Tan Huan Phoun, 92, Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he  passed away at 7:55 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2016 at his home.

Tan was born in Cantone, China on May 9, 1924.  He was the treasured son of Yuen and Kim Fong Phoun.

On Feb. 29, 1944, Tan Huan and Inh Lay were married. They enjoyed 72 years of life’s adventures.  From their union came eleven wonderful children,  including eight sons and three daughters.  The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of 26 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

As an entrepreneur, Tan owned and operated a hardware business in Laos for more than four decades.  In May of 1983 the Phoun family moved to the United States.  Settling in Plymouth, they opened a restaurant, Chi-Am Inn.  In  1991 Mr. Phoun opened Rochester’s original Chinese restaurant known as Chi-Am Gardens.  From within locals could enjoy delectable Chinese cuisine.  Tan oversaw the business  for 20 years until he retired in 2010. His son Cho known to customers as Joe, continues the family tradition as restaurateurs.

During Tan’s years in Taiwan he and Lay enjoyed travel worldwide. For a blend of business as well as vacationing some of their favorite destinations were Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Australia and various countries of Europe.   Tan enjoyed challenging family and friends to a good game of Mahjong, a Chinese domino game.  He was always at home at his kitchen command post cooking a creating culinary delights for his wife and family.  He also enjoyed relaxing by watching television and reading.

Left to cherish Tan’s memory is his loving wife of 72 years, Lay Inh Phoun; and his children: Yong K. Phoun (KY) of North Webster; Hung K. Phoun of Taiwan;  Chieu N. Chang of Plymouth; Lo K. Phoun (Weng) of North Dakota; Siem N. Yu (Jung) of Rochester,; Kent K. Phoun (Huey Ling) of Los Angeles, Calif.; Cho K. Phoun (Sue Ling) of Rochester;  Lieng K. Phoun (Sophie) of Rochester;  Mett N. Arone (Tao) of Rochester; Ting K. Phoun ( Lu ) of Iowa;  Moun K. Phoun of Las Vegas, Nev.; 26 grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; a sister:  Phan Nhuan Liou of San Diego.

Preceding Tan in death are his parents.

A celebration of the life of Tan Haun Phoun will be at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2016 at the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St., Rochester.  Pastor Jerry Pitman will  officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 4 -7  p.m. Tuesday, December 27 and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home.