Rev. John Pak Yuen Lee

It is with sadness that we announce the death of John Pak Yuen Lee on August 14, 2021 at the age of 73. He will be survived by his wife, Elaine Lee, brother Kenneth Lee and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and brother David Lee.

John was born on September 26, 1947. He is the middle son of three. He had an older brother David who passed away in 2002 and a younger brother Boney (Kenneth) who currently resides in Hong Kong and whom he loved very much. John’s mother, Helen (李翁慕真), worked in YWCA in Hong Kong until retirement and then later moved to Edmonton. Helen was a devoted Christian and had a great influence on John’s eventual dedication of his life to the Christian ministry. John’s father, Lee Yiu Chan (李耀燦), was a graduate of Electrical Engineering of Purdue University, Indiana, USA.

John comes from a long line of respected servants of God as well as well-respected businessmen and scholars. John’s grandfather, Rev. Ting Sheng Yung (翁挺生牧師), was the second pastor of the China Congregational Church (中華基督教會公理堂) in Hong Kong. He was the first Chinese pastor succeeding Rev. Charles Robert Hager (喜嘉理牧師), the founder of the Church. Two of John’s uncles followed his grandfather’s footsteps to serve God as pastors. Rev. William Yung, his cousin, served in Alliance churches in Ontario for many decades. William’s brother, Gideon Yung, was the General Secretary of the Fellowship of Evangelical Students (FES) in Hong Kong. John’s other cousin, Vivien Yung, is involved in music ministry. On his father’s side, John’s grandfather Lee Keng Chuen (李镜荃) was a successful businessman and philanthropist in Macau who made a significant contribution to establishing Macau’s economy. He also supported financially the revolution of Dr Sun Yat Sen (孫中山先生) against the objection of his eldest son. John’s eldest uncle, Lee Ji Tong (李際唐), was a scholar, a successful businessman and a philanthropist in Macau. Through the Imperial Court examination, he achieved the highest level of recognition and was later appointed an Imperial Court Historian (太史公) in the Qing Dynasty.

John loved Jesus even as a child. In grade 7 he took correspondence bible lessons which enabled him to understand God’s salvation and to accept Christ. He was very active in the student ministries during his time at St. Paul’s College and later at Hong Kong Technical College (now known as Hong Kong Polytechnic University). John was the primary reason that his brother Kenneth became engaged in the Christian student ministry in Hong Kong and London in the ’60s and ’70s.

John came to Winnipeg in 1970 to study at the University of Manitoba where he obtained a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering degree in 1974. He then worked for Bell in Edmonton for a few years before returning to the University of Manitoba to continue his Master degree program in 1978. Hoping to get a job in engineering in order to bring his fiancée, Elaine, to Canada from Hong Kong, he moved to Regina and worked for SaskTel as an Electrical Engineer in 1981. They got married in 1982.

While John was working full time, he took classes at the Canadian Bible Seminary and actively served at the Regina Chinese Alliance Church. He was an Elder leading the Missions committee, visitation program, caring initiatives and preaching when needed. Responding to the need at Moose Jaw Chinese United Church, he travelled to Moose Jaw and preached to their congregation twice a month for several years. John finally got his Master degree in Missions and fulfilled his dream to serve Jesus full time. He joined the Winnipeg Chinese United Church (WCUC) in 2002. During the four years with WCUC, he experienced God’s grace to see the growth in both English and Chinese congregations. He was excited to see more than 20 young people accept Christ and being baptized.

In 2006 he decided to return to the Winnipeg Chinese Alliance Church (WCAC) of which he was a member since 1970. Encouraged by Rev. Tran, he applied to C&MA to be a lay pastor at the WCAC and was ordained in 2012. He enjoyed his service at WCAC, in particular the fellowship of many brothers and sisters. John’s accomplishments in his Christian ministry were all by God’s grace.

During his free time, John loved sports. He enjoyed watching English soccer, American football, tennis, and hockey. Sometimes, he would watch the same soccer match from Canada with his brother Boney in Hong Kong while the two chatted with each other. John also loved reading novels by Jin Yong (金庸), a passion he shared with his mother. As a boy, the two would borrow Jin Yong’s novels as soon as they were released and finished reading them in no time. He loved entertaining missionaries, pastors, friends and students at home. Listening to music, watching classical movies, and travelling were also his hobbies. His most memorable trips were officiating his niece, Alicia’s wedding in Paris and cruising the Yangtze River.

John underwent heart valve replacement surgery in March 2019 which unfortunately led to many complications and his health had deteriorated ever since. He fought against his sickness courageously. By God’s grace, he survived a few critical moments after doctors declared that he would not make it. He witnessed the healing power of our Lord. The prayers, support and well wishes from his brothers and sisters in Christ gave him tremendous strength. He was grateful to all those who cared for him.

John was a source of tremendous love, a love that was reciprocated. He was a friendly, generous, loving, and caring pastor who touched many people’s lives. His love for his wife, Elaine, was beyond words. He loved his church, his family, his brothers and sisters in Christ and all of God’s children. Those who knew John loved him as well. He was blessed with God’s abundant providence throughout his life. He deeply thanked all pastors and friends who nurtured and mentored him. He said many times when he was hospitalized, “I have no complaints and regrets. God has been gracious to me. I have peace”. Finally, John completed his life journey and went to the Lord on August 14, 2021, peacefully.

Viewing is on August 27, 2021, at 7:00 pm, at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, seating is limited. Those who wish to come may register at Winnipeg Chinese Alliance Church.

A Funeral service will be held on August 28, 2021, at 10:00 am, at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, seating is limited and filled. Those who wish may view the livestream by following the link: https://youtu.be/7Tg8okWqpGA

Celebration banquet will be held at Kum Koon Restaurant on August 28, 2021, 12:00 noon. Those who wish to join may register at Winnipeg Chinese Alliance Church.

Interment will be held on August 30, 2021, 3:00 pm.

Special thanks to the staff at Winnipeg Chinese Alliance Church and St. Boniface Hospital. Donation in lieu of flowers may be made to Winnipeg Chinese Alliance Church or St. Boniface Hospital Foundation.