Lee, Jack Wai Yen, C.M.
February 11, 1922 – August 2, 2011
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Jack Wai Yen Lee, who died peacefully on August 2, 2011 in Victoria.
Jack was born in Victoria and educated in the Chinese Public School and Victoria school system, graduating from Victoria High School in 1940. He attended the University of California at Berkeley, receiving a Degree of Associates of Arts, and the University of British Columbia where he graduated with Degree of Bachelor of Commerce.
In the 1940’s Jack joined the family business that included import/export and greenhouse operations in Greater Victoria. In 1967 he founded the Chinese Village Restaurant with his brother Henry and Jim Wong.
Jack’s involvement in his community spanned his entire adult life. In the Chinese community, he was involved with the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, Chinese Public School, Kong Chow Association, Lee Benevolent Association, and dedication of Lee Mong Kow Way in Chinatown. He devoted countless hours to dozens of organizations and associations, including the Victoria Welfare Council, Junior Achievement, Canadian Red Cross, United Way, MacPherson Foundation, University of Victoria, Kiwanis International, Royal BC Museum, Tourism Victoria and Victoria Chamber of Commerce. He received numerous awards for his public service, most notably Member of the Order of Canada in 1989.
While fulfilling his commitment to family, business, and community, Jack still found time to pursue his favourite pastime – golf. He held memberships at Uplands Golf Club, Victoria Golf Club and Gorge Vale Golf Club, and was a founding member of the Victoria Chinese Golf Club.
Jack is survived by wife Lily, daughter Barbara (Eugene), sons Randy (Leslie) and Robert (Karina), eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren, sister Fae (Ying Chow), and sister-in-law Ruby Lee.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at Uplands Golf Club, 3300 Cadboro Bay Road, on Sunday, August 28th from 2pm to 5pm. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in memory of Jack Lee to either the Victoria Hospitals Foundation or the Uplands Heart Tournament. Thanks to the staff at the Patient Care Centre at RJH for their kindness. Condolences may be offered at www.mccallbros.com.
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13 Responses
Dear Lily, Randy, Robert and family. So very sorry that Jack has left us, he will be greatly missed by many people in this community that he was such a large part of. We missed his Celebration on August 28 and were saddened again in not being able to express our condolences to you in person.
Our best wishes to you all.
Regards, Bob & Bev.
Barbara, Eugene and Family: Our thoughts are with you at this time. It is always emotional and sad to lose our parents; but only to be replaced with happy memories and thoughts of them when they lived a happy, productive, and meaningful Life.
With sympathy and regards,
Ann Mew and the Mew family
Dear Mrs. Lee: deeply regret that we cannot come to the service because we have already left for vancouver meetings. best wishes and regards. david and roberta lai