Dr. Francis Patrick Kwan passed away peacefully at home on May 18, 2025, in Loveland, Colorado, at the age of 97. Born on December 19, 1927, in Sandakan, Borneo, his life was a remarkable journey across continents and through eras of profound change.

During World War II, Dr. Kwan’s family fled Borneo following the Japanese occupation. He was sent to a Jesuit boarding school in Macau, where the nuns helped arrange a scholarship for him to study in the United States. He arrived aboard the first troop ship carrying civilians after the war, and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. As an undergraduate, he co-authored an article in an organic chemistry journal—an early testament to his academic brilliance.

Awarded a full-ride scholarship to Northwestern University, Dr. Kwan earned his medical degree and embarked on a career that would span more than four decades. Prior to going into private practice, he was the Director of Infections Diseases for Milwaukee County. For the bulk of his career, he practiced pediatrics in Rapid City, South Dakota, specializing in cardio-thoracic care for children. His unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of young patients left a lasting impact on generations of families.

Dr. Kwan was preceded in death by his parents, James WoonLau Kwan and Soon Yee Lo; his sister, Angela Kwan; and his beloved spouse of 69 years, Bernice Kwan. Together, he and Bernice built a strong and loving family that continues to carry forward their legacy.

He is remembered with love by his children—James, Alex, Arden, Russ, and Mark Kwan—as well as by grandchildren Grace Harrison, Helen Wick, Mitchell Kwan, Lauren Carleson, and James F. Kwan; and great-grandchildren Frances Harrison, Dolores Harrison, and Slater Abel.

A private memorial service will be held to celebrate Dr. Kwan’s life and contributions.

Charitable donations in his name are welcomed to Friends of the Children – He Sapa, Humane Society of the Black Hills, Catholic Charities, or the charity of your choice.

Memorial Keepers (1)

William H. Mills