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MICHAEL ALAN POI WO TONGG, a loving husband, father, man of God, and accomplished waterman passed away on July 13, 2007 of lung cancer at his home with family and friends at his side. He was the son of Ruddy Fah Tongg, one of the foremost Chinese businessman in Hawaii and founder of what is now known as Aloha Airlines, and Violet Chun Tongg. Michael became prominent in his own right as well as respected family and juvenile law attorney, as a champion outrigger canoe paddler and guiding force behind the development of the sport to where it is today, not only locally in Hawaii but internationally, and as president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and crew leader on the Hokule’a’s epic voyages to Tahiti, Rarotonga, New Zealand, Rapa Nui and many more. Michael practiced family law for more than two decades and firmly believed that you could learn anything if you were open to the idea. Michael was a student, educator, and mentor. Throughout his life, Michael and Janice lovingly welcomed numerous foster children into their home and family. Circuit Court Judge Michael Town, a long-time family friend and former senior judge of the Family Court, said this about Michael’s widely respected family and juvenile law practice. "Mike was a healer and steady force in the lives of children and families in legal and social distress. His careful advocacy was inspirational and admired by the family court bench and bar. He modeled integrity and civility even in the toughest cases. Mike believed each child was a ‘teachable spirit.’ He would take extra time to teach, coach and mentor even the toughest kid. Many, many of his charges went on to surprise everyone and graduate from high school, go to college, join the military and/or the work force. His legacy to these children, many of whom are now very successful parents and citizens, will never be forgotten." Michael was a member of the Board of Directors of the non-profit organization EPIC `Ohana Conferencing since 1998 and for the last three years served as President of the Board of Directors. He brought an extraordinary amount of skill as an advocate for the children of Hawaii with his insight, foresight, profound compassion, infectious enthusiasm, wonderful sense of humor, and tireless energy and commitment. He lived the values he espoused. Perhaps most telling is the numerous messages of love and sympathy that come from those in Hawai`i’s disadvantaged communities that he served so selflessly and well. Michael truly was a great leader and advocate for the less fortunate in our society. He has made Hawai`i a more humane, just, and compassionate place. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. A canoe paddler, coach, contributor, and fan to the world of outrigger canoe paddling -- Michael paddled with teammates Nappy Napolean, Rabbit Kekai, Blue Makua Jr. and the Waikiki Surf Club crews that won the prestigious Moloka`i Hoe in 1966 that featured twenty-foot seas and forty miles per hour gusts across the Kaiwi Channel. He also won the Moloka`i Hoe in 1969 and 1973, and later served as race director for that event. Michael coached and paddled for Waikiki Surf Club and Anuenue. For nearly twenty-years, Michael was the president of the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association and past president and board member for the International VAA Federation. He hoped to one day have canoe paddling in the Olympics. His steadfast leadership and dedication to the sport was unmatched. Uncle Mike was born for deep sea voyaging aboard the Hokule`a and was truly at peace on the ocean and in the canoe. He led the Polynesian Voyaging Society as President for many years with his profound passion and tremendous knowledge and insight for all things related to the ocean. Uncle Mike worked with many groups and always was a patient and natural team player making each voyage a success. As a crew leader, he tirelessly assisted Captains and Navigators in completing many voyages over 40,000 plus deep sea miles. Uncle Mike had an inner strength that was indestructible, while always maintaining a positive outlook and a deep sense of caring for others. Uncle Mike’s smile provided warmth and protection for those who needed it and his legacy will forever be a part of the Hokule`a and the voyaging community. The Tongg Ohana would like to express our deepest appreciation to all those who have kept dad in their prayers, as well as all of us in your hearts. God has truly blessed us to be loved by such a profound man and will miss him tremendously. Thank you dad for your never-ending love. We will keep you in our hearts and prayers. Michael Tongg is survived by his wife Janice; sons, Michael Jr. and Matthew; daughters, Malissa Ka`awa and Stacy; brothers, Tenney and Ronnie; sisters, Geraldine Kam and Trudie Kiessling; grandson Kainoa; numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins. A memorial service will be held at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel on Sunday August 12th, 2007 with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and service beginning at 11:30 am. The scattering of ashes will be from the Hokule`a at Tongg’s surf spot at 3:30 p.m. Please join the family for a celebration of life reception, next to the Hilton Lagoon, at the Anuenue canoe club at 5:00 p.m. For more information visit www.tongg.com. Aloha Attire.
DONATION INFORMATION In lieu of flowers, donations may be made by sending a check made payable to “Friends of Michael Tongg” Please mail donations to either:
For those wishing to make a direct bank wire, please email Wendy Villanueva at wvillanueva@fhb.com |
