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
Dear Leslie and family,
Our sincere condolences. We will miss Randy’s beautiful smile. Sending hugs.
Leslie and family. We were shocked and saddened to hear of your loss. We will miss Randy and happy hours in Palm Desert. Will make his Costco Brownie recipe and think of him and the laughs and golf games shared. Sending hugs to all of you. Terry and Patti
Leslie and family. What a sad shock to learn of Randy’s passing. Your tribute to him in the paper was truly special for a truly remarkable man. All of us at the golf club will greatly miss his cheerful presence and sparkling wit. His quiet dignity at the end, keeping his suffering to himself, is a mark of the remarkable man he was. We won’t forget him. We send our deepest sympathy.
Leslie, Brett and Lauren,
We are so sorry to hear of Randy’s passing. He brought so many fun memories to our time in “the Woods” and will not be forgotten. His humour and kindness enriched the so lives of many people. He was a gem!
Barb and John Allison
Dear Leslie and family:
I have known Randy since Oak Bay High and my one summer working at Chinese Village.
What a fun, gracious, considerate and thoughtful man, good to everyone around him.
He lived this way his entire life ensuring his family and wide circle of friends benefited from his joie de vivre; while sharing this with the so many those surrounding him
My deepest condolence and may Randy rest in peace,
Dear Leslie:
Our deepest condolences to you, Brett and Lauren.
Linda and I are so sorry to hear of Randy’s passing. We can’t imagine your pain and grief at this time.
In reading Randy’s obituary, both of you lived life to its fullest. May those memories bring you comfort.
Dear Leslie, Lauren and Brett,
We are so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful dedication to the joy Randy brought to each day, and to everyone around him. Our thoughts are with you. Sending our deepest condolences.
With love,
Jeanette & Dave
Dear Leslie
Barbara and I were both very saddened to hear of Randy’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Our deepest sympathies to you at this time of loss.
Rob and Barb Carere
Dear Leslie
Our sincere condolences to you and your family on the recent passing of Randy. The grief that your family is experiencing must be so intense at such a sudden loss in your lives. It is always difficult to write notes such as this as words seem futile during this very sad time in your lives. Perhaps happy memories can provide some comfort to you and your family. Randy was too young to leave this world.
Warmly
Gaylene & Keith Yeung
Leslie & family,
Thinking of you all at this very sad time. Such a lovely tribute…. clearly Randy will live on through all the people whose lives he touched so deeply. Please accept my sincere condolences.