Louis H. T. Lee

Louis Hon Tau Lee was born in Waipahu, Hawaii on October 21, 1921 to Tai Lee and Chow Leong Lee. His beloved wife, Lucille Wong Lee, predeceased him in 2005.

He is survivied by six sons: Dr. Worldster (Patricia), Taoward (Bonnie Copeland), Rytwin, Licius, Philmund, esq. (Debbie) and Dean and a daughter Louann Lombardi (Ronald M. Gomes). His daughter Maycevene predeceased him in 2004. He leaves ten grandchildren: Charles (Anne) Farnsworth, James Lombardi, Lea Ann Lombardi (Kirk), Dr. Lorinna Lombardi (Christian Youngerman), Dr. Brandon Lee, Dr. Bradford Lee, Kristin Lee, Deanne Lee, Vincent Lee and Victor Lee; two great-grandchildren Blake Youngerman and James Lombardi; and two sisters Lillian Chang (Dr. Stephen) and Grace Wong (Ray). He was predeceased by brothers William (Ruth), Joseph (Anna) and James and sisters Violet Chen (Dao), Pansy Luke, Daisy Ho (William), Elsie Chu (Harry), Edith Wong (Wallace), Anna Loo (Henry) and Elizabeth Lee (Y.N.).

When Louis was 13 years old, his father moved back to China. He made many friends in his school, Pui Ching. However, when Japan invaded China in 1937, his father chose to stay in China. Louis narrowly escaped enemy troops, fled to Canton and sailed back to Hawaii.

Louis worked hard helping his mother in the family grocery store in Chinatown. As he spoke several Chinese dialects and a little Japanese and Filipino, he decided to work for Pan American Airways in customer service, where he loved to sing international songs with his customers. With his charming personality and strong work ethic, he was chosen Pan Am’s “Man of the Year” several times.

Louis worked many overtime hours to provide for his eight children, all of whom graduated from college. He stressed the importance of a well-rounded education.

He loved reading the “Book of Tao” and “The Monkey King” to his children. Later, his daughter Louann drove over daily to watch it with him so he could translate the Chinese for her. He taught his children how to swim, play trumps and mahjong. He loved to travel and with his family, traveled by van from L.A., Disneyland, Las Vegas through Yellowstone, to Vancouver BC, Seattle, Portland and San Francisco. Later in life, he frequently traveled with Lucille, Louann and Ron to China where he loved the food and the VIP treatment with Air and Sea Travel.

An avid and talented ballroom dancer, he frequented the Ala Wai, Hale Koa, Makule, Rumors and Waikiki. His wife and his favorite dance was the waltz. In his later years, he played mahjong and bridge more often, activities he could often share with Taoward, Rytwin, Louann, Ron, Dean, Jimmy and Kristin.

In 2010 he moved from his home in Manoa to Pohai Nani, a spacious and relaxing environment. There he continued to enjoy mahjong, bridge and singing. He loved the beautiful mountain view and grounds and the friendly, helpful staff. Louis loved his family and loved life which he enjoyed to the fullest. He believed in the value of being positive and optimistic and told his children to repeat to themselves: “Every day in every way, I am getting better and better,” advice they much appreciated.

The family wishes to thank all their relatives and friends for their constant support and kind and loving thoughts.

We know Louis is now effortlessly dancing the waltz in Heaven with his beloved Lucille.

Private services for family and Louis' close friends.

Borthwick Mortuary. 1330 Maunakea St, Hnl.

Visitation 9-11am.

Services 11am-12pm.

Burial to follow at Hawaiian Memorial, Kaneohe at 1pm.