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Francis Kwan Obituary
December 19, 1927 - May 18, 2025
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 Kwanas 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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Francis Kwan
Sponsored by Viegut Funeral Home.
Paula Kemmis
July 10, 2025
I remember him as a Dr when I was a child. He was always kind and good.
Anjou Giri
June 17, 2025
Dr. Kwan was someone I did not have the honor to know much better. But as far as I know - he was an outstanding father and human being. May he rest in peace.
Dave R Johnson
June 15, 2025
So sorry to hear about doctor Kwans passing. Great friend and partner at RCMC. Our children's pediatrician. Crafty poker player as well. We will miss him. Condolences to the family. Dave r johnson md
Nancy Wood
June 6, 2025
What a sad coincidence to read this obituary of Dr. Kwan. Just the other day, my sister and I were reminiscing about the kind pediatrician our parents took us to in Rapid City. Dr. Kwan was a kind, caring, calming doctor, I recall. It is remarkable that he is still remembered so fondly after many, many decades. I send my condolences to his family.
Thomas Udager
June 4, 2025
Always a gentleman.
Anita valades
June 4, 2025
A wonderful man; outstanding Dr. who was there to help me through motherhood. Someone I have never forgotten. You are home.
Jennifer Green
June 4, 2025
So sad to hear of Dr.Kwans passing he was my pediatrician I have many fond memories of him and he was one of a kind but he took care of his patients cause that´s what drs do he did house calls which was amazing he was a very kind man and will be missed by all
Elmo Rosario
June 3, 2025
My sincere sympathy to the family. As a partner in the Rapid City Medical Center, I remember Francis as always being passionate about his profession and his patients. Elmo Rosario, MD
Deda Moe
May 31, 2025
We were so sorry to hear that Dr. Kwan had passed. He was my 2 sons baby doctor. He was a great Dr. and an amazing human being. He was kind and compassionate, my 2nd son was in the Nicu and I credit Dr. Kwan for being there for us. . I cried in his office when he retired. He will be dearly missed. My condolences to the Family.
Marilyn
May 30, 2025
Saved my second sons life when he got kidney disease and fever of 106. Was not expected to live. Dr. Kwan pulled him through at 18 months old. Without Dr. Kwan, I would have lost my two boys. He is forever in our hearts!
Marilyn
May 30, 2025
Saved my son´s life. Discovered burst appendix. I will treasure him always.
David Peterson family
May 30, 2025
We are so sorry to hear of Dr. Kwan passing. Our children will always remember how much he cared for them and so many others. He was a wonderful children´s doctor. God bless him.
Sheri Johnson
May 30, 2025
Dr Kwan saw my kids in the 70's. He was very kind. I also worked in the bookkeeping building behind the clinic. My heart and prayers are with the family. God said "it is time".
Lynn DeJong
May 30, 2025
I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a great man and Doctor. I worked with Dr Kwan and went to school with Russ. Prayers are with you.
Arlyce Krause
May 30, 2025
To the family of Dr. Kwan,
Dr. Kwan was our pediatrician for our daughter born almost 53 years ago in Rapid City. He was very kind and thorough.
Bill Evans
May 30, 2025
Dr. Kwan lived just a block from our family during my childhood, and he was my physician. He was a great doctor. I am glad such a wonderful man was able to live a long life....this is how it should be!
Larry and Carol Lewis
May 29, 2025
Dr. Kwan was a great pediatrician to our 3 kids. Thankful for his loving care. Rest in peace
Lori Reurink
May 29, 2025
Thank you for all the care you gave my brother, sister and me during our childhood.
Cindy Christenson (Campbell)
May 29, 2025
Dr. Kwan is fondly remembered by my family. He was not only my Pediatrician, but my boys as well. He and Dr. Bailey used to make house calls when I was young. Rest easy Dr. Kwan!!!
Alice Johnson
May 29, 2025
I worked with Dr Kwan at Rapid City Regional Hospital and admired his dedication to his patients and their families. His sense of humor made him a joy to work with. I wish his family peace as they grieve. He was wonderful.
Gene and Joan Bushnell
May 29, 2025
We extend our sympathy to his family. He was my 3 children´s Pediatrician beginning in 1965. He was a wonderful doctor! The Bushnells
Linda (Johnson) Ginter
May 29, 2025
Because I had to have heart surgery at age 5 Dr. Kwan was my doctor until I was 18 years old. He was a wonderful man. The world was a better place with him in it. He will be missed. Thank you Dr. Kwan for all that you did for me over the years.
Bobbie Honorable
May 28, 2025
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. What a beautiful tribute to you dad. Dr. Kwan took care of me as a child along with all my cousins. He then cared for my children and grandchildren. Three generations! He was truly one of a kind.
Bobbie Honorable, Rapid City, SD
Kathy colasardo
May 27, 2025
Mark, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad....
Steven Benn
May 26, 2025
I had the pleasure of working with Francis as a fellow pediatrician in Rapid City. I considered him not only a valued colleague but a dear friend as well. I am saddened to learn of his passing but feel privileged to have shared a small part of his life.
Dana Kreber
May 26, 2025
Dr Kwan was my mother´s pediatrician when I was born in 1965 and my little sister in 1972 . Just think of all the people he helped over the years
Stephen Kovarik
May 24, 2025
I am saddened by Francis´ passing. He was one of my Pediatric colleagues in Rapid City. He was also my Pediatrician when I was younger. He was a very cagey poker player as well. He will be greatly missed by all of us. He was a great human being.
Stephen Kovarik MD
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