On Wednesday, September 8, 2021, Tang Ngi Wah (Charles) of Edmonton, AB passed away peacefully in his sleep at the age of 82 after a brief battle with cancer. He leaves his wife Mok Wai Khuen (Wendy), his daughter Suzanne Yong and her husband Clement, his son Mark Tang, granddaughter Emily Yong, and grandson Nolan Yong.
Ngi Wah was born on September 29, 1938 in Singapore to Tang Cheok Sang and Chang Chai Siew, and was the eldest child in a family of six children. He studied abroad in Surrey, England to obtain his degree in civil engineering before returning to Singapore to practice as well as start his own engineering firm. On April 15th, 1968 he married Mok Wai Khuen (Wendy), and they had two children shortly thereafter.
Ngi Wah was a quiet and focused person who was not afraid to try new things. At an early age, through determination and natural ability, he excelled at athletics and was able to become an accomplished athlete in track and field winning many competitive events. His specialty was the 400 metre event.
While their children were still of school age, Ngi Wah and Wai Khuen decided to take a big adventure and move their family across the world to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They discovered the great outdoors, which he fell in love with.
Ngi Wah learned to downhill and cross country ski for the first time, became an avid fisherman and discovered camping. He loved the outdoors so much that he used his DIY skills to convert a passenger van into a camper van so his family could camp in comfort. He enjoyed fishing so much that he continued in the winter with ice fishing.
Of all the things he enjoyed doing, his favourite pastime was golfing which he took up in Singapore, and was a member of the Jurong Country Club. In Canada he continued to play golf and was so enamoured by the sport that he studied and received certification from the United States Golf Teachers Federation to be a golf teaching professional. He joined the Victoria Seniors Men’s Golf Club this Spring and was looking ahead to the golf season. If you couldn’t find him anywhere else, you knew to look for him in the nearby school field where he was practicing his swing.
During his most recent years, when not on the golf greens, you could find Ngi Wah meeting up with friends at McDonalds, taking long walks in his neighbourhood, running, practicing yoga, playing his harmonica, or sending interesting Youtube videos to his friends and family. He also had a creative spirit; he enjoyed watercolour painting, which he self taught and had a small exhibit at the Riverbend Library.
He had a quiet strength, determination, and encouraged others to persevere; he remained strong to the end. He was also known to try and persuade others to see his point of view, particularly regarding politics.
Ngi Wah is survived by his wife Wai Khuen (Wendy) of Edmonton, Alberta, his daughter Suzanne Yong and her husband Clement, his son Mark Tang, granddaughter Emily Yong, and grandson Nolan Yong, his brothers in Singapore Tang Ngai Foo (Simon), Tang Ngai Kin and wife April Tang, his sisters Tang Poh Ying, Tang Chue Ngan (Bernadette) and husband Chin Nee Yong (Peter), Tang Chue Kit, Seraphina Tang, and many nieces and nephews.
Serenity Funeral Service
Edmonton South
780 450 0101
Tribute wall - a place to share your memories and condolences
Joshua
A few days ago, I was deeply saddened to learn the demise of Charles Tang from the Internet. Charles was not only a good friend but he acted more like an elder brother to me.
We spent many days together in the 80s. Regardless of seasons, Charles taught me how to fish on many lakes (frozen or otherwise) in and around Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. And I remembered the day I had the chance to play my first golf game in Alberta with him too. In the third millennium, knowing his passion for golfing, I returned the favor by inviting him to play a memorable game of golf with me in Batam, Indonesia.
Charles was ever gracious in sharing his life experience during the times we bonded together. And, on many occasions, we had meals with his loving and hospitable wife Wendy and children Susanne and Mark over at his house. To this day, I hold dear such time spent together.
May Charles has eternal life with our Heavenly Father! And my deepest heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family.
Ong Keng Wan
Ngi Wah studied in Anglo Chinese School (ACS) and was an accomplished athlete. He was tall, soft spoken and always gentle. Ngi Wah was also in the 12rh Company, Boys’ Brigade at ACS. He attended church regularly at Barker Road Methodist Church until he migrated to Canada.
ANGELA PANTONY
Charles and I were neighbours at Riverbend Village in Edmonton. He was an active member of the Board of Directors and was a member of the community garden too. He shared with me his secret ingredient for fertilizer which was fish. He had some good peppers that year! Charles also planted a raspberry stick in our compost pile and it is a thriving bush now. I will miss your giant spider decoration on the wall of your balcony Charles. You added a lot of colour and passion to our Village, your friend Angela Pantony
Mok Mun Yin
Rest in peace, Uncle Ngi Wah. Thank you for the fishing trip in your converted caravan. Deepest condolences to Aunt Wendy, Suzanne and family, and Mark.