Thaen Kwock Lee

Thaen Kwock Lee as born in Wing Sing a small village in southern China in 1923; Ming Poi Lee (father) and Nap Moon Lee(Grandfather). At the age of 16 he moved to the United States where he attended Couch School to learn English. Later he attended Cake Decorating School in Portland where he also found work in a Chinese Restaurant.

In 1943, during WWII, Thaen was drafted by the Army/Air Force. He received extensive training in Airplane Mechanics and in Advanced Gunnery. He became a waist gunner for “Miss Prissy” a B-17 plane, part of 483rd Wing 817 squadron.

On his 22th Mission they were shot down over Germany by German Jet fighters (the first time they had seen jets). After parachuting to safety he was captured by German soldiers and sent by train to Stalag Luft 1. After being liberated by Russian soldiers and received the Purple Heart.

Thaen returned to Portland, Oregon after the war, but relocated to Lincoln City where he established his own restaurant, Foon Hing Yuen. He and his wife, Yun, ran the restaurant for 23 hard working years before selling it. Retirement found them moving to Salem to be closer to their daughter.

Thaen was a member of the Portland Lee Association, Ex-POW Big Timber Chapter, Eagles in Lincoln City and a Life member of the American Ex-POW. He loved spending time with his family and cooking big family dinners. He also created several of his own recipes including “General Lee’s Famous BBQ Sauce.

He is survived by his loving wife, Yun Ha Lee, of 50 years, who shared his life and the joy of raising their three children; sons, Eddie Lee of Kent WA, Howard Lee of Bothell WA; daughter, Nancy (Dean) Sweeney of Salem OR. He is also blessed with grandchildren; Sabrina Lee, Kevin Lee and Carson Sweeney

A viewing will be held Monday, February 21st from 12-5 pm, Tuesday, February 22nd at 9:30 am followed by a Celebration of Life at 10:30 am both at Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon-Ramsom Funeral Home. A private Graveside Service will be held at Lincoln Memorial Park. Online condolences and additional information can be found at www.HED-FH.com.

Contributions may be sent to American Ex-Prisoners of War Big Timber Chapter

339 S 7th St, Lebanon, OR 97355-2212.