CELEBRATION OF LIFE
FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2023 at 1:30 pm
SEQUOIA CENTRE AT MCCALL GARDENS
4665 FALAISE DRIVE, VICTORIA BC
Bob Leong Kai Lee, age 88, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2023 at the Victoria Chinatown Care Home.
Predeceased by his father, Lee Hoy, his mother, Sui Tai Mui, older brothers, Leong On and Leong Choy. He is survived by his wife, Teresa Oi Lin and daughters Josie (Claude), Jess (Greg), sons Chris, Larry (Yoko), grandchildren Zeina, Lisette, Nooran, Janessa, Kai and Jay.
Bob was born in Guangdong, China. He was the 3rd and last son born to Lee Hoy and Sui Tai Mui. He, his mom and middle brother fled China in his early years during the war. In 1953 he emigrated to Fiji Islands to join his father and older brother. Eventually the whole family were together in Fiji. There, Bob met Teresa through friends. They married on May 30, 1959. They had 4 children – 2 girls – (Josie and Jess) and 2 boys (Chris and Larry).
Bob had a general merchandise store in Lautoka, Fiji. He, his wife, Teresa and 2nd brother worked hard, tirelessly managing the store. He had one employee, Singh. They delivered goods to customers while his mother and Teresa took care of the children. He loved taking photos with his camera and developing the black and white photos himself.
In 1970, Bob moved his family to Canada to seek a better life. He landed in Vancouver then Victoria where his older brother was already established. In 1971, Bob purchased a grocery store and called it Riteway Grocery. He and Teresa worked long, hard hours to save money for their family.
In 1992, Bob retired from the grocery business. He loved fixing things around the house. He enjoyed going to Tai Chi and socializing with the
other elders there. He enjoyed listening to Cantonese opera on his cassette/radio player. Even though he was quiet, he was a jokester and had a good sense of humour.
He spent his final years at the Victoria Chinatown Care Centre. The staff loved Bob, saying how courteous he was. The family wishes to thank Dr. Snodgrass and to all the wonderful staff at Victoria Chinatown Care Centre for their care and compassion.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria BC, on Friday, March 10 at 1:30 pm, interment to follow at Royal Oak Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob Lee’s memory may be made to the Victoria Chinatown Care Centre. If you are unable to attend in person, please join us virtually via zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84216635165?pwd=WW96ZDdxdm0xSzlJUmY5S3FzSjE4UT09
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Mary Mackay (Fong)
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James and Norma Wong We send our heartfelt condolences in the passing of your beloved father, grandfather and husband to Mrs. Lee. “Bob” was always smiling, polite, gentle and kind whenever we saw him, and he was so well loved by his family.
We are very sorry for your loss, but may happy memories warm your hearts and surround you with comfort during this difficult time.
With Love and Sympathy, James, Norma, Alexa and Carissa Wong
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Vanessa Pollard Heather called to let me know when we lost Bob. I’ve missed him while I’ve been off. I’m sorry for what you’re all going through. Bob was the most delightfully polite man I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. I would give him something to try and he would say “Oh, thank you very much, that’s very nice” I would then say “shall we try it then” and he would tell me “No thank you but it’s very nice”. Delightful. I swear if at mealtimes, we gave him an old boot he would have thanked us all the same. You as a family were dedicated and will be missed around VCC as well. We come to love the families as well as our residents.
To my dear brother-in-law Kai Ko,
Always such a kind and considerate man. We will miss you so much.
Rest In Peace.
From all the Fong family.