Mr. James Wing Lee

James Wing Lee was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, James will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

He was one of 11 children and was born on November 9, 1920 to Mr. and Mrs. Lee Bak Bong. James grew up in Armstrong, British Columbia. He lived in a huge red brick house and attended school in Armstrong. He was raised on a farm where plenty of fresh vegetables were grown particularly celery. The small town of Armstrong was nicknamed "Celery City." The family's vegetable wholesale operation was called Wing Quong & Company named after James and his younger brother, Lawrence.

James was raised with ten siblings. He had 6 brothers: Lawrence, Bill, Ben, Jack, Don and Howard and 4 sisters: Alice, Anne, Betty and May. James was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings experienced rivalries typical of a growing family, but they shared many life experiences over the years.

As a young boy, James had a number of interests. Like most children, he enjoyed playing and making up games. He was curious about the world around him and was often eager to explore it. In his spare time he liked to express himself creatively through art.

On September 28, 1957, James married Linda in Armstrong. They later moved to Trail, B.C. where he was in the restaurant business.

James worked hard and was a good father to his children. James was blessed with three children, two daughters, Mary and Jeanne, and one son, Henry. Another blessing for James was the gift of two grandsons, Matthew and Caulin.

He enjoyed his culinary career especially as a pastry chef. James enjoyed creating various dishes and working at large events. He always had a strong work ethic and this led to finding success in his career. He always sought to be a team player, doing what was necessary in order to get the job done.

James enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were collecting coins, stamps, reading newspapers and flyers, and watching television. He had a particular interest in Chinese culture and its history and enjoyed sharing his experience and ideas with others.

He was a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he had the chance to do so. Tops on his list were professional wrestling and hockey. One can see his enthusiasm when watching wrestling as he would swing his arms like a fighter as he cheered on his favorite wrestler.

Traveling and time away on vacations gave James a chance to renew and relax, to visit new places and experience new things. His favorite vacations included Las Vegas and San Diego.

James was a lover of animals and he cherished his pets. One of his favorites was his Retriever Toby, an affectionate dog that he had while living in Trail. More recently, he enjoyed the company of Kylie, a very loving Border Collie who frequently came along on visits to the care home.

In retirement, he found new pleasure in spending time with his grandsons, watering the garden, going for walks and getting together with family members for dinner.

James passed away on March 23, 2017 at Burnaby General Hospital. He is survived by his wife, Linda; his children, Mary, Henry and Jeanne; his grandsons, Matthew and Caulin; his brothers, Jack and Howard and his sisters, Alice, Anne, Betty and May. Service was held at Forest Lawn Funeral Home. James was laid to rest in Whispering Pine - Lot 572 Space 7 at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 3789 Royal Oak Avenue, Burnaby, BC.

Simply stated, James was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. James leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember James Wing Lee.

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James Wing Lee passed away peacefully on March 23rd 2017. Predeceased by his parents (Bak Bong & Lin Fong) and brothers (Lawence, Don, Bill & Ben). He will be sadly missed by his wife Linda, by his daughters (Mary & Jeanne), son (Henry), grandsons (Matthew and Caulin), siblings (Alice, Anne, Betty, May, Jack & Howard) & his many in-laws, nieces and nephews. The family extends a heartfelt thanks to the staff at Renfrew Care Centre and Burnaby General Hospital for the loving care they provided. Celebration of Life will proceed on March 30, 2017 - 1:00 p.m. Forest Lawn Memorial, Burnaby BC.