Norman Kwong remembered at public state memorial in Calgary

A public state memorial for former Alberta Lt.-Gov. Norman Kwong was held Tuesday, starting at 3 p.m. at the First Alliance Church in Calgary.

Kwong died at his home in Calgary on Sept. 3 at the age of 86.

READ MORE: Alberta’s former Lt.-Gov. and football star Norman Kwong dead at 86

Known among family and friends as the so-called “China Clipper,” Kwong was the first Canadian of Asian heritage to play for the CFL when he joined the Calgary Stampeders in 1948. When he retired from football in 1960, he held over 30 CFL records.

Kwong moved to the private sector and spent the next few decades in sales, mainly in commercial real estate.

WATCH: Premier Rachel Notley said in many ways, Norman Kwong “personified what is great about Alberta.” Gord Gillies looks back at his life and many accomplishments.

1:14 Remembering former Alberta Lt.-Gov. Norman Kwong

He then served as Lt. Gov. of Alberta from 2005 to 2010, becoming the first Chinese Canadian to hold the position in Alberta.

Kwong is survived by his wife, Mary, his four sons, Greg, Brad, Marty and Randy and ten grandchildren.

READ MORE: State funeral planned for former Lt.-Gov., CFL pioneer Norman Kwong

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked donations be made to the Hon. Norman L. Kwong Memorial Fund online through Calgary Foundation (select:  Hon. Norman L. Kwong Memorial Fund), established to support youth in sports.

In addition, condolences are being welcomed on a tribute page created by the Government of Alberta.

BELOW: Norman Kwong Memorial Service Program

With files from Sarah Offin and Phil Heidenreich