Thomas Fook Yen Yee 余 福 源

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Thomas Fook Yen (Tom) Yee, age 91, on September 8th, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Tom lived a life of unwavering strength, resilience, and deep devotion to his family.

Tom was born in 1934 in Pon Lung Le, Toishan, China. He immigrated to Canada in 1951 and settled in Carnduff, Saskatchewan. He developed a strong work ethic, sense of pride, and attention to detail while gaining experience working as a cook for several restaurants.

During this time, he met the love of his life, Bonnie Ying Tsui Chow and on April 24th,1961 they were married. Together they shared a vision of starting a family and owning and operating their own restaurant. They raised five daughters and built a life centered around family, love, and community.

In 1965, Tom and Bonnie acquired The Green Lantern Café in Carnduff, Saskatchewan. They would operate this restaurant for 13 years until they sold it in July 1978. Thereafter, Tom and Bonnie moved their family to Burnaby, BC. Tom continued to work as a cook at the Eldorado Hotel in Vancouver, BC until his retirement in 1999.

Upon retirement, Tom pursued his favorite pastimes: golf, ping pong, billiards, Mah Jong, and crib. He was an accomplished athlete with the hardware to prove it. Tom had a rare gift for making everyone feel included and he brought smiles and laughter wherever he went, leaving a lasting impression on all whose lives he touched. In 2018, Tom was made an honorary Life Member of the Bonsor 55+ Society for his volunteer work and dedication to community service.

Tom was known for his warmth, kindness, and generosity - qualities that touched everyone who knew him. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Tom was admired for his hard work ethic to ensure his family was provided with opportunities he never had growing up.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Bonnie of 64 years, along with his five daughters and seven grandchildren - Delphine (Howard), Adele (Grover), Darlene (Walter), Karen, and Tammy (Kevin). His legacy lives on in his seven grandchildren - Christopher, Justin, Ryan, Adam, Cameron (Nina), Natalie, and Emma, all of whom carry forward his spirit of resilience, humor, love of sport, hard work, and determination.

Tom will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. The family finds solace in knowing that his love and spirit will be forever in our hearts and that he is at eternal peace.

Visitation: Friday, September 19th, 2025, 7:30–9:30 pm

For those wishing to send flowers, please ensure they are delivered on or before 2:00 PM on Friday, September 19th to Forest Lawn Funeral Home, so they may be displayed during the service.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 20th at 1:00 PM at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Burnaby, BC. 3789 Royal Oak Ave, Burnaby, BC V5G 4A9

We invite family and friends to join us for a reception in celebration of our father, Thomas Yee. It will be held at Lee Garden Seafood Restaurant, 6401 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC, at 5:00 p.m., following the funeral service.

Friends and family are encouraged to leave messages of condolences, memories or upload photos below.