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Joel Yee Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Joel Yee
Suzanne Frisbie
September 3, 2025
Hi I was sitting and thinking of Joey on this day. It´s your birthday. My daughter Morgan and you were best friends from village preschool to Miramonte. You drifted into different interests but were always besties. The funny thing my very best friend from elementary to highschool past at very young age as well. You both were born sept 3d. So it´s a special and meaningful day. You transitioning was hard for all of us. Morgan still misses you like crazy. And we think if you often especially on your birthday. I just wanted to let you know you may have left us but you will forever be in our hearts and memories. I have so many of you guys. If Dennis or Molly see this. This is Suzanne Morgan Hidas mom. Sending you a hug on this day
May 8, 2011
I've been thinking about you a lot lately. It's weird being back in Orinda and knowing I won't run into you anymore. Miss you so much xox
chy knowles
February 15, 2011
r.i.p!!! We all miss you
Maggie
June 18, 2010
Every time some one starts talking about prom, ours, theirs, or otherwise, I think of you.
Thank you for that night. You are still missed.
July 4, 2009
I still really miss you so much. It doesn't feel like it's going to go away. I just don't get it and it hurts. Love you forever.
Marsha Harris
June 29, 2009
To Joey's family-
I have know Joey as a member of our community for years. I volunteered with his 5th grade class, prayed for him during the years he was in and out of Miramonte (and for you, with the loss of his mother). I am a neighbor who has passed him on Overhill and waved (we were usually going opposite directions), and I just saw him recently and we encouraged each other with our conversation. I will miss him dearly, as he has been a talisman for our neighborhood, and a person I cared about and enjoyed talking to.
John Zheng
June 20, 2009
Joey,
You might not remember me, but we use to hang out back in middle school. We skated at J.M. several times and we'd occasionally run into each other at Milo skateshop or Rheem shopping center. You were an awesome person to hang out with, and definitely motivated me at the time. Rest in Peace my friend, you'll be missed.
-John Z
Alex Mora
June 18, 2009
see ya on the other side, joey.
i miss you man
mora
Julianne Schwartz
June 17, 2009
Joey: I new you as the young man from Sweet Dreams toy store that was always so polite, sweet, helpful, and such a positive influence on my two boys (13 & 9 yrs. old). I was out of town when my older son told me, it was like a blow to my head and my heart felt heavy and I was shocked that someone so beautiful and full of life and goodness could just leave us in a glims of and eye. I am so hurt and feel so sad for your family. I wish them strength and much love at this very difficult time and I only hope that as time passes is will be easier to accept that you have gone somewhere peaceful and wonderful. One of the most important things that I have learned as I grow older is that "life is so precious". I love you as a son and will miss you the same. You have a wonderful spirit and soul and I know you are okay. We Will Miss You Joey!
Love to your family.
~Julianne, John, Trent & Ethan
June 16, 2009
its still hard to believe your gone. I miss you everyday. i know you are with your mom now and that you are both watching over your friends and family.
i love you so much joey,
cousin lauren
Christi Leong
June 16, 2009
Dear Joey,
People often ask why I run. I run because I like the peace that it gives me. The day sometimes goes and goes, and I can’t seem to pry my thoughts off work. The only thing that I can do to clear my mind, though, is go run. That's the only moment that I have in my life, where I can just be. Running freely, thinking of nothing but the next step that I take. I’ve never thought of myself as a religious person, but I often do take a moment to give thanks while I’m running. Even if it’s just for a moment—I give thanks that I’m able to be here, that I’m able to have two healthy legs, and that I’m able to keep going. So many people don’t have that freedom.
Today, after being with our family, I ran. I needed peace of mind, I needed to understand. My often normal blank head was filled with emotions, filled with thoughts. I thought, mostly, of you. This time, I gave thanks that I was there and that I was able to remember you. You clearly touched all of our lives and I racked my brain to try to understand why this happened. Your life wasn’t over, you weren’t finished here on earth.
We can be angry and sad and mad. But when I really stop to think, it’s joy that I think of, when I think of you. I ran today and I was vividly thinking of you and how funny you were and how I always looked forward to sitting next to you at the kid’s table at those Chinese banquets, mostly because you were so entertaining and always were able to share the funniest stories. You have a feisty spark that is unmatchable, with anyone.
I feel the way you lived you life is the way I feel when I’m running. It feels free. It feels natural. It feels comfortable. You learned to embrace the funny, the ridiculous, and to just “be.” Because that’s all you can be, that’s all that any person can do.
