Guo Yuan He, 90, of Knoll Top Court, Arkport, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning (August 12, 2026) at home with loved ones.

Born in Suzhou, China on November 29, 1935 to Bo Ming He and Hui Ying Zhang, Guo Yuan immigrated to the United States in 1994. He was the second of four siblings, each of whom remembers him for his generosity, loyalty, and fierce dedication to the family. During his years in China, Guo Yuan was an attorney to a glass factory workers' union, a vocation which allowed him to bring his passion for helping others to his working life.

Following the death of his first wife, Jin Yu Zhong, Guo Yuan followed his daughter, Esther "Wei" Haines, to the United States, where he resided for thirty-one years. Guo Yuan spent his early years in the US in the Rockland County, NY area, where he met his late wife, Beth Haines-He, shortly after arriving in the States. He eventually settled in Canisteo, NY, where he lived with his wife until suffering from a serious stroke in 2013.

As a member of the Canisteo community, Guo Yuan was known for his sociability. Though he did not speak English fluently, he always found his own way to connect with people despite the language barrier. Prior to his stroke, which left him paralyzed on one side, Guo Yuan would ride his bike daily into town, where he would grab a Diet Coke and an anchovy slice from the local pizza shop. Along the way, he would always make the time to chat with neighbors and other members of the Canisteo community. His family continues to be inspired by, and in awe of, his gift for making friends in the most unlikely places. Though proudly Chinese, Guo Yuan also loved America and American culture. He loved watching westerns, especially if they starred his favorite actor, John Wayne.

Above all, Guo Yuan would want to be remembered for his art, which brought much joy not only to his family, but to the local community as well. A trained artist and master calligrapher, Guo Yuan sought to make the beauty of Chinese brush painting available to all; art, he believed, was something anyone was capable of. He frequently visited local schools to teach guest lessons on Chinese calligraphy. Prior to his stroke, he had been teaching monthly calligraphy lessons at the Wimodaughsian Free Library in Canisteo.

Guo Yuan is predeceased by his parents, his first and second wife, his younger sister Xue Mei He, and his beloved daughter-in-law Ann E. Haines. He is survived by his daughters, Esther "Wei" Haines (Todd) of Arkport and Anna "Qing" He of Suzhou, China; his brother, Guo Bao He of Suzhou and sister Xue Zhen He of Suzhou; and his grandchildren, Rachel Haines of Arkport, Jonathan Haines of Arkport, and Grace Fan of Pittsburgh, PA.

A private burial will be held at the convenience of the family. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hornell YMCA Music and Arts Program.

Funeral arrangements are with the Brown & Powers Funeral Home in Hornell.

To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook @ Brown Powers FH