John Kwan

John Kwan (Kwan Wah-Chong) was born on December 14, 1951 in the county of Hoiping (Kaiping) Guangdong, China. He was the second son of four to Kwan Shek Nga (Sam, father deceased 1982) and Der Ching Lan (surviving). John was born during a tumultuous time in China; the Chinese Civil War had just ended a few years earlier. He along with his family fled China to seek a better life in Hong Kong. John is survived by his brothers Peter, Micky (Lin) and Ken (Elisa). He was a very active young man. He often referred to himself as a fish and reminisced about swimming as a young boy. He loved being a social butterfly and listening to the Beatles.   

One fateful day while he was riding his bicycle a lorry driver swerved and hit him sending him flying. He was unconscious in the hospital for a few weeks. John was in and out of the hospital for the better part of the year following this accident with a series of mysterious fevers and ailments. He did not return to school after missing so many days after he recovered from his injuries.  

John went on to join the workforce at the age of 12 where he took on many jobs from jewelry maker to construction worker. He assisted with providing for his family as his father had gone overseas to establish himself in Canada. John eagerly waited for the day he could meet his father again as he hadn't seen him since he was three years old.  

His deepest wish came true in 1972 when John finally got to see his dad again. John met Joyce (nee Der) and after a short courtship they wed in 1974. Their Fathers had worked together in the past and encouraged the relationship because of the mutual roots and same hometowns. They eventually had two children Peggy Irwin (Jason-husband, Jarrett-Son, Alexis-Daughter) and Anthony Kwan. 

Once again John was able to overcome the odds. After just four months of opening their own restaurant business in Fillmore, Saskatchewan, the Kwan family had a single-car rollover in April of 1980. John suffered massive injuries to his head and body. He was comatose for over two months and in rehabilitation for almost a year. He defied the diagnosis and walked without any aides up until these last couple of years. John and his wife kept their business until the year 2000 when they decided to move to Regina to be closer to their children and grandchildren.  

John succumbed to cancer on May 11, 2020. He was lovingly surrounded by his wife and two children. He is also survived by numerous uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed. John’s legacy will live on in his children, grandchildren, and everyone he joked with.  

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, there will be a Graveside Service for immediate family only on Friday, May 15, 2020 in Woodlawn Cemetery, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. 

John had many charitable interests. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Kinsmen Telemiracle, Diabetes Canada or the Regina Humane Society.