Ronald Yee

When you experience the death of a loved one, it helps to think of them doing something that makes you remember…and smile. For Ron Yee's family, it's the vision of him dancing. It brings levity to their sad hearts now that Ron's battle with pancreatic cancer has come to an end. He passed on Saturday, December 31, 2016. He fought courageously and exceeded expectations for 19 months. He was in the comfort of his family, which was by his side. He was 63 years old. Born October 27, 1953 in Boston, he was a son of the late Kwong Lai and Kim Gee Yee. Raised in the outskirts of Boston's Chinatown, his family instilled traditional Chinese customs and Ron spoke their dialect of Chinese fluently. Chinese culture and the gift of family is something that he carried all his life. He attended Saint Aidan's School in Brookline, graduated from St. Columbkille's High school in Brighton, and later attended Bentley College. On November 9, 1977 he married Judy Gauthier and they lived over 32 years in Brookline before moving to Shrewsbury to be closer to family in 2014. Cooking was always central to and a passion in Ron's life. His culinary talents were first developed while learning how to cook Chinese soul-food from his mother. His love for cooking grew, and he had a multicultural skill set in the kitchen, preparing dishes from around the globe. He managed the family business, 'The Silver Dragon' in Methuen and was later employed at 'Bob Loo's Restaurant' in Salem, New Hampshire, where he was affectionately known as "Uncle Ronnie." In later years he worked for Harry H. Solomon Co. in Boston. Aside from his passion for things culinary, Ron enjoyed carpentry, craftsmanship, travelling and photography. He was always current with events, news and politics. Family was the foundation of his life, and his home was always the center for gatherings and a warm place of welcome. Nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his grandchildren. Ron's love lives on in the hearts of his family. He leaves his wife of 39 years, Judy; their children, Kimberly L. Yee of Brookline, Demitri R. Yee and his wife, Mycel and Nolan G. Yee, all of Shrewsbury; his grandchildren who called him 'Yeh-Yeh," Michael C. Ethier, Tayah J. Yee, Tyson R. Yee and Danica J. Yee; his siblings, Teresa H. Loo of Brookline, Nancy Yee Solomon and T. Jeanne Yee and her husband, William H. Watson, all of Boston; many nieces & nephews. He is predeceased by his brother, Raymond W. Yee. Family and friends will honor and remember Ron's life by gathering for calling hours at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors ~ The Sumner House, 5 Church Road, On the Common, Shrewsbury Center on Sunday, January 8th from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. and again on Monday morning at 9:30 before leaving in procession to Saint Anne's Church, 130 Boston Turnpike where his funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury. Memorials in his name may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, MA 02215-5450