Donald Lee

Donald Lee (1933- 2012) Donald Lee lost his battle to lymphoma cancer on the morning of Sunday, January 29, 2012. He died peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving wife and children. Don was born on March 15, 1933, in the town of Heung How Foon, Toishan province in China. At the age of five, he came to San Francisco, California with his father, sister and brother on the SS President Coolidge. After graduating from San Francisco Commerce High School in 1951, he later went on to San Francisco City College. Don, a natural, self-taught businessman from a very young age of 17, worked at his family-owned grocery store, Shop Easy Market, on California and Larkin Street. He owned a number of businesses in San Francisco, from real estate to a garment manufacturing company whose clients included Gunne Sax, Byers and Fritzi of California. These labels were sold to large nationally recognized department stores. Also a successful wine and liquor salesman for 37 years, Don worked for E&J Gallo Winery, Juillard Alpha Liquor Company, and Redwood Winery, serving well-known San Francisco restaurants and establishments such as Empress of China, Tommy Toy's, Yank Sing and the Jug Shop. During his career as a salesman, he won many sales achievement awards, including the prestigious Juilliard Alpha Company Man of the Year. He pursued his passion for business in his own free time as well. Don religiously followed the stock market and the Bay Area real estate market. He loved watching the Nightly Business Report and reading the Wall Street Journal; both of which were a passionate part of his daily schedule that continued until his death. Don enjoyed a variety of hobbies which included fishing, pottery making, listening to classical music, playing and watching basketball, following national and local politics, reading business books, learning about the history of San Francisco, and dining at new and old standby local restaurants in the Bay Area. He was a regular attendee at the San Francisco Symphony and the San Francisco Opera. Most of all, he loved attending his grandchildren's many musical recitals, theatrical performances and sporting events. Amidst his endless talents, successes, and experiences, his one true love, pride and joy always remained his family. He was a loving and devoted husband and father, and a proud, gentle and caring grandfather. Don is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary; his three children: Timothy, and his wife, Elsie; Anita, and her husband, David Garfagnoli; and Farley and his wife, Cecile; his six grandchildren: Matthew, Kurt Lee; Philip, Michael Garfagnoli; Caitlin, Trevor Lee; his two sisters, Laura Yee, and Judy, and her husband Arthur Woo. Led by his favorite motto, "Motivation is self-propelled," Don Lee created a fulfilling and meaningful life - one that we will celebrate and remember. Private Family Services. A Celebration of Donald's life will be held at a later date. Donations may be made in Don's memory to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org). Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, Colma, CA.