By Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat
Philanthropist Robert Fung Kuan, founder of the Chinese fastfood chain Chowking Food Corp., passed away on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. He was 70.
“Know what is enough,” Kuan was quoted in his famous speech at the Rotary District 3820. Kuan relinquished part of Chowking as he pursued more philanthropic works.
“God continues to use us as a blessing for others. It is not a misery to give,” he said as he espouses giving back to society and community.
“By sharing and giving, your business will continue to prosper and be blessed by our God.” But it is not mere giving, he urged Rotarians to “give with a cheerful heart.”
Kuan also has a passion to provide the best education for children. Aside from being chairman of the board of St. Luke’s Medical Center College of Medicine,he also served as trustee of Far Eastern University and Brent International School.
In an emotional Facebook post by Kuan’s son, Robert Kelvin Kuan cited his father’s accomplishments, calling him an exceptional leader and role model in various fields, devoting his life to church ministry, business, medicine, education, sports, philanthropy and so much more.
“A passionate entrepreneur with a visionary mindset, tempered with humility and a thirst for life, people know Dad as a warm soul--strong, principled, with a big heart. He led an extraordinarily remarkable life, filled with much love and great food, and had been a gifted mentor, loyal friend, devoted husband, brother, father and grandfather,” said the younger Kuan.
"He is survived by our loving mom Yvonne, siblings Joseph, Helen and Choleng, children Robert Kelvin and Reah, Natalie Cherubim and Randy, Jeremy Giancarlo and Dennis Ann and Sherwin Spencer and Kathleen Joan and grandchildren Raphael Karlos, Louis Yñigo, Kenzo Nicolai, Kara Ysabelle, Yale Quinzel and Venice Skye."
He thanked all those who sent their prayers and outpouring of love and support for his father and their family in this difficult time.
“We are grateful too that you have been a part of Daddy's life journey and have touched his life in one way or another. We encourage you to carry on the memory of his legacy, to not be afraid to dream big, to always have a vision to guide you, and to give our best back to society and humanity,” he concluded.
Mr. Kuan wished to be cremated and his remains will be brought to some of the institutions that meant so much to his work, his ministry and his life. As such, here is the schedule for Robert's Celebration of Life:
Schedule of Urn Viewing for Roberto F. Kuan (71 years old).
Sept 16 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm
St. Luke's College of Medicine Auditorium, E. Rodriguez Quezon City
Sept 17 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Trinity University of Asia, E. Rodriguez Quezon City
Sept 18 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Cathedral of St. Mary and St. John, E. Rodriguez Quezon City
Sept 19 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
SLMC-GC Chapel, 5th floor, St. Luke's Medical Center Global City
Sept 20 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
The Church of the Holy Trinity, Forbes Park, Makati
Sept 21 Inurnment (time to be finalized)
The Church of the Holy Trinity, Forbes Park, Makati
All masses from Sept 16-20 will be at 6:00 pm. Inurnment will be on Friday, Sept 21.
For those who wish to offer flowers, they may send them directly to the Church of the Holy Trinity, Forbes Park, Makati starting Monday, Sept. 17.