Max Nai-Yuen Lee

Max was born in Shanghai, China. His father was Yao Chong Lee, and his mother was K.Y. Chiu. He was born in a family of 2 elder brothers-Nai Wan Lee and David Lee, and 4 sisters-Paula Lee Gao, Lucy Woo, Nancy Yih and Margaret Seidel. Max was married on 02/15/1993 to his wife Sarah Lee at Grace Presbyterian in Houston, Texas, USA.

Max went to St. John’s University Middle School in Shanghai and Wah Yan College, in Hong Kong. He attended the Imperial College of Science and Technology London University, England, M.S. (Honors) Chemical Engineering at MIT, MBA State University of New York at Buffalo. He published broadly on Separations Technology and holds numerous patents on Molecular Sieve Technology.

Max Nai Yuen served as special advisor to the President of Praxair, Inc. He was a Chairman, President and Founder of Global Strategic Enterprises, Inc. (GSEI) in Connecticut.

He served as president Monsanto Greater China, Inc., a subsidiary of Monsanto Company, Chief Representative of Monsanto Group in China, Chairman and President of Monsanto Shanghai Company Ltd. From 1992 to 1994. He spent over 30 years with Union Carbide Corporation (UCC) from 1958 to 1989. In the early 1980s Mr. Lee was a Business Director, Technology Related business, Union Carbide Technology Centre in Antwerp, Netherland. In the mid-1980s he was appointed Director, New Business Ventures and Planning, UCC Subsidiary. In the meantime, he headed the UCC corporate trust in China. Max established the first UCC high technology speciality chemical joint venture in Shanghai—Shanghai UOP-UCC Molecular Sieve team of the billion dollar joint venture of the new UOP—a partnership of Union Carbide Corporation and Allied Signal Corporation.

After his retirement, he devoted his time relentlessly in carrying on grandfather’s legacy in continuing to help the underprivileged kids of Jiading District in Shanghai-The Jiading No. 2 school, founded by grandfather, a tuition free school. Every Thanksgiving, travelled to Shanghai preparing very meaningful programs in the advancement of knowledge and above all; the concept of Being Thankful. The students were motivated as well as the teachers were encouraged. Travelling around the memorable places and visiting relatives and friends.

Max was a man of faith, compassion, thoughtfulness, and the pursuit of excellence. He believes God is the Creator of all things and he practiced his faith diligently.

He extended his love and caring to ALL THE FAMILY MEMBERS. Besides the family members, his helping hand really touched the lives of the young and those in need of help. It made them feel there is really “a light at the end of the tunnel.” That is how he became “Everybody’s Uncle”.

His success in his career makes him very grateful and enjoyable, even at the expense of his own health. He travelled round the globe extensively. He was proud to be stationed at Geneva, Switzerland for 5 years. That was never heard of for a young Chinese man, at that time. He really won the hearts and souls of the corporate leadership and his fellow colleagues were also so happy to be under his guidance. He partnered with Secretary of State Dr. Kissinger in 1989 in starting the First MBA program for the Chinese students.

His pursuit of Excellence, perfection was very admirable. Always trying to enjoy life even with the hectic schedule.

He was fond of travelling, especially to scenic places like Hawaii and the Grand Circle (the southern 4 states) and Niagara Falls-connecting with the Nature of God.

Last, but not least, Max always repeatedly saying that we should never forget our “youngest auntie-Auntie Bella Lee Shen who made our lives so satisfying and complete. We should always be thankful to her.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialoaksfunerals.com for the Lee family.