Mee Chew "Joe" YEE

Mee Chew "Joe" YEE obituary

FUNERAL HOME

McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes - Crowfoot Chapel

82 Crowfoot Circle NW

Calgary, Alberta

Mee YEE Obituary

Published by Regina Leader-Post from Aug. 19 to Aug. 21, 2017.

YEE, Mee Chew (Joe)
November 14, 1929 – Taishan, China
August 12, 2017 – Calgary, Alberta
YEE, Mee Chew (Joe) passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 12, 2017 in Calgary, AB surrounded by his family.
Joe was born in Taishan, China on November 14, 1929. He immigrated to Canada in 1952 and lived in Winnipeg, Sintaluta, Maple Creek, Watrous and other small prairie towns. In these small towns, Joe worked at many restaurants with his father. The restaurant experience would eventually land him a chef position with Golf's Steakhouse in Regina. For a period of time, he drove a taxi as a second job to earn extra money to feed his growing family. In 1976, he embarked on a new endeavour. Joe purchased a small confectionery store on 13th Avenue which he renamed as Kowloon Confectionery. He operated the business for many years, expanding it to include Chinese groceries, and eventually becoming the only supplier of fresh bean sprouts to local Regina Chinese restaurants. Joe's love of food and his restaurant experience was still a big part of him and in 1981 he opened Kowloon Restaurant.
Joe's smile, friendly demeanour, sincerity, and the Wonton soup earned his business respect in the community. He would stop at your table and say hello and thank you for coming in. He remembered everyone's name and they remembered his. He worked tirelessly and in 2001 decided to sell the business and retire. Upon retirement, Joe split his time between Calgary and Toronto and eventually Calgary and Virginia to help his children with his grandchildren.
He loved travelling (especially cruising), golf, working on puzzles, going to casinos, shooting the breeze with his friends and of course, doting on his grandchildren.
Leaving to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 47 years, Wai Yu (Mary); his children Greg Yee of Indian Head, Garvey Yee of Moose Jaw, Gail Yee (Joe McKeown) of Virginia, Glen Yee (Lorrane) of Calgary; grandchildren and great-grandchildren (18 in total!); nephews, nieces and many caring friends and family across the world.
A Celebration of Joe's Life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle N.W., Calgary, AB), on Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Queen's Park Cemetery. Lunch to follow graveside. The family wishes to respectfully decline receiving flowers. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.
In living memory of Joseph Yee, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.


To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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9 Entries

August 28, 2017

George Fraser

I remember working with Joe at Golf's. I also worked with his son Greg. There were two Joe's working in the kitchen. One was Irish Joe and the other (Mee Chew) was Canadian Joe. He worked very hard and always kept a positive attitude with a smile. He was great to work with and for. I always remember him with fondness. My deepest condolences to the family.

August 28, 2017

curtis whitehawk

When i drive by the old resturant on 13th , i think of you guys , joe was always busy , never saw him sit down , ever , lol , he was an amazing man , a brave man .

August 24, 2017

Ian Mak

It was a pleasure growing up in Regina and visiting his restaurant. He would always treat us like children of his own and welcome us anytime with a beaming smile and infectiously jovial personality. Uncle Joe will be missed dearly, and he will always have a place in our hearts.

August 22, 2017

Doreen Gartner

Deepest sympathy to Mary, the children and the grandchildren. I and my daughter, Raena and the rest of my family, loved going to Kowloon over the years and we went there often when we lived in the Cathedral area. We happened to stop in at the restaurant on Joe's last day of business. We had no idea they were even thinking of closing. Well Raena always had her real camera with her,(before cell phones)and we were able to get some photos of Joe with Raena. He also gave us some menus and the window sign that they would be Open for Mother's Day. Sweet! Thinking of the family with love and for you, Joe. RIP.

August 22, 2017

Tasha Cavanna

My sister and friends and I used to have some good lunches there at Kowloon's in our school days :-) Best burger and fries. Then sometimes my parents would take us there for Chinese on the weekend. Joe and his family were always good to us. God bless his family.

