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Gordon Yee Obituary

Gordon YEE Gordon Yee, was born 1/11/1949,gently and peacefully passed away at home, 6/6/08. Gordy was alwayshappy, quiet, creative, positive with a wealth of knowledge. He enjoyed coaching and teaching tennis, cooking, traveling extensively with his family and dinner with the BlueAngels. Gordy shared his wonderful life with Joyce, Linda (husband Kirk, nieces China and Jami) and Gary (sister-in-law Cathy, nephew Kyle). Gordy is preceded by his mother Amy, Father Wing Wo and hisbeloved Hombow Yee. Gordy brought joy to his family, relatives and friends. Gordy requested a private service for the immediate family. Warm remembrances to theAmy Yee Tennis Foundation - Gordy Yee Fund.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Jun. 13 to Jun. 15, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Gordon Yee

Sponsored by The Boyz of Beacon Hill.

27 Entries

John Sing

July 17, 2009

To the Yee Family,

My deepest sympathy and condolences to the family on Gordon's loss. It was a complete shock to me on hearing of his passing, even though knowing some of his health issues of the past few years.

Gordy was one of my longest and closest friends for most of my life. We went through Beacon Hill Elementary, Asa Mercer Junior High and Cleveland High School together graduating in 1967. I think I first met Gordy either in the first grade or kindergarten long before my brothers and sister did. I will always remember those years in school with Gordy.

Through the years we did many things that kids do growing up. Who can forget the summer trip we did with Bob Chung. I think there were eight kids plus Bob squeezed in together in Bob's old early '50 Chevy for a trip to Whidbey Island.

Or, the week long summer California car adventure the four of us had in August 1966 with my brother Philip and Frank Eng in Philip's 1959 four door green Chevy Biscayne 3-speed column stick shift. It was the car trip from Hell, but we had a great time despite encountering unexpected problems. Our headlights went out late at night while driving along U.S. Highway 101 along the curvy road and cliffs next to the Pacific Ocean in northern California. We forgot the tent stakes. Philip lost his wallet and money leaving it on top of the car roof when we left a gas station. We lost our brakes on I-5 in northern California/Oregon while returning home. But we saw San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge, Los Angeles, Universal Studios, Knott's Berry Farm and Disneyland. In LA, we found a clean inexpensive motel (The Colonial Motel) with a pool for $6.00 a night and a fast food chicken drive-in (Pioneer Chicken) next door just a few blocks from Hollywood Boulevard and about a mile or so from Griffith Park. We ate a lot of chicken that week. We even saw "The Flight of the Phoenix" (1965), a James Stewart movie at a drive-in theater in LA.

Two years later in the summer 1968, eight of us (myself, Gordy, Philip, Stan T, Bob E, John K, Doug T, and Gary T) went on a California car trip in two cars to SF, LA and San Diego. We stayed at the same motel (The Colonial) next to Pioneer Chicken. Unfortunately, the motel rates had gone up to $8.00 a night for four, but we got adjoining room and had a blast doing the tourist things again.

Some 25-30 years ago, Gordy took a month long cross country train trip to the east coast. I remember his interesting trip stories and thought that one day as buddies we could do something like that or take a cruise.

Gordy was one of our neighborhood Beacon Hill guys and we played football and adult slow pitch softball. We played the Saturday tackle football games with full equipment at the Asa Mercer/Jefferson Park field when we were 13-15 years old and later played in the Seattle Parks Dept adult softball team games. As a running back, Gordy was like a tank and man could Gordy hit that softball a long ways into right field. I can still picture him up at bat with his golf-like swing with the ball taking off over the right fielder's head.

Over the years, Gordy was not only my art guy but he was also the PC guy that I could turn to for questions. His answers and/or recommendations were always sound. More recently, Gordy also shared a passion of mine for high performance military jets. Through his association with the Blue Angels, he was able to share some of that passion with me and others. We talked for hours about jet fighters.

I will certainly miss Gordy and the different talks we had, but I will always cherish the memories of the good times we spent together.

Alison Sing

July 13, 2009

To a loving brother, uncle and friend:

Gordon, you have honored us with your smile and love of life. As a teacher, you touched many young lives and they are forever changed by your gifts. Whether it was tennis or education, you gave everything to make sure it was done well.

As one of your Beacon Hill brothers-in-arms, we did not have much but each other and we learned much from each other - friendship - loyalty - trust - and love. I cannot imagine growing up on Beacon Hill and not having such a wonderful person in my life.

Our Beacon Hill gang is one member short - whether playing football, baseball, or basketball there is one position left unfilled without you. I remember fondly emulating Worldwide Wrestling in our family home with you serving as our referee. Or how we crammed ourselves into the Lui's doghouse. Or the many times we wandered the neighborhood looking for an empty field to play baseball.

We were not wealthy by any means but we shared riches beyond anyone's imagination and that was enduring friendship and love for one another.

We all miss you but I know our Lord called you home for a reason and soon, someday, I will see you again.

