Winston Quan

The family of Winston Quan, with heavy hearts, announce his peaceful death on March 10, 2024. He was deceased by his parents, Yok Leen Quan (1897-1962) from Hoi Ping, China and Eva Muriel McNab Quan (1920-1956) from the George Gordon First Nation.

He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Shelley Hamilton, his daughter Elizabeth Quan, her partner, Jan Guskjolen; grandchildren, Cayson, Bryleah, Navylynn; his sister, Lillian Quan Dyck, and nephew, Nathan Dyck.

Growing up he lived in many small towns in Saskatchewan and Alberta where his father ran the local Chinese café. Both he and his sister spent many hours working in the restaurant. His young years were not easy. He experienced many moves and racism.

He attended high school in Swift Current. Mr. A. John Dyer, a chemistry teacher encouraged Winston to go to university where he found his niche and blossomed.  He earned a B. Sc and master’s degrees in chemistry and then a B. Ed. During his university years, He took ballroom dance lesons and later became a dance instructor.

He taught high school chemistry in Dalmeny and Landis, and taught in the Chemical Technology program at SIAST. His true calling was goldsmithing for nearly 50 years. He served in several positions on the Saskatchewan Craft Council, including president. He was a founding member of Artisans Craft Market, and was a long-term member of the co-operative, Handmade House.  He shared his skills with a number of aspiring crafts people and encouraged them to take their skills to a more professional level.

Winston was brilliant and multi-talented man. He built a 10-inch telescope and shared his love of star gazing with many people. A life highlight was visiting the Mauna Kea observatory on the Big Island of Hawaii. He was thrilled to tour the observatory and to share viewing the stars through his telescope which he brought with him.

He was an avid hiker and ice climber in the Rockies in his younger years with a group of lifelong friends. He hiked and attended numerous gem shows in the Arizona area with his dear friend Gary Pool.

He vacationed to Hawaii, Cuba and Mexico and in addition to the usual sights, enjoyed snorkeling and the amenities of inclusive resorts.

He was thrilled to visit his dad’s home village and the Quan family library in China in 2009 with his sister and nephew.  While there, his hosts gave him the nickname, Playful Old Man, Loh Wan Tong.

All in all, he lived his life on his terms with curiosity and enjoyment. He died peacefully at home with his wife and daughter. We will miss him terribly but know that he is no longer suffering. He did not want a funeral or memorial but he will be in our hearts forever. A good way to remember him is to encourage and mentor the young people in your life. Give them support so they too can find their path.