Our dearly beloved priest, brother, uncle, cousin and friend Fr. Norbert Choong Kai Chong was born on 6 June 1936 in Ipoh, Malaysia.  He was the son of the late Paul Choong Choon Hean and the late Mary Tsung Soo Khuan. 

He was preceded in death by three brothers, George, John and Joseph and two sisters, Magdalene and Elizabeth Choong.

He is survived by nine brothers and sisters, Philip, Josephine, Theresa and Francis Choong in Malaysia.  Michael, Agnes, Mary and Augustine Choong in Toronto, Canada and Nicholas Choong in Australia.

After completing his secondary education, Norbert attended the Police College in Kuala Lumpur and graduated as a police inspector. He served in various appointments in the police force over 10 years.  His last appointment was a law instructor at the Police Depot, Jalan Gurney, Kuala Lumpur.

Norbert attended the College General Major Seminary – Penang, Malaysia from 1967 – 1971. 

In 1972, Norbert took leave to deliberate on his vocation. He proceeded to read law in London. He was called to the English Bar by the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple in 1975 and called to the Malaysian Bar in 1976.  He practised law as a partner with the law firm of Messrs John Ang & Co. Norbert was active in the activities of the Bar and was a member of the Selangor Bar Committee.

Norbert entered Assumption Seminary Obiate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas USA from 1982 to 1984.  He was ordained on 28 December 1984 in the Diocese of Amarillo, Texas by Bishop Leroy Mathiesen at St. Joseph Parish. 

To quote from the obituary prepared for Fr. Norbert at the Requium Mass which took place at St Benedette Shrine Catholic Church, New Mexico on 29 April 2017:

“He was assigned to St. Joseph Parish as Parochial Vicar on  January 1 1985. Father was Pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Dimmitt, Texas from July 1989 to June 1993.  Father served in the Santa Fe Diocese at many parishes throughout Albuquerque celebrating Mass for the past 14 years.  Father had  a gentle, patient, loving spirit that reached out to everyone.  He was known for his jokes and stickers!!!  He was available to help whenever needed.

He fully celebrated Mass for 10 years on the 1st. Saturday at Gate of Heaven Chapel.

He helped Lily Stafford open “Hidden Treasures” in 2005, a home for women and children caught in domestic violence.  He personally supported it for 3 1/2 years. We will  miss your encouragement, joy and deep concern for us all. You have taught  us so much by your life! You have been the beacon of Christ light and love. “

Father Norbert was buried in the “GATE OF HEAVEN” Cemetery in the section reserved for priests of the Diocese of Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.