Raymond Gee

1929 - 2015

Raymond Gee

October 8, 1929 - April 16, 2015

Ray, a dedicated Berkeley resident, passed away peacefully on April 16 at the age of 85 surrounded by family and many friends.

He was born in San Francisco and attended St. Mary's Missionary School, Francisco Jr. High, Polytechnic High School, and Chung Wah Chinese School. He recently reunited with classmates from all 4 schools. He served in the U.S. Army in Japan during the Korean War, and then received a BA and MBA at Armstrong College. He worked at Libby's and SCM until he opened his own tax accounting practice. His business thrived for decades, fed by his love of helping people.

Ray was immersed in the community, serving as President of the El Cerrito Rotary Club, President and Co-founder of the East Bay Enrolled Agents Association, Board Member of the North Berkeley Senior Center and Treasurer of his home owners association. He served as a volunteer tax consultant at the Senior Center every year until this tax season. His goal in life was to make things better for family, clients, and friends whom he considered family.

He is predeceased by his wife, Elsie, and is survived by his children, David (Amy) and Carolann Hinkle; his grandchildren, Dylan, Austin, Devyn and Kasha; his brothers, Thomas (Barbara Chin) and Daniel (Mary) Chin; his sisters, Betty (Gordon) Loui and Nancy Jee, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and scores of loving friends.
Ray was an avid 49er fan and a loyal supporter of the SF Opera. He was a plant-lover, and enjoyed artistic painting, wood etching and carpentry.

A celebration of Ray's life will be held at 2 p.m., on May 30th at the Thousand Oaks Baptist Church, 1821 Catalina Ave. in Berkeley. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray's memory may be sent to the Chinatown YMCA, 855 Sacramento St., SF, CA 94108; or to the San Francisco Opera, 301 Van Ness Ave., SF, CA 94102.