Dr. Herbert K. Yee

1924 - 2021

Dr. Herbert K. Yee
June 26, 2021
Sacramento, California - Sacramento dentist, civic leader, and philanthropist, Dr. Herbert Kik Ming Yee, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2021. A descendant of Gold Rush pioneers, he was born near Sing Tong Village in Toishan, Guangdong Province of China to his parents Henry Yee and Hum Wee Fong in 1924. At age 6, he immigrated to the United States on the SS President Cleveland through Angel Island with his younger brother and mother to join their father.
In the summer of 1943 while attending Stanford University, he met the love of his life, Inez Fong, whom he married after a sweet romance. They raised four sons who all entered the dental and medical profession. In 1948, Herbert graduated from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in San Francisco as a dental surgeon. He spent over half a century in the dental profession, including his time as the dentist for the staff of two California governors, Pat Brown and Ronald Reagan, who both appointed him to the California State Board of Dental Examiners.
A man for all seasons, Herbert's influence spanned dentistry, banking, real estate, educational institutions, civic organizations, and government. In dentistry, he served as President of the California State Board of Dental Examiners, Chair of the American Dental Association Council on Dental Education, and President of the International College of Dentists (ICD). As ICD President, he restored professional relations with China and Vietnam and admitted them into the ICD following the Vietnam War. In banking, he served on multiple bank boards and as Chairman of the Board of Sacramento Valley Bank. A pioneer in Sacramento's commercial real estate industry, he helped develop shopping centers in the greater Sacramento region, including Lucky supermarkets. In education, he served as a Regent of the University of the Pacific (UOP) for over 30 years where he was recognized by the Pacific Alumni Association with a Distinguished Alumni Award. During his remarkable length of service, he helped countless students gain acceptance into graduate school at UOP to fulfill their dreams of entering the dental, pharmacy, and law profession. A leader in civic and veteran organizations, he served as President of the Sacramento American Cancer Society, President of the Sacramento Pioneer Association, District Governor of the Lions Club, and Commander of the Gung Ho American Legion Post No. 696. He also served on the boards of the California Museum and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation. A steward and leader of the Chinese American community, he has served as President of the Sacramento Chinese Benevolent Association, President of the Sacramento Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Association, and national President of the Yee Fung Toy Family Association. In government, he had enduring friendships with California Secretary of State March Fong Eu, United States Senator Hiram Fong, and President Ronald Reagan.
A philanthropist and devout Christian, Herbert has funded major projects in the United States and China. At the UOP School of Dentistry, he endowed a scholarship, which funds a dozen students annually. Through the Herbert K. Yee and Inez F. Yee Foundation, he has made gifts with significant impact to numerous organizations, including the Asian Community Center, California Museum, and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, among others. He also helped fund the restoration of his great-grandfather's herb store built in 1851 in Fiddletown, California, which is now a museum and California State Historical Landmark. Never forgetting his roots, he was the first overseas Chinese to build a school in China near his village in Toishan in 1981, and later a cultural center and library in 2007.
Recognized for his achievements, Herbert has been inducted into the California School Board Foundation Hall of Fame. He was also named the California Dental Association's Humanitarian of the Year and honored by the Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation. For his service and leadership in the dental profession, he was awarded the ICD Ottofy-Okumura Award. He also received the President's Volunteer Service Award for his service that has made an impact on communities throughout the nation and for inspiring others. Recently, Herbert received the Congressional Gold Medal for his service in World War II, the nation's highest civilian award.
Breaking barriers, Herbert was one of the first Asian Americans to build a home in Land Park in 1954. He also was among the first minority members to be accepted into the Sutter Club and Del Paso Country Club. A trailblazer with an extraordinary life, he paved the way for future generations and served as an inspiration to others. His story exemplified the American dream.
Among all his accomplishments, Herbert took the most pride and joy in his family and instilled in them a great respect for their heritage. Married to his wife for over 70 years, he had four children, nine grandchildren, and eighteen great-grandchildren. Herbert was preceded in death by his brothers Paul Yee and Calvin Yee; sisters Song Lew, May Tam, and Phyllis Yee; and wife Inez Fong; and his sons Robert "Randy" Yee and Douglas Yee. He is survived by his brother Franklin Yee; sister Carolee Lim; and sons Alan (Helen) Yee and H. Wesley (Nancy) Yee; daughters-in-law Elaine Yee and Karun Yee; and his grandchildren, Thomas Yee, David Yee, Candice Yee Chen, Michael Yee, Melissa Yee Littau, Darren Yee, Debra Yee Balagtas, Juliana Yee, and Kevin Yee.
A funeral service was held at East Lawn Memorial Park on July 3, 2021. A celebration of his life will be held in the future. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests charitable donations to the Asian Community Center, Sutter Medical Foundation, California Museum, and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation.