It is with profound sorrow that the family of Kuei Hsing Pan announces his passing at the age of 85 on Monday, August 17th at Sunnybrook Hospital following a short battle with cancer. Kuei Hsing is survived by his beloved wife Nancy, and his cherished children, daughter Sandra (Ian), and son Jerry (Eileen). He was a loving brother to Emily (Mo-Fung), Sandra, Pi-Ping (Gene), Harold (Esther), and Ellen, who preceded him in death. He will be dearly missed by a large and loving extended family, including numerous nieces, nephews, and their children as well.

Kuei Hsing was born in 1940 in Guilin, Guangxi, China, to Choi Lin Lee and Tsung Wu Pan. The Pan family relocated to YungHe, Taipei, Taiwan, where he spent his formative years. Growing up in Taiwan, Kuei Hsing was devoted to his parents, sisters, and brother, sharing many joyful memories of a childhood within a tight knit family. Kuei Hsing was especially proud of his time at the R.O.C. Naval Academy. He often regaled his family with stories and lessons from his years as a naval academy student. Throughout his life, he remained a deeply committed patriot to Taiwan, for which he was recently awarded certificates of appreciation from the ROC Veterans Affairs Council and Overseas Community Affairs Council; accomplishments of which he was incredibly proud.

Kuei Hsing immigrated to Canada in 1968 and married the love of his life, Nancy, in 1973. They started a family and built a life together in Toronto. A devoted husband, father, son, and brother, Kuei Hsing was the epitome of sacrifice, always thinking of others before himself. He compassionately cared for family members throughout various illnesses, and demonstrated true sacrifice, and devotion. A logical thinker with an eye for beauty, Kuei Hsing spent his career as an architect with Kelman Associates, a position he continued with until his retirement, maintaining close relationships with those from the firm.

Throughout life’s adventures, Kuei Hsing remained an eternal optimist, drawing strength from his steadfast faith. He and Nancy devoted much of their lives around service at church. As music lovers, they served as members of the morning choir at Scarborough Chinese Baptist Church. He was a believer in the value of hard work and life long learning, frequently using his experiences and skills to serve and demonstrate his faith in many capacities. Kuei Hsing touched many lives, of all ages, in the SCBC community. He revelled in affectionately being referred to as “Uncle” by all.

Kuei Hsing’s vivaciousness continued to thrive with Nancy by his side, whether it was through their shared passion of ballroom dancing, travel, being the flag bearer for the Toronto ROC Veterans Association at the annual Warriors’ Day Parade, taking photos, participating in committees for issues dear to his heart, or simply tending to his spectacular rose and vegetable gardens.

Following his shocking diagnosis in June of this year, Kuei Hsing’s sense of hope, steadfast faith, and fighting spirit never wavered, serving as an inspiration for others. Even during the final stages of his journey, his kindness and ability to spread joy touched the hearts of those who cared for him.

On behalf of Kuei Hsing, his family would like to thank his talented and compassionate healthcare team from Sunnybrook’s Palliative Care Unit. The exceptional patient-centred care they provided, was a gift to Kuei Hsing and his loved ones in his final days. The family would also like to express heartfelt thanks for all the messages and prayers of love and support throughout these past few months. He made an impact on so many lives, and will be forever missed.

A memorial service celebrating Kuei Hsing’s life will be held on Saturday, August 29th, 10:00 am, at Scarborough Chinese Baptist Church, 3223 Kennedy Rd.