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
So sadden to lean of Randy’s passing. So young, gone too soon. I’ll miss seeing at the Golf Club.
He always have some cheerful remarks to brighten my day. He was a wonderful speaker when called upon.
Jokingly I had him book a few moment of his time to do my eulogy. He agreed. OK, I am a lot older.
Will miss a great guy.
Condolences to Leslie & family in this difficult time.
Leslie and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My deepest sympathy to all of you during this difficult time. Sounds like Randy lived life to the fullest and he will surely be missed!
Thoughts and prayers to you all during this very difficult time. – Krystin (Kathy young’s daughter)
Leslie and family, we are very sorry to learn of Randy’s passing. Randy always had a kind word and a terrific sense of humour. Our sincere condolences. Jeeto and Jim Crone
To Leslie and family with our deepest sympathy..We have known Randy and his family for many many years.
Bob and Donna Lee and family
So sorry for your loss. I still remember the nice time I had when Randy brought you to my home in Kamloops. Randy always treated me as if I was his most important customer.
Dear Leslie, ,
Words fail to express my deep sorrow for your loss! I am deeply saddened to hear about dear Randy’s passing .
I send my love and deepest sympathy to you and your family .
My prayers and thoughts are with you
Love , Aunty Kathy
To Leslie, Brett and Lauren,
Thinking of you all and sending all my love your way. Randy really was the ultimate host – the Waffle Fairy, as we called him one morning after staying out too late in Victoria. He greeted a group of hungover 20-somethings as though we were royalty, with a full breakfast feast he’d partially cooked in the garage to keep the noise down (what hungover 20-something deserves that?) It was obvious from the day we became suitemates that he absolutely adored Lauren, making sure she was taken care of from afar, often in the form of food and treats, when we were at Western. His speeches at both her and Brett’s weddings were unforgettable (and hilarious). He was a wonderful person and I am so grateful to have met him. The love he had for his children was shared with the rest of us, no questions asked. I will miss him dearly. I’m sending all my love your way and can’t wait to give Lauren big big hugs when she’s back in Toronto. Love and miss you all.
Kate (Barb) xoxo
Condolences to you Leslie and family.
I hadn’t seen Randy in far too long, so I am sitting here in shock & sadness at his passing far too soon. But at the same time I am happy that I knew him, enjoyed his company & wit on numerous occasions back in the day, and enjoyed many wonderful meals at Chinese Village. RIP
Randy was a cool guy, always friendly and great to be around. He will be missed for sure!
What a meaningful and heartfelt tribute to a wonderful friend and Uplands compatriot. Randy was truly one of a kind and he will be missed by us all. Sincere condolences to Leslie and your family.