Shee Keong Leong

Dr. Shee Keong Leong, our caring father and beloved brother, was born in Penang, Malaysia on February 14, 1950. He was the third son in a family of four children. A boisterous child, he loved the outdoors - fishing, camping and especially playing soccer. Each day after school, SK, as he was affectionately called by friends, would spend hours at the local soccer field. While in high school, through the effort of a branch Sabbath School conducted at the home of the Cheong family (Kok Hing) and the loving care of the Yeoh family (Jia Yi), he joined the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in October 1967. He attended South-East Asia Union College in Singapore in 1970 and 1971.

After completing two years of college in Singapore, he followed in the footsteps of his two older brothers and left in 1972 for the University of Philippines to pursue his undergraduate studies in pharmacy. He was so good at soccer that he was asked to join the university soccer team. However, he turned down the invitation and chose to concentrate on his studies instead. After completing his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy in 1976, he was admitted to medical school at Manila Central University in 1977 and graduated in 1980. He then returned to Penang and completed his residency at the Penang Adventist Hospital.

In 1982, he arrived in Loma Linda to join his parents and brothers. After he completed his pediatric residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center, he went on to the University of Southern California Medical Center for his neonatology fellowship. Upon completion, he partnered with another neonatologist and looked after the neonatal intensive care unit at the Redlands Community Hospital. At the height of his career, he and his neonatology associates contracted the work in the NICUs of four different hospitals. The number of babies and families that he helped throughout his career is innumerable. But working under such high stress conditions, his own health suffered, resulting in a stroke that curtailed his career in 2003 at the young age of 53.

SK was a deeply generous person. He opened his home not only to friends and relatives but also to anyone who needed his help. He was as resourceful as he was hardworking. An amazing cook, he showed his love by preparing delicious meals that were always enjoyed by his family and friends, especially during the parties he loved hosting at his home. His generosity will be remembered by all who were providential to be a part of his life.

Surrounded by family, SK peacefully entered into eternal rest with the Lord on October 23, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lai Hoon Phang-Leong and Fook Cheong Leong. He is survived by his three cherished children: Kayleen Sabino, Kelly Leong and Kaisen Leong; son-in-law Gabriele Sabino; grandchildren Alexis and Zavian Sabino; and siblings Swee Gin Leong, David Leong, Josephine Ap and their respective families.

A funeral service for Shee Keong will be held Monday, November 14, 2022 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Montecito Memorial Park and Mortuary, 3520 E Washington St, Colton, CA 92324. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM at Montecito Memorial Park, 3520 E Washington St, Colton, CA 92324.

Let not your hearts be troubled. Ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, would I have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go, ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith until him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest, and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

John 14:1-6

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