February 10, 1929 – March 24, 2024

Joe departed peacefully in his sleep on the evening of Sunday, March 24, 2024, at the Bow View Manor in Calgary at the age of 95 years. Born in Kaiping, Guangdong, China, amidst the turmoil of civil war, Joe's journey was shaped by historical upheavals that included the Japanese Occupation and Communist Revolution. His father, Hoy Gee Quan, residing in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, faced the harsh realities of the Chinese Immigration Act of 1923 - 1947, which barred the immigration of Chinese individuals to Canada. Joe was virtually fatherless. His early years were marked by hardship - losing his mother, two brothers, and a sister amidst the chaos of war in China. Names and times never to be recalled as they are lost in a child’s mind. He endured famine and survived through the goodness of the people in the village. Joe married “Helen” Sun Mei Woo in a ceremony in Hong Kong in February 1958 prior to embarking on a new chapter in Canada. Their first encounter with Hoy Gee Quan awaited them in Gull Lake, as they stepped off the train in May 1958. Eventually settling in Swift Current, Joe found a welcoming community and opportunities to thrive. His entrepreneurial spirit led him through various ventures, from working as a cook at establishments like Kurt's Kentucky Fried Chicken, The Venice Café, The Healy Hotel, the Saskatoon and Winnipeg Marigold Restaurants; owning and operating Riverdene Groceries to co-founding the Golden Garden Restaurant and Confectionary. Known for its delectable cuisine and warm ambiance, the Golden Garden became a staple of the community. Joe's dedication to his craft was unmatched. From dawn till dusk, he could be found orchestrating the kitchen's symphony, ensuring every dish was a masterpiece. He would purchase and prepare ingredients, cook the lunch hour session, then home for an afternoon nap, returning to cook the supper and evening sessions. Mah-jong was often played in the basement during the quiet hours. The day ended past midnight. His day off was Monday when the restaurant was closed. His daily transportation, which was one of the delivery cars, a white Chevy Malibu station wagon emblazoned with the restaurant's logo and telephone numbers, became a familiar sight in Swift Current. Beyond his culinary pursuits, Joe's commitment to family and his children’s education was unwavering. Despite lacking formal schooling himself, he prioritized providing his children with opportunities he never had. Their upbringing was a testament to his values of hard work, integrity, and generosity. In retirement, Joe and Helen relocated to Calgary in 1998, embracing new adventures while cherishing time with loved ones. An active member of the Lung Kong Association, Joe exemplified the Association’s virtues of loyalty, righteousness, kindness, and courage. Joe's legacy lives on through his beloved wife of 67 years, Helen, his five children: Larry (Michelle), Gina, Grace (Peter) Thé, Peter (Heather), and Donna (Harley) Ruder, as well as his eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. A Private Funeral Service will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Bow View Manor for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of “Joe” Yoke Leung Kwan to The Brenda Strafford Foundation Ltd. dedicated to senior care facilities in Calgary and Okotoks, are appreciated. The link to the donation page can be found on www.thebsf.ca. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.

FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL
FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM
Telephone: 403-297-0888
Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial