Frederick Douglas Lee

Fred was born on December 12, 1934, in Kamloops, British Columbia, the youngest of five children born to George Kee Lee and Sui Wing Lee. He began his education at Stuart Wood School in Kamloops before moving with his family to Vancouver in 1945. There, they operated the “Rosebank Grocery” at 686 Powell Street East, a cornerstone of the community for many years.

Fred attended Strathcona School (grades 4–8), Vancouver Technical School (grade 9), and graduated from King Edward High School (grades 10–12). He began his working life at Hollyburn Market and the post office part-time while pursuing night school.

In April 1956, Fred joined the Township of Richmond’s Assessment Department and the City of North Vancouver Assessment Department in 1961.

Fred also worked at the Columbia Cellulose Pulp Mill during the 1960s and became a member of the Appraisal Institute of Canada. He served seven years on the Board of Trustees at Burnaby General Hospital, contributing his time and expertise to improve healthcare in the community.

Fred later joined Phil Goddard to form Goddard Lee & Associates Real Estate, an appraisal firm that served the region with integrity and professionalism. After Phil's retirement in 1971, the business continued under the name Fred Lee & Associates until Fred’s retirement in 2005.

A man of strength and perseverance, Fred survived a stroke in October 2017 and continued to face life with optimism and grace.

Fred was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He cherished time with his wife Margaret and took great joy in watching his daughters dance and his sons play hockey. He loved to travel, golf, and enjoy good food, always greeting each day with a positive attitude.

Fred is survived by his loving wife, Margaret; children Cynthia (Roby), Warren, Catherine and Jeffrey; grandchildren Tyron (Sarah), Jeremy (Carolyn), Christopher, and Jacqueline (Zachary); great-grandchildren Nilaya, Lyla, Ryzen and Cory; sister Jessie; sister-in-law Helen, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, George and Sui Wing Lee, and his siblings Irene (Ernie), Ken (Helen), and Richard (Helen).

The family extends a special appreciation to Doug, who faithfully walked with Fred every evening for several years – a simple act of friendship that meant so much. Also, a heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff at AgeCare Harmony Court for the exceptional care and compassion they provided in Fred’s final year.

Fred will be remembered for his unwavering kindness, generosity, and enduring love for his family and community. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

A celebration of life will be held on October 27, 2025 at 1pm. Location: Ocean View Funeral Home – Chapel, 4000 Imperial Street, Burnaby.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or BC Dementia Care Society.