Charles Kee Lee Sr.

Charles Kee Lee, Sr. was born June 21, 1928 in Portland, Oregon. He grew up in Portland and married Susan Choy, helping her relocate her family from Hong Kong. The couple had four children, Charles, Jr., Kevin, Randy and Charlene. The birth of his only grandchild, Jason, distinctly marked the greatest day of Charles’s life.

Charles had a tremendous love for family, friends and living. He was a kind and generous man, and people always noted that he never put himself first. A good friend remembers that Charles never failed to inquire about her son’s well-being each time they saw each other, even when Charles’s own health began to decline.

Charles could have a conversation with anybody about just about anything. Although he was not the biggest sports fan, he would chat with friends about the most recent “game.” He could always find common ground on which to stand in order to make those around him feel welcome and comfortable.

Charles enjoyed many things in life, but he especially enjoyed fishing and crabbing along the Oregon coast and his infamous poker nights with friends. He owned and operated a restaurant in Rockaway Beach for a period of time before moving on to own a grocery store then working for the United States Postal Service until retirement.

Charles’s family remembers his amazing cooking. He enjoyed entertaining as well as eating out with the entire family.

Charles was active in his community, consistently offering a helping a hand when needed. He was an elder for the Lee Family Association, and worked tirelessly to build the Portland family from just a few people meeting in a tiny little room, to many who would come together in a beautiful building that he helped locate through his experience with property investments. Charles was also baptized into the Chinese Presbyterian Church, and supported his wife who was an elder and very involved in church activities.

Family and friends learned many valuable lessons from Charles throughout his life. He taught people the importance of hard work, investing and living within one’s means. He bought and operated several rental properties, advising that we always need to have a plan for the next step in life. He lived frugally and responsibly, making certain his children knew that “if you can’t afford to pay out of pocket for it, you can’t afford it.” Through his daily actions, he taught the meaning of real love. He provided for his family, and even when he knew he was not long for this world, he told his children “make sure mom is okay…”

Charles passed away on April, 16, 2016 in Clackamas, surrounded by his loving and devoted family. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 55 years, Susan; children, Charles, Jr. (Michele), Kevin (Grace), Randy and Charlene; and his grandson, Jason, for whom he felt so much pride.