working and determined to deliver only the best. Last year February was our last face to face contact. At the bar of the Bellagio in Las Vegas. I wish all family and Howard much support during these tough days. Always in my heart. Bon courage.
Eugene.

preview of my posting I sent to tango-l last night. here is:

I am still lurking. If I get lucky, this will get through because I
loved Bibi as a friend, and I would suggest that all those who miss her
and would like to know who she was put "Bibi Wong" into google and you
will find umpteen postings of her in the tango-l archive, also her
professional profile and other links to her. I still have some photos of
me and her in my screensaver folder and maybe I should upload one to my
tribe.net album with a few words of farewell to a friend I respected
very much. Bibi had a way of looking stunningly pretty and perfect on
each and every photo of her and she had lots of them as she would travel
around the world, go to the milonga whereever she was, put her arms
around the shoulders of the people around her and have her picture taken
this way. I got to see all kinds of interesting tango dancers this way
that I had only heard about before.
I would like to say that Bibi Wong was also the one who in 2001 went to
Triangulo, New York and took a photo of Carlos Lima, and then went to
Club Canaro in Tokyo and took a photo of me, and sent those photos to
both of us. This was in the age when digital cameras were not so popular
yet but she had one, and this way Carlos and I could finally see each
other, after writing to each other almost every day for a year already.
This is one of the long kept secrets behind tango-L. ; )

Cheers
(is what Carlos used to say, where are you now, Carlos?)
Astrid, still in Tokyo

>> tanguera Vivian "Bibi" Wong passed away 9 days ago. Bibi was a
>> valued contributor to Tango-L for many
>> years. Thank you for letting us know.
>> Astrid proposed to forward the message below to Tango-L as well
>> [Astrid is not able to post to Tango-L herself any more]
>> What can we do to remedy that? I miss Astrid's colorful postings.
>>
>> Huck
>>
>>
>>

Stephen Brown wrote:
> Christian's photos remind me that Bibi knew that before anything else tango is a community based on an experience that we choose to share. That sense of community and sharing is something to cherish, no matter where we think that steps end or begin.
>
> With best wishes,
> Steve
>
>
>
>
>
>

from old friends at Tango-L and also ELtango yahoo group, USA and internationally
(Astrid lives in Tokyo and is German)

Dear Friends, Family, and Loved Ones of Vivian:

My condolences on this tragedy.

A life lived well, but much too short.

May you/we find strength at this time of loss.

Blessings,

Karl (Schaumburg, IL)

Im shocked to read this . I want to send lots of espiritual strenght to Vivi's close ones friends, and family.
From Argentina will always remeber her as a nice person.Sincerely,

Adieu Bibi et que dieu te reçoive dans son paradis éternel.

Dear Howard and members of Vivian'a family;
Caryn and i were very privileged to know Vivian and we shared some wonderful times together even when we all attempted to dance. Vivian has always been one of my heroes given her great courage and personal fortitude. She will remain in our prayers.

Howard,the Wong family and friends...We have lost a true gem. Viv is the strongest person I know. Even in her darkest moments she remained graceful and strong.

Viv and I were classmates in the early 80's at U of I graduate school. We shared so many classes and so many sleepless nights in studio/in front of slides and dancing at clubs. She spent the summer with me and my family after graduating with our Masters in 1984. I worked with Howard that summer and she then got the job with Howard after I left his firm. The rest is history.

Throughout nearly three decades I am happy to have stayed in touch, sharing some adventures, happiness and sadness in our interwoven lives.

We are lucky to share the love of music in our lives and have had lively conversations with my husband Richard Pierson about Buenos Aires, Tangos , Milongas. I remember her graceful moves across the floor, her witty sense of humor, and her courage. I will miss growing old without her our my life.

Tina Yu/Richard Pierson

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Dear Howard & Vivian's Family, I had the privilege of meeting Vivian at Glida's Club in Chicago and She has blessed my life richly and well be missed very much!!! She has been one of the people that has talked to me and encouraged me in my time with having Cancer myself!! I will never forget her as She was a great tower of Sthength for me and I know a lot more people too!!!

Dear Howard and Vivian's Family,

We are so sorry for your loss. Vivian was a courageous woman on the quest for a cure! She touched both of us. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Nurse Sheila and Dr. Randall McNally