Alison Sing and Cortez Kennedy

July 13, 2009

Phil Sing, Dell Lui, Cortez Kennedy, and Jerry Lee

July 13, 2009

Jerry Lee and Phil Sing

July 13, 2009

Glen Kiyonaga. Cortez Kennedy, Joyce Yee and Tez's daugther

July 13, 2009

Cortez Kennedy and Sam Choi

July 13, 2009

Alison Sing

June 11, 2009

Gordon: You would have been proud last weekend when your sister, Joyce hosted a fantastic gathering at the home to celebrate your memories. I added a photo to this guestbook of the old gang from Beacon Hill who miss your smiling face. Thanks for all the memories and for the wonderful work you did as a Teacher. I only wish I had the time my brother, Allen had with you on your long sojourn looking for the best ribs this side of the Mississippi. We all miss you and may we someday meet again.

The Boyz of Beacon Hill - We miss you, Gordy!

June 11, 2009

Dorothy and Alex. Ghylin-Bennett

August 24, 2008

Although we never met Gordy, we knew of Gordy through his sister Joyce. We heard many stories about his creativity and his caring. loving ways. Gordy was indeed a very special brother and citizen of our world. We are only sorry that we never officially were able to meet him and tell him so. Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy to his family at this time.

Betty Lau

July 29, 2008

I was shocked to hear of Gordy's passing and and miss him very much. Although we had known each other from early in our youth, we only became great friends when I joined the faculty at Madison Middle School. Gordy was one of the most generous, kindest men I have ever known. A few examples follow:

Knowing he had an art business on the side, I asked him to design and print 15 t-shirts for Madison's lion dance team. The team had agreed to pay for the shirts from their lai see (lucky money) donations. When the shirts were ready, I was stunned when he refused to accept payment. He kept brushing me off, saying, "No, no, forget it, forget it. It wasn't that much." But that was Gordy. Later, he set up a computer lab at Chong Wa so adult immigrants could learn how to use computers, and he refused to accept anything other than an at cost payment for designing and printing the first batch (100) of Chinatown Dragon Team t-shirts. My heart aches every time I see a boy in one of those shirts.

And I'll never forget how he brought Aunty Amy for several summers to Chong Wa to teach tennis to the children in Chinese school.

Gordy was also brilliant. Long before 9/11, he foresaw the uses of the technologies we have today--the tracking of private conversations, the loss of privacy, the dangers of abuse by government.

I miss him dearly.

Rick Wilson

July 9, 2008

My life was the direct impact of the Yee family. I got extra motivation to do more for our community through my endless dialogue with Gordy. I will miss his tireless joy for getting racquets in the hands of children who otherwise would never have a chance...one of those children was me...I remember being 14 years old and passionate about learning tennis. I went to a tennis camp via the Yee support after I met Amy and Gordy at an Amy Yee Tennis Clinic. I am honored to have known such a gracious man, intellectual, and called him my friend. God bless him and his family through this transition.

Carl Bergquist

July 9, 2008

A friend to all that new him it was my honor to be touched by a true Seattle Legend. Although cut short, Gordy's accomplishments and support of the great game of tennis are too numerous to mention. If there was tennis being played an event being had or growing the game, odds are Gordy was either the brains behind it, helping with it, or through his Amy Yee Tennis Foundation was financing it...Gordy's reach was unequivocal and to talk with him you would never know. It was my privilege to work with him and count him as a friend. I hope everyone who visits this site takes a minute to remember the smile or his laugh...undoubtedly talking about tennis. I'll miss you Gordy. You were the heart behind Seattle Tennis. My thoughts go out to his family.

Jeanne Chin

July 5, 2008

I am truly sad to hear of Gordy's passing. Gordy was an extraordinary person. He had a genuine kindness about him that is rare. He was both a teacher to me and a friend. He will be missed by all that knew him.

John Kanetomi

June 20, 2008

To the Yee family I am very sorry for your loss. The first time we met Gordy was a 4th grader I was in 5th. He was a special athlete even then. Gordy and I played on sports teams togeather well into our twenties. We both failed at one sport each. I failed to teach Gordy to ski and he failed to teach me tennis. Gordy was always willing to help me. He would hit tennis ball at me to help my martial arts training. He would say if you dodge my serve a punch should be easy. My two fondest memories of Gordy are: Every Friday night me Gordy, Doug T, and Gary T would go to some gym in the city and wait for any other 4 guys to play us. Eventually people saw that we could play, and how quick and strong Gordy was. In 1966 eight of the Beacon Hill gang of guys loaded two cars and headed to Calif.What an adventure. In SanFrancisco we got into a pickup football game in china town. There were 8 of us and like 13 of them. What fun Gordy and me side by side just blowing these guys up. I'll miss you Gordy.

