March 31, 1946 - April 20, 2019
We regret to announce the passing of George Syd Lee on April 20, 2019, from cancer at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital. He is predeceased by his wife, Norleen, and brother, Raymond.
He is survived by his companion, Zora, son John (Jan)(Thunder Bay), and daughter Maureen (Randy)(California), brothers Simon(Jenny), Ken(Lisa) and Cliff; and sister Lin(Ming), sister-in-law Irene, along with 10 cherished nieces and nephews and their families. He will be sadly missed by his family and many, many friends, as well as his two horses, Prince and Ellie.
He was actively involved in curling until this past year, and was a long time member of the Scavengers Car Club, founded in 1960 by a group of his friends. George was a long-standing member of the Chinese Masons, and was president for many years, as well as being a member of the Eagles. He enjoyed gardening, playing guitar, and hunting, with a long time passion for exploring the many mountain roads and lakes of the area.
He was born in Taishan, China in 1946, and immigrated to Canada with his aunt and uncle when he was 10 years of age. Originally settling in Southern Ontario, he moved to Vernon when he was 14 to live with his grandparents in Vernon's then robust Chinatown.
He attended Fulton high school until his graduation. He was trained as a mechanic, and worked at Capitol Motors for years before starting his own automotive business. In 2008, he sold the business, but continued to dabble in car sales for the next 10 years. The car lot was his social outlet, and he loved to spend his breaks going for coffee with his friends.
In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing to honor George's memory may do so by making a donation to the Vernon Jubilee Auxiliary for Palliative Care Suites, in care of Vernon Jubilee Hospital at 2101, 32 Street, Vernon, BC, V1T 5L2.
A private graveside service will be held for family and close friends, with a celebration of life open to all later in the summer.