Kevin Pha Guffy

Kevin Guffy passed away peacefully early Sunday morning on May 3, 2026, in his daughter and son in law's home in Gastonia, North Carolina.

Kevin was born on January 27, 1956, to William and Bernice Guffy, in Portland, Oregon. As a kid, he loved his neighborhood, recounting stories of playing in the surrounding streets and woods, loving football, and boasted about being the fastest sprinter in middle school. By the time he was in high school, he had a full-fledged love affair with the guitar and the music of the late 60's and early 70's. Music became his passion. He went on to be known as the "Blues Guy", however, he also wrote/performed rock, pop, funk and jazz. In the 1990s, Kevin performed in local venues throughout Portland and Seattle. He was a household name in the local blues scene. His passion and talent took him touring to Istanbul, Korea, Mainland China and Hong Kong, where he lived the last 20 years. He played regularly in clubs and venues in Hong Kong, such as JJ's, the Foreign Correspondents Club, the Peel Fresco, and the Visage One, bringing his joy and passion of music to people across the globe. He was featured several times on Hong Kong's public radio, RTHK, his friends recalling him as "a natural at radio chat." His love for music and teaching, led him to becoming a guitar mentor for many students across the city of Hong Kong. Raising his daughter, his sobriety journey and the impact he had on his students and fellow musicians are his biggest achievements.

Kevin is survived by his daughter, Haley; his son in law, Nick; his grandson, Jude; his sister Gayle, her husband Mike; and his former wife, Lisa; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins; and countless friends and students whose life he deeply inspired.

At this moment, no service is planned. Kevin is being celebrated and revered within his daughter's home. We will eventually honor Kevin with music and fun on the West Coast and Hong Kong in the coming years and will let his community know then. If you want to connect with and celebrate the life's work of Kevin Guffy, his music is available on YouTube and Spotify.

Condolences may be shared online at: www.greenefuneral.com.