Irene Chow
I loved Willie Pong as my own father. Death of anyone — or anything — you have loved is always hard to endure, however the love you feel will always perpetuate good memories. And these memories that I have of Willie will last my lifetime and even Michael’s lifetime and whomever we share these memories with for that matter.
I can recqll a time when I took Willie to the VA Hospital in La Jolla to help him sign up for his VA benefits in California. I also recall a time I took him to one of his regular VA medical appointments in Oceanside. Despite his arthritis in his knees and hands, the painful bone spurs in his neck, and his hearing loss, he would always say he never felt better with his big smile that always lit up his entire face, whenever the doctor asked how he was feeling. Her reply really resonated with me even to this day, when she said to me: “They don’t make ‘em like him anymore. I love him.” And that was my sentiment Exactly!
I’m sure we all carry very fond memories of Willie Pong — either our own or together as family or friends. He was my father-in-law and my guidance counselor. We shared many of our stories and regrets. He was my dinner date and my tacos and margaritas buddy. He always enjoyed the visits to Cougar Winery in Temecula — even though he didn’t really drink — and would always ask when I was picking up my wines. He just loved the beautiful drive there and the views. Most of all, he was an optimist. He would always say to me: “why not?” And, I still hear him loud and clear — even to this day.
