Sooky Lee

A Sacramento native, Sooky was born on December 24, 1928. He attended Lincoln Elementary and Junior High, Sacramento High, and Sacramento City College before discovering his passion for architecture at UC Berkeley. He distinguished himself by graduating with bachelor's and master's degrees with highest honors and earning the prestigious Mario Ciampi Prize and the Architecture School Medal for his outstanding achievements.

Returning to Sacramento, he taught at Sacramento City College and worked with several prominent local firms before establishing his own practice, Sooky Lee Architect & Associates. His notable mid-century modern designs shaped the local community with distinctive projects including the McGeorge School of Law, Sacramento Public Library Carmichael Branch, Christ Unity Church, Jumbo Market, Soo Yuen Family Association, and his own unique Land Park home. He was a dedicated public servant, chairing the City Planning Commission and serving on the State of California Capitol Building and Planning Commission, City Architectural Advisory Committee, and California Board of Architectural Examiners.

After 44 years of a highly respected career, Sooky retired, but his curiosity and love for learning never wavered. He continued his education at Sacramento State University, traveled extensively worldwide, and researched his family's history, which led to a trip to his ancestral village in Toishan, China.

Sooky will be remembered for his engaging personality, creativity, resourcefulness, work ethic, and high integrity. His humility and gratefulness lead him to be an active member of the Capitol City Masonic Club for over 50 years and a devoted supporter of community and educational organizations such as the Boy Scouts of America, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and UC Davis Chinese Student Club. He established the Sooky Lee Prize for Social and Migrant Housing at UC Berkeley to support future architects addressing societal needs.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Ah Wah (Kwong Sue Shiu) and Yee Zhen Hon; his sisters Doris (Leong), Lily (Chinn), Maryanne (Yee), Barbara (Chew), and Sylvia (Yuke); as well as two infant brothers. He is survived by his wife Rose, his son Brian (Wendy Szeto Lee), his daughter Nancy, his grandson Ethan (Sara Li), and his great-grandson Bernard.

A visitation will be held at Harry A. Nauman & Son, 4041 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento from 6-8 p.m. on October 11. Funeral services will take place at 10 a.m. on October 12, followed by internment at East Lawn Cemetery, 4300 Folsom Boulevard.