Dr. Robert Y. Lee, a founding member of the Albuquerque Lodge and its second president, died on Monday, June 13, 2016 at the age of 86.
Many will remember his quick wit, immense hospitality, and his passions as an avid photographer, world traveller.
One of Albuquerque’s premier pharmacists and entrepreneurs, he was a beloved face in the business community proving time and again the ability to excel for Americans of Chinese descent, creating economic opportunities, and persevering against entrenched racism in Albuquerque during the 50s and 60s of the previous century.
Known simply as Bob, he moved to Albuquerque in the late 50s, bringing with him his lovely wife Clara and their three children, Steven, David and Debbie. He first worked for fellow pharmacist David Avila and later purchased a pharmacy from him as well. Bob then converted his pharmacy and a 7-11 into the North Valley’s best health clinic, which was a gamble that paid off, not only for himself and the health care professionals that opened their offices within the clinic, but meeting the health care needs of the greater community of the North Valley. Bob for many years also had a partner in Li Lee Louie who is the Albuquerque lodge’s longest continuous serving member of over 40 years. Together Bob and Li operated another pharmacy further north on Fourth Street in the Valley.
Bob’s son Steven Lee, our current treasurer, also followed in his father’s footsteps and became president of the Albuquerque Lodge. Bob’s legacy continues with his grandson Matthew, a former local lodge merit scholar who is currently the Lodge’s Marshal. It was under Steven’s administration, during the 1999 National Convention of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, that Bob and Clara opened their home for all the delegates for a Mexican Fiesta. This fun-filled night is still talked about by those who attended. Hospitality was very important to Bob. He and Clara have always been the consummate hosts. Many will remember their Chinese New Year Banquets held in addition to the Lodge’s where he would function as Emcee and regale the attendees with the significance of the banquet dishes and their relationship to the eight immortal flavors. As he was so fond of saying, “tonight you do not just eat…tonight you DINE!”
Back in the days when our lodge was young, Bob could be found at the dance and bowling nights sponsored by the local lodge. He would take up golfing as well, spending much of his time off at the local courses, becoming an exceptional golfer. Not many would know that he was also an accomplished violinist as well.
In these latter years, many will remember Bob attending the Lodge’s events with his ubiquitous camera taking pictures. Many of the shots of those events used in the lodge newsletter were courtesy of Bob.
After Bob retired from his pharmacy, his daughter Debbie took it over. He and Clara, a retired realtor, then bought a fifth wheel trailer and traveled all over the United States, Mexico and Canada with their longtime friends Tony and Carolyn Chan, two other former Albuquerque Lodge presidents. Travelling in caravans to rallies all over America became his passion. A former licensed pilot who used to fly America in his own plane, Bob often would scoff at the idea of commercially flying in favor of journeying on the open road by fifth wheel trailer and truck. Bob passed before he could complete one last trip that was even planned this summer.
Bob is survived by: his wife Clara Lee; his son T. Steven Lee and his wife Judy; his son David Lee and his wife Sandra; his daughter Debbie Allison and her husband J.R.; his daughter-in-law and lodge member Linda Lee; sister Dr. Cora Au, sister-in-law & lodge member Annie Wong; and his grandchildren, Karen and her significant other Dave, and Beth her husband Terry, lodge member & lodge merit scholar Matthew Lee, Mandy Lee, lodge member & merit scholar Jonathan, Justin and James Allison; and his great grand children, Sara, Megan, Rachel, Adam, and Raelynn.
It is with a heavy heart that I report to you his passing, for he was not just one of my predecessors, but my godfather as well. I am filled with pride with having served in our fraternity as president, just as he did, just as his son has, and as my own parents have. It is that pride along with all the wonderful memories we share of “Uncle Bob” that buoy us with solace during this difficult time.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 25, 2016, at 11 a.m. at Paradise Hills United Methodist Church, 4700 Paradise Blvd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87114
The family wishes to thank the incredibly loving and caring staff at Gentiva Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Paradise Hills United Methodist Church or Gentiva Hospice Inpatient, 601 Dr. Martin Luther King Ave. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Please visit the online guestbook for Bob at www.danielsfuneral.com
Respectfully submitted by Rusty Chan, ABQ Lodge VP 2016/immediate Past President, and National Vice President of Communications.