Peter Yim Yee

1923 - 2022

On December 6th, 2022, the world lost one of the truly great heroes that many may have never had the honor to know. Dr Peter Yim Yee left our presence after spending ninety nine amazing years devoting his life to service to others.Born in San Francisco in 1923 to first generation Chinese immigrant parents, Dr Yee was always an exceptionally brilliant student. After moving to Reno, Nevada during his childhood, and expecting to be attending the University of Nevada, his high school biology teacher was so impressed that he secretly sent young Peter's transcripts to Stanford University, where he was accepted on a full scholarship. When WW 2 started, Peter was drafted into the infantry even though he was preparing to enter his first year of medical school. He was sent to the European theatre where he served in Germany and was among the first units to liberate the infamous Buchenwald Concentration Camp. After the war Peter returned to Stanford completed his medical studies, and decided to settle in San Jose, California to start his practice in anesthesiology . He interned at Santa Clara County Hospital and once he finished he tried to enter an anesthesia group but was rejected for being the first and only Chinese physician in Santa Clara Valley at the time. So he started out on his own, building his practice one patient at a time, and outworking his competition with his trademark compassion, competence and empathy. He soon had a thriving practice and his own group and found a home at O'Connor Hospital where he was loved and respected by everyone he came into contact with for the next 40 years. With his beloved wife Helen, he raised a family among the orchards of what was then a semi - rural part of Santa Clara County. They bought a lot in 1958 and built a custom mid century modern home designed by renowned architect Kurt Gross. This is the home where he and Helen would raise their five children and has been the family meeting spot for their large extended family to this day. Dr. Yee was devoted to his family, his work and his friends. He never drank alcohol or smoked tobacco to which he attributed his long life. He always said his proudest achievement was making sure that all five of his children graduated from major universities. A Republican for most of his life, he was appalled at recent events and made it one of his life goals to live until the Trump administration was voted out of office.Dr Yee is survived by four of his five children, Chris (Robin), Tim (Cheryl), Marty (Ann) Melinda, (Dennis) eight grandchildren, ( Eric, Jennifer, Timmy, Zayanna, Helen John, Martin, Owen, and Dennis) his beloved dog Samson and one great grandchild on the way (Sophie) His was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Helen, cherished daughter Melissa, and all five of his siblings whom will be ecstatic to be rejoining him in heaven.The family would like to thank the tremendous hospice caregivers at Kindred Hospice, the VA hospitals in San Jose and Palo Alto as well as everyone who expressed their love, support and care for a man and a life truly well lived. Services will be held at Oak Lawn Memorial on Saturday, January 14th at 11:am Chapel of the Oaks followed by a reception at the Yee Family home. The family asks that you please practice caution by testing for Covid or wearing a mask if needed. Peter was a very generous man who believed strongly in giving back to those in need. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, you make a donation in his name to Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, the American Diabetes Foundation, Palo Alto Veterans Hospital Hospice Care, the SPCA or the charity of your choice.