Kwan, Mon Fay
Mon Fay Kwan
On Wednesday, August 12th, 2020, Mon Fay Kwan, loving husband and father of four children, passed away at the age of 86 years.
Fay was born February 2nd, 1934 in Toisan, China. He immigrated to Canada in 1951 and settled in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan where he married his wife Pinky and they raised their four sons: Eugene, Glen, Gordon and Thomas. He began work at the National Cafe and eventually became a partner in the Landmark Restaurant. In 1987, he opened the Dugout Cafe and worked alongside his family until 2002.
Fay was known for his easygoing attitude, was quick with a smile and to make a joke. He had a passion for Chinese Opera, and enjoyed performing with the Chinese Athletic Club when his kids were young. He enjoyed watching football and hockey, and just spending time “hanging out” with his son Gordon.
Fay is survived by his wife, Pinky; children: Eugene, Glen, Gordon, Thomas and Thomas’ wife Amanda. Due to the current Covid-19 health situation, a Private Family Service will be held. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. James Murdock, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
I remember Fay’s wonderful smile, laugh and hospitality growing up in Moose Jaw. My father, Norman (Ruth) Burnett, and all our family so enjoyed eating at the National Cafe. I can still taste those wonderful Egg Rolls. We had the greatest respect for you and your family and in memory of Dad passing, we enjoyed Chinese Food from the National Cafe, which seemed so fitting because of Dad’s love for Chinese food and anything Chinese. I was sorry that he had passed when I visited China as he would have been so thrilled to have travelled with me and seen the culture first hand. You will have many wonderful memories and my blessings are with you. Elaine & Rae (brother) Burnett
As a kid growing up in Moose Jaw, I remember Uncle Fay performing Chines Opera at the Chinese Athletic Club’s annual Christmas variety show. His face painted with theatre makeup and clothed in silk embroidered colorful traditional operatic gowns, he would play both male and female roles enthusiastically. He was one of the pillars of the Moose Jaw Chines community and will be missed. Dear Tom, my thought are with you and your family.
Tammy Kwan
Regina SK
Dear Pinky, I am sorry to hear of your husband’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending big hugs.
Carole Parchman
The Moose Jaw Chinese community has lost one of the most active, dedicated, and prominent members in Fay Kwan. He had come over from Toisan, China to seek a better life and settled in Moose Jaw to work and raise his family. He was proud of his Chinese heritage. Even though he worked long hours at the restaurant, he still found time to ensure that his Chinese heritage and culture be maintained. He was an active member of the Moose Jaw Chinese Athletic Club and the Moose Jaw Chinese Association. He played Chinese instruments and performed Cantonese opera with great energy, enthusiasm, and humour. He would dress up in elaborate Chinese opera costumes and play both male and female roles. He and others in the Club and Association would help sponsor and support the Chinese dance groups, the Chinese singers, the martial art performers, and the lion dancers. He was one of the teachers who taught the Chinese children in the community how to speak, read and write Chinese at the Chinese school that the Moose Jaw Chinese Athletic Club/Moose Jaw Chinese Association set up. He used his talents to help at the Moose Jaw Multicultural’s MOTIF Festival at the Chinese pavilion. In his later years, he continued to support and attend as many of the activities put on by the Moose Jaw Chinese Association as he could. We would like to thank Fay for all that he has done for the Chinese community and for the community of Moose Jaw. He will be greatly missed but will be fondly remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Pinky, Eugene, Glen, Gordon, and Thomas.
Judy Quon, Moose Jaw Chinese Association
So sorry to hear about Uncle Fay. He was one of my dad’s closest friends and partner in crime at the National and Chinese Athletic Club. He always acknowledged me as Tap Quan’s oldest child and smiled when I spoke to him in Chinese. He played the funny parts and had those lines that made people laugh in those Chinese Cantonese Operas and variety shows my dad helped organize for the Chinese community. Anytime we saw one another, he always said my name in Chinese with a twinkle in his eye. My condolences to Aunty Pinky and the boys. I’m sad to find out he no longer walks this earth. May he find eternal rest with a merciful God.
He was a great guy. Condolences to the family