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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Bob & Beverly Darnell
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Ann (Mew) Yuen 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
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david and roberta lai 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
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david and roberta lai Dear Mrs Lee and family: we feel very sorry to hear the loss of Jack. It is also a great loss to the Chinese community because he is always a supportative Chinese community leaders. Our sincere condolences to you. david and roberta lai (victoria)
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David and Sandra Anderson Lily,
Jack’s passing is a great loss to you and the family, and a great loss to all of Victoria. Throughout his life Jack was a shining example of selfless service to our community. Victoria is far better place for the tireless efforts he put in on so many worthwhile causes.
Some years ago Jack gave me his book on his familly history. He was very proud of what earlier generations of the family had done, and I know he was equally proud of the generations of the family following him.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
David and Sandra
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Vivian Wu, grand-daughter of Lee Mong Kow To Lily and the Lee family,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband, father and grandfather. There are no words to soothe your grief. He was a great man, achieving so much and touching the lives of all who knew him, especially the descendants of Lee Mong Kow. He will be missed by us all, Our deepest condolences.
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Karen McDiarmid Dear Lily, Barbara, Randy and Robert, I was very sad to hear the news of your husband and father’s death. I have so many good memories of Jack’s kindness and friendly nature from childhood days in our neighbourhood, and from wonderful family meals at the Chinese Village. Sending deep condolences to you and your extended family. Love, Karen
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Trevor Brown Dear Randy,
My sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your father. I did not know him, but upon reading his obituary, it is obvious that he was a great man in so many ways and that he will be deeply missed by the community. You must have been very proud of him.
Trevor Brown
Men’s Captain, Uplands Golf Club
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Colin Scarfe On behalf of the Round Table Club of Victoria, I would like to offer most sincere condolences to Lily and family. Jack was an outstanding citizen of Victoria, and a popular and respected member of our club, a true gentleman in the best sense of the word. He will be missed by many in our city.
Colin Scarfe
President, Round Table Club of Victoria
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Glen Myles Lee Family,
My condolences for the death of your Husband and Father. He was a true gentleman!!
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Leslie Wood I have fond memories of Jack while working at the Chinese Village many years ago. I had the pleasure of seeing him last summer at the Victoria Golf Club and had the chance to thank him for some advice he gave me. Randy had returned home from university for the summer with slightly longer hair than Jack would have liked. When I asked why he didn’t insist on Randy getting a hair cut, he said “Pick your battles and only worry about the important things.” I took that advice in raising my own sons.
Jack was a fine man and I consider myself lucky to have had the privilege of knowing him.
Please accept my condolences.
Leslie (Tait) Wood
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Vicky Barkley Lily & family
MyThoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.
There is little that can be said to ease your grief right now, but hope it helps to know that Jack touched many lives and will always be remembered.
Sincere Sympathy,
Vicky Barkley
[Len Barkley]
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Rick Wormald Hi Randy and the entire Lee family … from a fellow from your now long-time past, Randy. You were the greatest second baseman in the history of Cadboro Bay Little League. I trust your Dad lived a happy and fulfilling life and that all of you have many fond memories of him to carry you through to the end of your lives. I have many fond memories of the many Wormald family events we celebrated at the Chinese Village. Hope you and all your family are philosophical. Take care.
Rick
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.