Kenneth L. Thong's Obituary
Kenneth K. L. Thong, 99, passed away peacefully on Aug. 7, 2023. He was born in Indonesia on Sept. 9, 1923 to Khioek San and Khoen Kie Thong. During WWII, Ken served in the Dutch Navy on the Kota Inten, a troop ship commissioned by the USA. He graduated from the Milwaukee School of Engineering with a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, and from the University of Wisconsin with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering before starting work as a Plant Engineer for the J.I. Case Co. in Burlington, Iowa.
When he married his wife, Flora Lum, he moved to Hawaii. Ken worked as an Engineer at the Honolulu Iron Works from1960, and later was employed by the City and County (C&C) of Honolulu in 1967. In 1973, Ken was promoted to Chief of the Electrical and Maintenance Services Division of the C&C’s Department of Transportation before retiring in 1994.
Ken and Flora took many trips throughout the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Far East, and South America. Ken attributed his long life to exercise and being married to a nutritionist. As a young boy, he played soccer and later in life enjoyed jogging, going to the gym and swimming.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Flora, his brother Khin Hioeng Thong, and many generations of nieces and nephews. He was a beloved husband, uncle and friend.
A memorial service will be held at Diamond Head Mortuary Chapel on Friday, Sept. 8, 2023. Visitation 9 a.m., Service 10 a.m. Inurnment to follow at the Diamond Head Memorial Park at 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers and monetary gifts, donations may be made to the St. Philomena Church in Honolulu or the American Heart Association.
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