Wai Lung Lee

Our beloved dad passed away on April 5, 2021. Although our hearts are heavy and our family is saddened by his passing, we are all grateful that he left peacefully without suffering or pain. He was surrounded with folks who provided great care and nurtured him until the end.

Dad was born in China in 1937. His family was poor so he was reluctantly given up for adoption to a matron in Hong Kong named Gu Po who was not able to have kids of her own. Dad received his undergraduate degree in Hong Kong and soon after moved to Macau where he met his beloved wife, Shiu Ping, and they got married.

Their first child was born in Hong Kong and it was a baby girl. They lived in Hong Kong for several years and then Dad and Mom made a big decision to move to San Francisco. They migrated by ship to San Francisco and shortly after, they discovered she was pregnant with their 2nd child, a son, who was born on Christmas Day. Another baby girl and boy was also born in San Francisco to complete the family.

The family lived on Sacramento Street on the outskirts of Chinatown. Dad worked several jobs to provide for his family. He was a cook at the local elementary school during the day, a diligent janitor during the evening, as well as a cook for the Chief Petty Officer’s club at Treasure Island on the weekends. Although Dad had multiple jobs, his family was always his first priority and joy. Dad would rush home every evening to cook meals for the kids. A few of our many favorite dishes were cashew chicken, roast beef, steamed fish, and roast duck. Often after dinner, dad would still have the energy to bake egg tarts and cake rolls with fresh whipped cream that we would devour. He shared his desserts with all his neighbors as well, which was such a treat for them.

Dad loved to take pictures and especially of his kids. He would take us to the local San Francisco ‘touristy’ sites, such as Coit Tower for ‘photo shoots’. Dad was always smiling and laughing. He loved us with all his heart. He never complained about his kids even when we were naughty because he loved us so much. Being very humbled, he didn’t give himself enough credit for raising good natured kids. He was grateful that his kids grew up to be successful and healthy. Dad’s greatest joy was cooking meals for the family and having all of us being together by his side for those Sunday meals. How we miss those family Sunday dinners together.

We loved our dad very much and we will miss him dearly, but our hearts are at peace that he left peacefully knowing we all loved him just as much. We wish him much happiness as he continues his next journey. Our dad will always be in our hearts, if not by our side physically. We know in spirit he will watch us from above with the same laughter and smile we remembered as kids.

We will celebrate Dad’s life with a service on Sunday, April 18th at Cypress Lawn. It will be a private service for the immediate family. If you wish to send flowers, it will need to be delivered by 10am on April 18th.

Dad: Wai Lung Lee

Cypress Lawn Memorial Park

Attn: Main Desk

1370 El Camino Real

Colma, CA 94014