• The California Nevada Conference of the UMC
• News
• Obituaries

Rev. Leo Fong

2/18/2022

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 
It is with deep sadness that we inform you that our brother, Rev. Leo Fong, died on February 18, 2022.  
 
Leo served the following churches in California; Chinese UMC, Sacramento; Fellowship UMC, Vallejo; and St. Mark’s UMC, Stockton. He was appointed to ministries beyond the local church as a Child Welfare Worker for the Department of Public Assistance in San Joaquin County, and to Koinonia Productions. He retired in 1996.
 
Leo was born in Canton, China and migrated to the United States when he was five years old, settling with his family in Arkansas. Leo was a lifelong athlete and an accomplished martial artist, appearing in over 20 feature films where he demonstrated his skill. He appeared on the 10^th anniversary cover of Black Belt magazine and counted martial arts legend Bruce Lee among his friends. In addition to martial arts, film making was another creative outlet that Leo enjoyed. In more recent years he focused his creative energies on writing books and articles for publication. Always passionate about his faith, Leo believed that the three foundations of a good life were good nutrition, exercise, and a positive mental attitude which he cultivated through regular meditation and prayer.
 
Leo is survived by his wife Minerva, and by his children Toni Weybright of Pennsylvania, Stephen Fong of Seattle Washington, and Ishmael Tumaru of Saudi Arabia, and by 3 grandchildren. His son Curtis Fong pre-deceased him. Condolences may be sent to Minerva Tumaru-Fong at 6818 Nevada Avenue, Canoga Park, CA  91303.  
 
A date and time for a memorial service will be determined in April.
 
Gifts in memory of Leo may be sent to St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5619 Lindley Avenue, Tarzana, CA  91356, or St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 306 E. Clay St., Stockton, CA  95206.
 
Let us continue to give God thanks for Leo’s life and witness and hold his family close in prayer.  In our living and in our dying, we belong to God! (Romans 14:8)