Gordy Yee

June 20, 2008

Chris & Monica Samuel

June 20, 2008

Gordy was a very special person - talented and creative, yet so humble. It took awhile to convince him that he should be recognized, but I think he knew it may inspire others. There's a short profile of his volunteer work at this link (just cut and paste it onto your browser) : http://www.usta.com/communitytennis/fullstory.sps?iNewsid=59024&icategoryid=437

We will miss his energy and enthusiasm with the kids and that very special look when he had one of his many great ideas.

Our thoughts are with his family in this difficult time.

Lindsay Gow

June 18, 2008

I wish to add my condolences to all of the Yee family from the Gows who lived down the hill at 21st and McClellan.. Though it has been too many years since I've seen Gordy, I remember him well and have followed his and his family's tennis exploits as neighborhood sports celebrities. I remember him as always friendly with an infectious smile. I used to visit the Lees living a few doors down the street. I can imagine him saying: "If there is no tennis in Heaven, I don't want to go." I'm sure he is improving God's serve.

Pastor Tom Carter

June 17, 2008

I was Gordy Yee's doubles partner on the tennis team at Seattle Pacific College in 1969-70. I'll never forget his smile and sense of humor. I'm praying for his family.

Jonathan French

June 16, 2008

Gordy (Mr. Yee as we called him) was such a wonderful and influential teacher to me at Madison Middle school in the early 80's. Some of the projects we did were the most memorable of my education. Mr. Yee taught us tolerance, humor and friendship at a time in our lives where 7th & 8th graders need it the most! We all hopefully have teachers and mentors who touched us and were a part of who we are today. Gordy, you were that to me. I will think of you often. I miss you my friend.

Helen Sing

June 14, 2008

Gordy, growing up, you were one of the close knit Beacon Hill neighborhood kids. To me, you became my “brother from another mother,” hanging out with my brothers. You and your family were rock stars in the tennis world, but to the neighborhood kids, you were just a regular family, except for the hundreds of shiny trophies in your living room! Those trophies never changed you, the nicest, most creative and decent friend, a person could have. I shall miss your smiling face and always upbeat personality.

To the Yee family, my deepest sympathies go out to you and the rest of your family. I am so sad for you and for all of us, who will experience a future without our dear Gordy. I will think of the brightest star in the night sky, as Gordy, smiling down upon us, forever reminding us of his presence.

Willon Lew

June 13, 2008

I'm very sorry to hear of Gordy's passing. Over the years we bumped into each other in such places like Costco and Larry's Market. He and the Yee family were an inspiration to me in my younger years on Beacon Hill playing tennis. He inspired much leadership and confidence in people who played with him. Gordy is one person that everyone remembers, a good guy. My thoughts and prayers are wtih the Yee family during this period.

Jeanne Merritt

June 13, 2008

To the Yee Family:

I had the honor and pleasure to work with Gordy at Madison Middle School. He was my team leader on the Exploratory team. He always had a smile on his face. He was always generous, treating our team to Chinese food in the International District. Staff parties meant we would have some delicious hombow. He was a wonderful teacher, too, helping our students and school with the beginnings of technology. One year he spent most of his summer helping build a new computer lab.

He sent postcards after his retirement. He told me that he loved retirement and the travel he was doing.

Gordy was such a sweet person. Please accept my condolences.

sherrie vaughn

June 13, 2008

I'am so sorry to hear about the passing of dear Gordy. I had the most wonderful time of being able to meet him while he worked at Safeco Field. Rest in peace my dear.
Love Always Miss V

John Christiansen

June 13, 2008

To The Yee Family:

I lived kitty-corner from you on Beacon Hill, 1804 McClelland St. I am so very sorry to hear of Gordy's loss. Your family was an inspiration to many of us, although you may not have known this fact. Cleveland High School has lost another of it's sons before his time. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May God bless you and keep you strong. With great sincereity.

John Christiansen "Class of 64"

Wesley Lingren

June 13, 2008

It was a total shock to learn of Gordy's untimely death. I'm so sorry.
Gordy was a great friend; I always enjoyed being around him; a very creative guy with a great smile. Lots of great memories from our days together at SPC and tennis.
You have our deepest sympathy
Coach & Merrilyn Lingren

Alison Sing

June 13, 2008

To the Yee Family:

I was deeply sadden to hear of Gordon's passing this week. Our family were very close growing up on Beacon Hill. I remember fondly all the football scrimmages our beacon hill gang had at the old elementary School. I just remember that Gordy was one tough individual to bring down when we played tackle football.

I fondly remember sharing time with all of you on the Beacon Hill tennis court. Most of the time we waited patiently for your tennis practice to finish so we could go play football or baseball at the adjacent field.

Gordon was an immense help with my 40th Class Reunion when he help put together a memorable DVD for our classmates. I shall always be indebted to him for this treasure.

Gordon will always be remember by the Sing family as a genuine friend and one of the brothers. He spent much more time with my twin brother, Allen and I know he is deeply sadden by this loss.

For the entire Yee family, please accept my deepest condolences and perhaps as time pass we can find a way to honor Gordon's contribution in life and as a person.

I will miss him always,

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