At the end of the day, a person needs to be who they are. You were that person, you were so uniquely yourself. And it’s evident that all of your family and friends love that YOU, that you were. There’s no need to pretend to be someone else, to act a certain way. People loved the you that made no apologies, that didn’t put up a “front,” and that didn’t hide.
I don’t accept that you’re gone but I’m comforted knowing that in my mind, you and Annabel are up in heaven, running free, running together, running happily--not away from something, but running towards your future that we on earth can’t even begin to understand.
Emmika Elkin
June 16, 2009
Joey,
I will absolutely never forget the nights we spent talking late at night on the phone. You have always been such a spectacular person. I know you see us gathering to honor you. So many people miss you and we hope you're in a better place.
You will always hold a special place in my heart.
June 15, 2009
Words escape us at moments like this. We will always remember Joey for his winning smile and indomitable spirit. May Dennis and Molly find comfort in memories of happier times.
Dewey and Carolyn
David and Toni
June 15, 2009
We are still coming to grips with the realization that you're gone. You brought your unique style to our family gatherings and will be sorely missed. Our hearts go out to Dennis and Molly.
June 13, 2009
I love joey so much...
Valerie
June 12, 2009
Joey, I am so sad that you are gone. You probably never knew it, but I always looked up to you with a kind of wonder and amazement and admiration. Yeah, I know you did a lot of crazy stuff, but you were so adventurous and cool and simply unafraid of the world, and that is what I loved about you. It feels unfair that you left this world so soon, but it is so clear to me that even in your 20 years, you touched so many people, including me, your little cousin. Joey, I will never forget your wonderful, beautiful smiles, waves, and hugs, or the way you could make others laugh. You were a great person and in many ways I wish I could be more like you. You seemed so genuine and true in every interaction, and I loved that too. Joey, your presence will be missed; wherever you are I hope you are smiling that beautiful smile. Love to Dennis and Molly.
nicole jackson
June 11, 2009
When someone you love becomes a memory,
the memory becomes a treasure.
author unknown
My love goes to the Yee family and I pray for your family.
RIP Joey
Nicole J.
Esther
June 11, 2009
Joey, I remember the special day you joined our family. You were a sweet baby and you stayed that way. You were funny, intelligent and unique. We won't be the same without you and your generous hugs. Rest in peace. Deepest sympathy to Dennis and Molly.
Eddie
June 11, 2009
I am very much saddened to hear of Joey's passing. I have many memories of him during family gatherings that I will always cherish. My heart goes out to Dennis and Molly. I wish them well during this difficult time.
June 10, 2009
Andrew just called me to let me know that when he went out for a dinner break from work, someone asked him about how he felt about the news about Joey. He was heartbroken. Joey was the odd man about town.....Orinda Motors......Sweet Dreams...Longs Drugs and up and down Overhill. He was a neighbor and a dear friend to Andrew. May God bless your family.
The Hurrell Family (Orinda)
Ellen
June 10, 2009
We loved you all your life for your sweetness, openness, curiosity and tenderness with your family, from the eldest to the newest baby. You astonished us. Our hearts are broken.
Amanda
June 10, 2009
I will never forget all the adventures we had, and all the stories you would tell. You were always such a good friend and listener and always had great advice for me when I needed it. I am so sorry we didn't stay in better touch when I left for school but I loved seeing your smiling face when I would come back for breaks. Thanks for calling me just to say hi :) I will miss those phone calls.
Meg Evans
June 10, 2009
Dear Molly and Dennis, we are deeply saddened to hear of Joey's passing. He was one of my favorite guys on the street. His smile and wave always warmed my heart. I always enjoyed chatting with him down at Starbuck's and he always had a warm word for Bill to encourage him everyday. He will be missed so much. Our prayers and hearts go out to the two of you and hope that time can heal your sorrow and leave you with only happy memories. Meg, Laura and Marion Evans
Natalie Anderson
June 10, 2009
Joey,
We had many wonderful conversations during your teen-age years... you brought laughter and joy into our home. We honor your life and pray that you rest in peace. Our best wishes to your family.
Karlee
June 10, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family joey. You were always bubbly, and spontaneous, with a smile on your face... Your presence will forever be remembered. Ill never forget you would do flips off my couch and always land on your feet. Rest In Peace Joey.
June 10, 2009
Dear Molly and Dennis, our hearts are heavy with sadness for you both! It's often we'd see Joey trudging up the hill or going down downtown, and he always paused to flash that wonderful smile and wave. He was truly a beautiful, generous soul. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.....may your memories of Joey's wit, laugh and smile give you comfort over time!
Fondly,
Chris, Steve, Lauren & Grant
June 10, 2009
MY heart is saddened to hear about his tragic death. I pray his family will heal and remember the good times and joys he brought into their lives.
Dianne&sons
June 10, 2009
Joey, your kind hearted spirit will always be remembered. You were a gentle soul and it shined thru your beautiful smile. Many a time we spent making food and sharing stories we will miss you. I know your mother is holding you in her loving arms right now. God Bless you Joey.
Kimmi
June 10, 2009
Every time I ran into Joey he'd take the time to talk to me, whether it was at DVC or randomly late at night downtown. I always appreciated his smile and his warm presence. I will never forget you, you were a warm and caring person. RIP. You will be missed.
Steve Spencer
June 9, 2009
Joey, you were a great person with a tremendous amount of potential. My hear goes out to your family. You will be very missed.
Mike Watson
June 9, 2009
Joey man, I was just remembering all those times kicking it with you. It was always a lot of fun with you around. Good times for sure. We're all going to miss you. Rest in peace my friend.
Jason Wilson
June 9, 2009
Joey, I cant help but feel the pain your family and closest friends must be feeling for your loss. I will never forget how happy and loving you always were and the times we had together.
Winona Lamb
June 9, 2009
I will miss your singing. Whenever we were working, you were just in such great spirits. God bless Joey. Your family and friends are in my prayers.
shayna kader
June 9, 2009
joey you were really one of the coolest people ive ever known. you really left an impression on everyone you knew. ill never forget you. EVER. i remember when you accidently ripped the rear view mirror off the bronco lol which is still broken! or when my mom made you stain our deck hahah. i mean just last week you were at my house comforting roxanne when she was hurt, making all of us laugh. you really had a big heart, a good spirit. you were always the life of the party. and thats how you will be remembered.i miss you joey, and i always will. ill never forget you.
Bekky
June 9, 2009
Thank you for being there for me when I was pregnant and scared.
Thank you for driving around until the wee hours of the morning when I decided (wrongly) that it would send me into labour.
Thank you for teaching me how to ride a bike.
Thank you for being so sweet to my son and my brother.
Thank you for always knowing what to say, and knowing that I didn't mean some of the things I said.
Thank you for sharing your cheese fries ;-)
Thank you for being a friend.
Joey I am going to miss you so much, It husts right now that I never got to say goodbye. You were taken too young and right now it's hard to feel anything but anger and grief. I really hope that one day I can look back on all the great times we had. Until then, just know that everyone loved you so much and will never forget you.
x
Adele Mathews
June 9, 2009
My heart is aching for the Yee Family. You are in my thoughts with prayers and love.
Michael
June 9, 2009
Joey was one of the coolest people i have ever met. He has been my neighbor all my life....and i look back at alll the memories we had..and i still cant believe he is gone. He was one of the best friends I have ever had. I will never forget....i miss you already man.
James
June 9, 2009
I only had the pleasure of meeting Joey once when he was doing some cooking for some friends. He had such a wonderful personality and was very very friendly and gracious.My thoughts and prayers are with his family and those that shared in his life .
Brian Cheung
June 9, 2009
My heart is breaking right now for you, your family, and everyone who ever knew you. I am keeping you in my prayers, that you will find peace wherever you are.
June 9, 2009
I miss you so much already. We all loved you so so much
Sandy
June 8, 2009
I am so sad to hear of your loss. I met Joey in Miss Semenza's 5th grade class. He was very special.
Alexis Gushiken
June 8, 2009
Joey. I am just reminiscing on some of the adventures we had back in middle school and freshman year, and it definitely brings a smile to my face. I will never forget.
Melanee Gomez-Pellecer
June 8, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the Yee's at this time. Joey was an amazing person with a smile that could always make your day better. I'll never forget him.
Brittany Gelbart
June 8, 2009
You were one of the nicest people I have ever known, and one of the funniest. I remember one day before school you scootered into a curb and flew straight into a sign in front of everyone at the bus stop. Even though we have grown apart the past few years I will still miss your presence in this world. If anybody has any information on a service being held for Joey please email me. [email protected]
Patti
June 8, 2009
Quite a few times I would run into Joey while walking my dog. He was always so pleasant and respectful. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
evan brooks
June 8, 2009
Joey, you are such an amazing kid. you were so intelligent and nice and friendly and interesting. I love you man. Im glad I was always super nice to you. you deserve it. you were always super nice to me. I could always count on you to have something cool to say about everything. working with you was so relaxing. thanks man, for everything. I love you man.
Jason Peiser
June 8, 2009
I will forever treasure your memory and I send my best wishes to your family.
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