August 22, 2017

Raena G

I just want to write a few words and share what Joe and his family meant to me...
When I was a little girl, barely 4 years old, my mom and I and my 2 aunties moved into a house in Regina on Elphinstone Street in the Cathedral area. About half a block away was a little corner store called Kowloon where we got our food when we didnt go all the way to the grocery store. I can still remember the till, the pink bubble gum with the heavenly liquid sugar in the center, probably a major contributor to my mouth full of fillings as a child. I can remember the smell of the place, the lighting, the isles, the baby food apple sauce...and the owner Joe and his wife Mary. Joe was this bright shining light and was always personable; would critique my young single mothers choice of groceries in such a kind and sweet way, and had a grin that permeated every cell of ones being. For me, no matter what was going on in my young life; within those 4 walls I was safe and things were okay.
As I grew, Joe expanded his store and half of the room served both Chinese and Western food and I was obsessed with the fries and gravy. The small order came on a plate the size of the plate that one would have under their tea cup. I remember trying so hard to finish that little plate but I would always get full before I could finish. By the time I was around 7 I could conquer that plate. I loved that gravy so much it was hard for me to eat anything else there unless there were more people at the table than just me and my mom...then we had our Chinese favourties. My mom loved the dinner for one, and the denver omelette. And as a family we shared dinner for four option 1. As I think about those times I am flooded with so many memories of incredible food and significant moments in my life.
When I was about 9 years old my best friend and I were having lunch, we all LOVED the wonton soup - still the greatest soup I have ever eaten in my life. Anyways, this time her brother and an older boy from across the street joined us, they were about 2 years older than us and at that age it may as well have been 2 decades - they were in a league of their own those boys. So when Noah ordered his soup - he got it with extra noodles, extra pork and in awe of him the next time I went for soup I ordered it that same way...and every time I had that bowl of soup from that day on...over 12 years.
Being raised by a single mom is different than other family configurations. In our family Kowloon was a place we went when we were hungry, when I was sick, when we were celebrating, on the occasions my Grandpa came to town, if we didnt have KFC we had Kowloon. Their were confessions shared at those tables, amends made, first dates, break ups...I could go on and on. It was one of those places that plays a part in the make up of the fabric of ones being; of my being.
I loved Joe with all my heart. I loved his wife, Mary, and I revered his kids and thought they were so blessed to be in that family.
I have a framed menu from the restaurant that I hang in the kitchen of every place I have ever lived. To say the least this place, the food, the people, and the other regulars, they're a part of me.
Joe closed the restaurant on an average day, no hoopla.
I had flown into town and for the first time ever instead of dropping off my bags at my moms house, I asked to go straight to Kowloon. My mom was surprised as she knows how particular I am about dropping my bags off before doing anything else...but on this trip home I was heart broken, my relationship was in turmoil, and I needed my wonton soup, extra noodles, extra pork, stat.
We got to the restaurant with enough time to spare to order and eat before they were closing for the day. Joe came over to say hello as he always did and tell me they were closing the doors for good and that this was the last day. He gave me 2 menus, some take out menus, a sign that they put in the window, and I dont remember what else. I ordered extra soup to go and have longed for that taste ever since.
I never saw Joe again.
I would think about Joe and try and locate him over the years and nothing. About a year and a half ago I tried again and through some leads learned that his youngest son may be living in Calgary running a restaurant. I found him, chatted, and let him know how much his father and that place meant to me.

I love Joe and his family and all that place meant to me. These familiar strangers that I love as if they were family. Kowloon holds a special place in my heart as does the family and many of the regulars that walked through those doors week after week.

I am so grateful you opened your doors to all of us in the Cathedral.

May you be as happy and joyful in the everafter as you were here.

Prayers and condolences to the family.

August 22, 2017

Jerome Fayant

My deepest condolences to the Yee family.

God Bless

August 20, 2017

brian edgington

... it was my pleasure knowing Joe while growing up in the Cathedral neighborhood ... his confectionery/grocery and restaurant will always be a happy memory of mine... happy trails dear friend, may all your paths lead you paradise...

August 19, 2017

Bob Duthie

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Funeral services provided by:

McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes - Crowfoot Chapel

82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3

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