John Seto (1949-2026)

John Seto, 77, passed away peacefully in August 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He leaves behind his two sisters, one brother, three nephews, two nieces, two daughters, four grandchildren and innumerable friends and compatriots from his almost eight decades of life.

John was born on April 13, 1949 in Guangzhou, to Fong Seto and Kow Goon Yee Seto. The fourth and youngest of his siblings, Gene, Helen, and Lillian, he was known as a dreamer and an instigator, and he described his childhood in the wake of the Chinese Revolution as a bit of a "street urchin," catching animals in local creeks and making general mischief.

Immigrating to the US at the age of nine, John embodied his own unique combination of Eastern and Western cultures, languages, practices, and idiosyncrasies.

John married Ann Wilson in 1976, and they traveled and lived in Taiwan, London, and the US, welcoming daughters Lauren in 1978 and Katy in 1983. After his education in California, Asia, and Europe, John's interest and expertise in Asian art saw him employed in Alabama, Florida, and Ohio, before returning to his final home back in California. His professional life was dedicated to the support, promotion, and appreciation of Asian art and culture, leaving a legacy of advocacy through his time with the California Arts Council.

In retirement, John was known as a steadfast devotee and even slight evangelist for the contra dancing community. Known for his smile, his welcoming demeanor, and his zeal, he traveled the length of California and the US to enjoy dancing with old friends and fresh faces. Taking his life of advocacy and non-profit knowledge into retirement, he was also an organizer, fundraiser, and leader in the contra dancing community. He was known by his neighbors and friends for his generosity, work ethic, and green thumb-- happy to lend a hand, lift a bag of soil, or help out a friend in need.

John lived a life characterized by curiosity, creativity, and unapologetic independence. He will be remembered for his love of dance, art, animals, and plants, for his particular and stubborn way of seeing the world, and for making the people around him a little more curious about it. He is survived by his family, as well as many friends who will continue dancing, learning, and telling stories about him for years to come.

John Seto spent much of his life following music, art, and interesting people wherever they led. In keeping with his personality, no formal ceremony will be held, and in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the California Arts Council or Country Dance and Song Society.