Randall “Randy” Lee passed away peacefully on October 9, 2023 at Royal Jubilee Hospital, waiting for a brief lapse in the family guard before exiting on his own terms–quietly and privately. He was 71 years old.
Randy was born on September 3, 1952 in Victoria, B.C., the middle child of Jack and Lillian Lee. Intelligent and easy going, his early life was characterized by academic excellence and a fondness for golf. On many mornings, he could be found sneaking in a few holes before school with his (eventually lifelong) buddies at Uplands Golf Club, where he was a member for over 60 years.
After graduating from high school at 16, Randy completed a Bachelor of Commerce at UBC. The following years in Vancouver were “formative” for Randy as he became a successful sales rep for Xerox and added skiing, sports cars and a general disregard for personal health to his interests.
Randy’s middle years were defined by his commitment to managing the family business, contributions to his community and devotion to his family. Taking over for his father in 1977, Randy managed Chinese Village for over 20 years. He also served on multiple Boards of Directors across the foodservice and tourism sectors, and in 1989 he received a B.C. Restaurateur of the Year.
He met and married his match and the love of his life, Leslie, in 1982, and welcomed two children: Brett and Lauren. With kids in tow, Randy retired his Porsches but kept his fishing boats. The Lees created many fond memories fishing and boating together over the years.
Randy was not overly effusive, preferring to express his love for others in the kitchen. He took great joy in gathering people together for restaurant-grade home cooked meals, or sending guests off with a completely unnecessary number of treats. He was “the ultimate host.”
After Chinese Village closed, Randy found his dream job at the West Coast Fishing Club, uniting his passion for fishing with his aptitude for sales. Randy dedicated more time to his family and his golf swing. His skills in meticulously running the household improved significantly; his golf swing not so much.
Once retired, Randy and Leslie played golf together, became snowbirds and even traveled to a couple places without a Costco. He became a grandfather–or “Gu Gu” as he was dubbed–to four granddaughters. And despite privately battling multiple forms of cancer in his last few years of life, he continued to focus on his family until the very end. He’ll be remembered for his wicked sense of humour and quick wit, as embodied by his infamous limericks and Top 10 lists. Randy would be too humble to acknowledge it, but he was a great man: a devoted husband, a loving father and a generous human to everyone around him.
Randy is survived by his wife Leslie; two siblings: Barbara (Eugene) and Robert (Karina); two children: Brett (Sydney) and Lauren (Jack); four grandchildren: Devin, Eva, Sabine and Maisie; eleven nieces and nephews; and one geriatric dog: Bubba.
Randy’s family wishes to thank the nursing staff of 5 North at Royal Jubilee Hospital for their tireless and compassionate care. His family requests that donations be made to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation or the BC Cancer Foundation in lieu of flowers.
A Celebration of Life for Randy will be held on January 20, 2024, at Uplands Golf Course, 3300 Cadboro Bay Road, Victoria, BC, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
64 Responses
Holding Randy’s family in my heart wishing years of beautiful memories for a very sweet funny man whose twinkling eyes lit up the room. He was a mentor to me when I was as a young woman just having joined Xerox – memories last forever! With sympathy, Andrea
Sincerely sorry to hear of Randy’s passing.. A great friend, a great golf buddy for over sixty years at Uplands..
My sincere condolences to Leslie and family.
RIP Randy, forever at peace now..
I am shocked and saddened by the loss of this fine man. I especially remember him on the golf course, at his restaurant and his speeches when called upon as the most witty, and humorous, especially the speech he gave at our retiring former pro’s at Uplands Don Billsborough and Bruce Rands and at our uplands GC 100 year centennial. If he was sick and suffering, it was in silence. Way too young to leave us. His presence at the golf club will sadly be missed.
Judy Cryderman
Dear Leslie and family,
We are sadden to hear of Randy’s passing. He was such a lovely person. We so enjoyed the times we did spend with you. Always lots of fun.
May all of the wonderful memories you had together be with you now and help to ease your pain.
With deepest sympathy
Pierre & Darlene Leseach
Randy and I went to high school together. Victoria was still very much a small town in those days with everyone knowing everyone else . He was always kind and funny, competent and clever. The world has lost a lovely person.
Sending warm thoughts to Leslie, Brett and Lauren.
Best wishes Shirley and Rob Hunter
Dear Leslie, Brett, Lauren and family,
We are saddened to hear of Randy’s passing and thinking of all of you.
He was a wonderful, kind and generous man.
We will miss his great smile and ability to make each person he greeted feel his warmth.
It has been an honor to know him.
Marnee, Graeme, Scott and Fraser
Beautiful Tribute to a wonderful man. Randy was the best friend a person could have. We will miss him greatly. Al and Pam Brown
Randy will be missed greatly, just a great guy.
Condolences to the family.
Best wishes, Nigel Brown
Dear Leslie, Brett and Lauren,
I wanted to extend my thoughts to you all.
I was recently speaking of you all to one of my clients, who is one of the original homes in the University Woods ‘hood. They couldn’t believe I knew you and others 🙂
Great memories on the boats, fishing, Roche Harbour, Sawyers Cove, restaurants and of course being the babysitter Ya Ya way back when.
Sending you hugs and love
Tanya
Dear Leslie, both Bev and I were greatly saddened when we heard of Randy’s passing (we are currently in Palm Desert) and we know he was looking forward to coming down to the desert this winter, we spoke of it often when we golfed together on our Tuesday golf day. We were concerned when he had to quite our Tuesday golf claiming he had hurt his back by playing five times in seven days, so needed to take a break. Now we realize it was more than just a bad back and I guess his cancer had come back with a vengeance. We wish to express our heartfelt condolences and are thinking of you and your family in this difficult time. Our best.