Peter Y. Yee

honor to know. Dr Peter Yim Yee left our presence after spending ninety nine amazing years devoting

his life to service to others.

Born in San Francisco in 1923 to first generation Chinese immigrant parents, Dr Yee was always an

exceptionally brilliant student. After moving to Reno, Nevada during his childhood, and expecting to be

attending the University of Nevada, his high school biology teacher was so impressed that he secretly

sent young Peter’s transcripts to Stanford University, where he was accepted on a full scholarship.

When WW 2 started, Peter was drafted into the infantry even though he was preparing to enter his first

year of medical school. He was sent to the European theatre where he served in Germany and was

among the first units to liberate the infamous Buchenwald Concentration Camp.

After the war Peter returned to Stanford completed his medical studies, and decided to settle in San

Jose, California to start his practice in anesthesiology . He interned at Santa Clara County Hospital and

once he finished he tried to enter an anesthesia group but was rejected for being the first and only

Chinese physician in Santa Clara Valley at the time.

So he started out on his own, building his practice one patient at a time, and outworking his competition

with his trademark compassion, competence and empathy. He soon had a thriving practice and his own

group and found a home at O’Connor Hospital where he was loved and respected by everyone he came

into contact with for the next 40 years.

With his beloved wife Helen, he raised a family among the orchards of what was then a semi - rural part

of Santa Clara County. They bought a lot in 1958 and built a custom mid century modern home

designed by renowned architect Kurt Gross. This is the home where he and Helen would raise their five

children and has been the family meeting spot for their large extended family to this day.

Dr. Yee was devoted to his family, his work and his friends. He never drank alcohol or smoked tobacco

to which he attributed his long life. He always said his proudest achievement was making sure that all

five of his children graduated from major universities.

A Republican for most of his life, he was appalled at recent events and made it one of his life goals to

live until the Trump administration was voted out of office.

Dr Yee is survived by four of his five children, Chris (Robin), Tim (Cheryl), Marty (Ann) Melinda, (Dennis)

eight grandchildren, (Eric, Jennifer, Timmy, Zayanna, Helen John, Martin, Owen, and Dennis) his

beloved dog Samson and one great grandchild on the way (Sophie).

His was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Helen, cherished daughter Melissa, and all five of his

siblings whom will be ecstatic to be rejoining him in heaven.

The family would like to thank the tremendous hospice caregivers at Kindred Hospice, the VA hospitals

in San Jose and Palo Alto as well as everyone who expressed their love, support and care for a man and

a life truly well lived.

Services will be held at Oak Hill Memorial on Saturday, January 14 th at 11am Chapel of the Oaks

followed by a reception at the Yee Family home. The family asks that you please practice caution by

testing for Covid or wearing a mask if needed.

Peter was a very generous man who believed strongly in giving back to those in need. The family

requests that in lieu of flowers, you make a donation in his name to Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, the

American Diabetes Foundation, Palo Alto Veterans Hospital Hospice Care, the SPCA or the charity of

your choice.