Ernesto Yap Lee Sr.

Ernesto Yap Lee (Ernie), age 90, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He died peacefully in his sleep in the early hours on April 8, 2022 in his home in Scottsdale, AZ. Ernie was born in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental, Philippines, the fourth of seven children, on April 10, 1931. A bright student, he graduated from high school as valedictorian, which earned him a scholarship to the University of the Philippines (UP). He graduated from UP College of Medicine on April 8, 1958.

In the same year, Ernie came to the United States finding himself in “snow country” as he completed internship and residency in General Surgery in Buffalo, NY, New London, CT, Cambridge, MA, Rochester, NY, and St. Louis, MO. It was in Missouri that he met his future wife and love of 56 years, Concepcion (Chita). They were married at the St. Louis Cathedral on October 16, 1965 and subsequently returned to the Philippines, where Ernie practiced in Cagayan de Oro and Makati Medical Center in Manila. Their daughter, Amparito (Ampy), and son, Ernest (Chito), were born in Cagayan de Oro.

In 1972, the Lee family emigrated to the United States. Ernie practiced in Jamestown, ND, Tracy, MN, and Potosi, MO before a hospital administrator invited him to practice in Chandler Regional Hospital in Arizona in 1976. He found the warmer climate more appealing, and practiced general surgery and family medicine in Chandler until 1995, serving that community for almost 20 years. Ernie and Chita then moved to North Scottsdale, and he continued working until fully retiring in 2013 at age 82.

Ernie’s zest for life, humble spirit, and heroic generosity were what defined him. Foundational to his outlook were his Catholic faith and his experience as a child survivor of the Japanese-occupied Philippines during World War II. He overcame this traumatic childhood experience with his faith affirmed and a heart for serving others, especially the least fortunate. He lived simply and was grateful for the amazing journey of his life.

Ernie was a gifted physican. He completed general surgery residency, and practiced general surgery, plastic surgery, OB-GYN, and family medicine. He made house calls, delivered babies, and performed a myriad of operations from more routine abdominal surgeries to complicated reconstructive procedures, such as cleft lip and palate repairs. Ernie treated infants, the elderly, and all ages in-between with a kind bedside manner that endeared him to many. He treated his patients beyond their physical ailments, oftentimes providing counsel for those in difficult situations. Being firmly pro-life and not afraid to speak out, Ernie saved countless babies when distressed women came in with unexpected pregnancies. He watched with joy often as these children grew to adulthood. Ernie was also a medical missionary, operating on impoverished patients in the Philippines for free.

A dedicated family man, Ernie’s joy was providing for Ampy and Chito so they could reach their potential. He especially relished his role as grandfather as he lived vicariously through his five grandchildren’s activities and accomplishments. Ernie was also a true patriarch, helping many relatives follow his emigration path from the Philippines to the United States. Not one to forget his roots, he also became a benefactor to many nephews and nieces who remained in his home country.

In 1995, Ernie was diagnosed with advanced metastatic stomach cancer. Just a few weeks later he underwent a quintuple coronary artery bypass. His surgeon estimated he would not live past one year. Ernie’s faith led him to a journey to the healing waters of Our of Lady Lourdes. His cancer never returned. His case has offically been accepted as one of the many miracles of Lourdes. Later in life, he required five back surgeries and was diagnosed Guillain-Barré syndrome. These infirmities kept him mostly wheelchair bound and in near-constant pain. Despite these difficulties, Ernie persevered to live independently at home with Chita, remaining cheerful and humble. He resolved to live as long as he could to see his grandchildren grow up, yet ever strong in his faith, he totally trusted and accepted God’s will and timing for his life and his death.

Ernie was predeceased by his parents, Juan and Amparo Lee, and his siblings, Arnaldo, Siegfredo, Felino, Rogelio and Othelia Lee. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Concepcion; daughter, Amparito Cogswell (Chris); son, Ernest Lee, Jr. MD (Delailah), grandchildren, Andre, Christine, and Lysette Lee and Gabriel and Rafael Cogswell; sister, Candelaria Gutierrez (Mario), and many beloved nieces and nephews in the United States and the Philippines.

A visitation for Ernesto will be held Monday, April 18, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery - Saguaro Hall, 401 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85257. A funeral mass will occur Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 9:30 AM at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church at Franciscan Renewal Center, 5802 East Lincoln Drive, Scottsdale, Arizona 85253. A graveside commital service will occur Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Green Acres Cemetery - Garden of Faith, 401 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, Arizona 85257. A lunch reception and gathering will occur Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at Pacific Seafood Buffet, 3110 North Arizona Avenue, Chandler, Arizona 85225.

The link to view Ernie's funeral mass at the Franciscan Renewal Center will be livestreamed on the following link: https://youtu.be/xBoQ4PBSgoo

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ernesto's memory may be made to Philippine Children's Charity, https://www.philippinechildrenscharity.com/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.greenacresmortuary.net for the Lee family.