Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Alfred Lee Obituary
June 5, 1921-May 6, 2017
Passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 6, 2017, at the age of 95 years.Alfred was born in San Francisco on June 5, 1921 to Luke Kow Lee and Choy Chan Lee. His father left the family to seek his fortune, leaving him to be raised by his mother. At the time, as an only child, he entertained himself with books, developing a passion for reading. A turning point in his life occurred when, after being turned away from the Central YMCA , he was referred to the Chinatown Y. It was there that he picked up basketball and met many lifelong friends. He was a member of the first graduating class of Marina Junior High School and graduated from Lowell High School in 1939. He was drafted into the army during World War 2 and was stationed in Texas serving as a pharmacist. After discharge, with the aid of the G.I. Bill, he enrolled in the Illinois College of Optometry graduating in 1950. He returned home establishing a practice in Chinatown working six-day weeks for over 60 years. Alfred married wife Evelyn in 1953, and together, they went on to raise three sons. He is predeceased by Evelyn and survived by sons Michael, Eric (Teddi), Rodney (Denise) and grandchildren Erica, Gregory, Sammy, and Kira. Alfred was active in the Chinatown community, was a member of the Chinatown YMCA, the Chinese Sportsman Club, the Chinatown Lion's Club and several other organizations. He was a lifelong supporter of Chinatown basketball. Alfred was known for his fondness for basketball, tennis, movies, stamps and music, but will be forever remembered for his optimistic outlook on life and love for people, family, and friends. He is interred at Greenlawn Memorial Park. Donations may be made in his memory to the Chinatown YMCA .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Alfred Lee
5 Entries
Allen Chan
January 7, 2024
Dr Lee was my childhood optometrist. I just saw him interviewed in the 2018 documentary Havana Divas, which is about Chinese opera in Cuba. There are two segments with him. One was conducted in his office.
Diane 'Frenchie' Goullard (then Hanson)
July 15, 2023
I was getting fitted for a new pair of round rim glasses in the optometrist shop of Dr. Alfred T. Lee on October 17, 1989, Loma Prieta earthquake. That day, when the earth shook, glasses fell off the shelves, all customers and Dr. Lee formed a circle and held hands. When the tremors stopped, we parted as if we had been friends. I never forgot this beautiful experience of camaraderie, human oneness.
Margaret Chin
December 8, 2017
My condolences. Being raised in S.F. I always passed the store waiting for the bus to go home. Am sorry to hear of his passing. God bless him and peace to his family.
June 30, 2017
My deepest condolences! He was a close friend of my mother Mabel and her brother Alfred Suen. He will surely be missed.
Edwina Ow
E Choy
June 28, 2017
growing up in C-town, Dr. L was a source of quiet pride for a little Chinese kid - he was my eye doctor on Stockton Street - thank you for all you did for our community
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results
Make a Donation
in Alfred Lee's name
Memorial Events
for Alfred Lee
How to support Alfred's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Alfred Lee's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
