John Chan, 77

John Robert “Bob” Chan, 77, passed away Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 2:30 a.m. at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Bob leaves his beloved wife of 47 years, Karyn Chan (Conrad); his sister, MaryRae Wood; his twin brother, James F. Chan; his daughter, Sally Koenen-Mohl; his sons, Robert Chan and Thomas Chan; three grandchildren, Jack, Alexander and Madilyn; and many close friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Robert and Esther Chan (Reichert).

A man of strong faith, character and integrity, Bob was one of a kind. He lived every day to its fullest and believed with all of his heart that family was the most important part of life. As a loving husband and father, Bob dedicated his life to providing a positive environment for his family to thrive in. Bob fully engaged with every person he met, talking to them like they were a lifelong friend.

Throughout his life, Bob lived by the motto, "This too shall pass" and never sweated the small stuff. No matter what the situation, Bob helped his family, friends, and even strangers realize that life may come with many challenges, but there are always far more good days than bad days. Some of Bob's best and most cherished days were spent hunting and fishing with family and friends.

Bob was born and raised in Alexandria, where he was a very active member of the community and St. Mary's Catholic Church. Bob was an Eagle Scout as well as a member of The Knights of Columbus, The Lions Club and The Elks Club. In 1957 at the age of 22, Bob and his brother James joined their father in business at Bob's Clothes Shop, which became a fixture of Alexandria's Main Street. Everyone was welcome in the store and remembers the slogan "Bob and the Twins want to see you."

In 1965, Bob received a Starr-Edwards heart valve at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, and remained a strong supporter of the Mayo Clinic throughout his life. In 1992, Bob and James sold the family business. Bob moved his family to Arizona, where he and his wife Karyn became para-educators in the Paradise Valley School District. Bob loved his job and continued to share every ounce of himself with his students until his retirement in 2009.

Memorial services were held Saturday, March 2 at Hansen Desert Hills Memorial Park and Chapel, 6500 E. Bell Road in Scottsdale.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held during the summer in Alexandria, when Bob's ashes will be placed in the family mausoleum at St. Mary's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a donation in Bob's name be made to The Boy Scouts of America, The MS Society, or the Mayo Clinic.

To place an online condolence, please visitwww.hansenmortuary.com.

Arrangements are with Hansen Desert Hills Memorial Park and Chapel in Scottsdale.

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