A memorial service and scattering of ashes will be held Aug. 12 for Michael Tongg, a longtime waterman, paddler, lawyer and family man.

Tongg, a former Hokule'a crew member who also was president of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association, died July 13 at his Niu Valley home after a four-year battle with lung cancer. He was 63.

"I'd like my dad to be remembered most for his dedication to whatever he was involved with," said Stacy Tongg, one of Tongg's four children.

The memorial service will be at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel's coconut grove. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and the service will begin at 11:30 a.m.

A scattering of ashes will be held from Hokule'a at the "Tongg's" surf break near Diamond Head at 3:30 p.m. The family invites people to a celebration-of-life reception from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Anuenue Canoe Club site, next to the Hilton Hawaiian Village lagoon. For more information, go to www.tongg.com.

In April friends organized a tribute to Tongg called "Paddle From The Heart." More than 300 paddlers participated in the canoe race, which was a money-raising event for the Tongg family.

Tongg gave from his heart every day, said Jan Tongg, his wife of 33 years. Over the years the Tonggs cared for more than 50 foster children, providing them a roof and a safe haven.

"He looked like a bear on the outside, but he was a pussycat on the inside," Jan Tongg said. "He had a big, big heart for people and that's why he was always there to help anyone and everyone.

"When he saw a need, he couldn't turn it down. Our house was always open."

While many of Tongg's friends remember him for his paddling and ocean sports, his family and others say he was also passionate about his work as a family law attorney.

"He personalized all his cases," Family Court Judge Frances Wong said. "The cases became very real to him. It wasn't just another job, another case or another child."

The family chose to hold the memorial at the Royal Hawaiian because that's where Jan and Mike Tongg met in the 1970s, Jan Tongg said. She was a tour guide, he a hula boy/cameraman.

The day before the service the Tongg family will celebrate the wedding of their youngest son, Matthew.

"It's a full circle," Jan Tongg. "We'll be sticking together."

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to "Friends of Michael Tongg." Donations may be mailed to First Hawaiian Bank, P.O. Box 3200, Honolulu, HI 96847 or to Janice Tongg, 5653 Pia St., Honolulu, HI 96821. For those wishing to make a direct bank wire, e-mail Wendy Villanueva at wvillanueva@fhb.com.

Reach Suzanne Roig at sroig@honoluluadvertiser.com.