Peter Wong

At Promenade Along The Rockies, 1985

Peter Wong
aka Suzie Wong
29 Jan 1955 - 23 Sep 2007
Foggy City Dancers
Midnight Squares
Western Star Dancers

Obituary

Suzie Wong (a.k.a. Peter Wong), the Absolute XXXV Empress of San Francisco, died peacefully on Sunday morning, September 23 after a battle with cancer. He was 52.

Born January 29, 1955, in Hong Kong, China, Mr. Wong moved to New York with his family during his early childhood and was there through his early 20s. He came to San Francisco and quickly became involved with various social and charitable community groups, including the Imperial Council of San Francisco. He belonged to the square dance association; the San Francisco Grand Ducal family, where he was elected the Sweet Sixteen Grand Duchess; and was a member of Mama's Family. In 2000, Mr. Wong, in his drag persona Suzie, was elected the Absolute Empress XXXV and served with Emperor XXVIII A.N. John Carrillo. Theirs was the "Millennium Dynasty Court of Integrity and Diversity."

"She was loved by everyone," said Absolute Empress XXV Marlena. "It's a great loss."

Mr. Wong was a member of various nonprofit boards, such as the AIDS Emergency Fund and the Imperial Council of San Francisco. He held numerous fundraisers for API Wellness Center, Positive Resource Center, AEF/BCEF, Night Ministry, and Tenderloin Tessie Holiday Dinners to name but a few.

Suzie was well known throughout the International Court system as a gracious and welcoming individual. He is survived by his partner of 17 years, Ric, and his mother, sister, and relatives in New York City and Hong Kong.

Carrillo noted that, "All of us have been truly touched by his sincerity, integrity, 'being a simple girl' and he will be greatly missed."

At press time, plans for a local memorial had not been finalized.
— Cynthia Laird^[1]