John Kuan Huie
February 2, 1926 - December 18, 2025
John Kuan Huie, who was very proud and happy to have maintained an active, healthy and independent lifestyle at the age of 100 (as per Chinese calendar and traditions), passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 18, 2025, in Rocklin, California, surrounded by his loving family.
John was a devoted husband and loving father whose greatest joy in life was his family. As it grew to include spouses, significant others, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, his heart expanded just as generously. He often expressed how deeply blessed and grateful he felt, and his love and kindness embraced them all.
John was born in China on February 2, 1926. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Sau. Together they were blessed with three children—Chuck, Susie, and Wayne. The family immigrated to Stockton, California in 1962, where they later welcomed Daniel, Peter, Andrew, and Vera, further enriching their close-knit household.
During his early years in Hong Kong, John worked at a Chinese medicinal shop preparing herbs and traditional medicines. He later found employment at the Hong Kong Electric Laundry Company, often traveling by ferry to work and spending several days away from home to support his family. After coming to the United States, John continued to work tirelessly, always learning and striving to better himself so he could provide for those he loved.
John began his career in America at Stockton’s well-known Islander Restaurant, where he was hired as a dishwasher and later advanced to the position of cook. He went on to become a partner and chef at the Far East Café. He later joined the popular Sampan Chinese Smorgy where he served as head chef for many years, up until his retirement. His chow mein and Chinese chicken salad were legendary among patrons, who agreed his dishes were truly “second to none.”
In 2001, John and Sau moved to Rocklin, California, where they spent their retirement years enjoying the comfort of family and the community around them. John treasured simple daily pleasures: morning walks, practicing Tai Chi, reading Chinese newspapers, and dining out with his children. These routines reflected his lifelong discipline, curiosity, and appreciation for life.
John had a deep and enduring passion for Tai Chi and took great pride in practicing and performing it with a group in Stockton. After relocating to Rocklin, he continued his dedication to the art and discovered a new calling in sharing it with others. At his neighborhood park, he taught morning Tai Chi exercises to hundreds of students who were inspired by his vitality and gentle spirit. One admirer even created a Meetup page for his class, allowing his teachings to reach an even wider audience.
John was profoundly loved and respected by his students and friends, who will remember him not only for his skill, but for his patience, humility, and warmth. His influence touched countless lives, and his legacy of congeniality, enthusiasm, perseverance and generosity will live on in all who knew him.
Sau passed in May of the same year, 2025. John and Sau are survived by their children Chuck (Aida), Susie (Kevin), Wayne (Laura), Daniel (Vivian), Peter (Julie), Andrew (Debby) and Vera (Mark). They are also survived by their twelve grandchildren, Dr. Ashley (Dr. Andrew), Amelia (Brandon), April, Gina (Kelly), Kristina, Linda (Kevin), Philip (Sarah), Kyle (Brenda), AJ (Brittany), Jessica, Brandon and Kayla.
In addition, they are survived by fifteen great-grandchildren: Olivia, KJ, Kiana, Kole, Kaie, Kodi, Konor, Kali Sau, Xavier, Saoirse, Theodore, Liam, Amelia, Elizabeth, and Adeline — with more expected in 2026.
VISITATION AND SERVICE:
A visitation will be held at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home in Lodi, CA on Monday, January 19, 2026 from 10:00am – 12:00 pm. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 pm, with a Celebration of Life after the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association via this link https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/HUIEFAMILY
Friends and family are also able to donate by texting HUIEFAMILY to 71777 (message and data rates may apply)
or to the Chinese Benevolent Association. Donations can be made in memory of John K. Huie to CBA, 212 East Lafayette St, Stockton, CA 95203.
Condolences may be left in John’s online guestbook at https://www.cherokeememorial.com
