exerpt from Honolulu Advertiser article: "Tongg, one of the most influential figures in the sport of canoe paddling, died on July 13 after a four-year battle with lung cancer. He was 63.
"The first thing I hope he's remembered for is being a family man and that he loved the Lord," said his wife, Jan. "But he also loved the ocean, and anything and anybody associated with the ocean."
Tongg was a former champion paddler who later became an instrumental administrator in the sport..."