Henry Gee

Hello everyone, my name is Tracy, daughter of Henry, whose life we are honoring and remembering today. Thank you all for being here today. I would like to give a special thanks for those who traveled to attend.

My dad was a hardworking, loving and caring father who cherished time with family. He maintained an air of happiness and positivity despite challenges that arose throughout life.

While growing up, my dad was always very busy with work, but one day off I fondly remember was when he took me to a Lakers Game at the Forum. He surprised me with amazing courtside seats-- I was so close I could see Magic Johnson in the side watching the game with the team. It was on that day, I realize that no matter how busy one can be, my dad always took the time to hang out. Dad even pulled all the stops and bought us lunch at the Forum and he added a memorable Lakers souvenir- a soft plush ball that I still have today. Claire- my daughter- still plays with it.

When he was diagnosed with cancer, he remained strong and was determined to fight it and enjoy life and family. Dad continued to be optimistic, cheerful, and resilient. Nothing stopped my dad from living- he and my mom would enjoy several trips to Europe and Asia. My dad enjoyed holding a camera and taking photos of landmarks, food, and being immersed in culture. Dad always came back with hundreds of photos. Also, my dad enjoyed his first cruise to Alaska with my mom and friends and enjoyed the experience immensely- so much that he wanted to take my family this year. Lastly, my dad finally took that dream cross country trip he's been talking about for years- visiting famous US landmarks that include the Saint Louis Arch in Missouri, the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia cruising southeast to the nightlife in Miami to visiting Elvis Presley's Graceland in Tennessee. Dad was a huge Elvis fan.

I am so happy that my dad experienced the joy of being a wonderful grandparent to my daughter Claire. When he was still feeling strong, he would always play with her. Dad always enjoyed leisure trips with Claire to the supermarket, the Academy of Science, and back home blowing bubbles in the backyard. Dad always had a piece of chocolate for Claire to indulge before he left.

Despite being often in a state of discomfort, my dad found purpose and happiness in driving me to and from work so I could avoid the daily parking search at my school in San Francisco. His continued efforts helped to reduce my stress as I started the work day and I relished the time we had to chat. It was in those conversations that we were able to spend time talking about his younger days, his life experience, his words of wisdom, and to always remind me to "Take it Easy." Dad was always very easy to talk to and despite our language difference- his Cantonese only and my only English speaking with a few Cantonese words in between, we were always able to communicate well with each other. Professional Basketball was always a must topic.

Our father and daughter bond was further deepened through our love of coffee. Whether it was ordering coffee from our local favorites or exercising my hand at coffee artistry to make it at home, we always stopped and savor that first sip. With our minds calmed and refocused, the coffee break allowed us to chat and catch up on things.

My dad's resolve to keep living a normal life while battling cancer is a reminder for us all to live life to the fullest despite the challenges we may face. His positive attitude and influence will continue to resonate with me and I know that his memory will live on whenever I travel somewhere, listen to a tune from Elvis, watch a basketball game, or have my cup of coffee.

I love and miss him dearly.