Anthony Lee

1977 - 2016

Anthony K. "Tony" Lee

February 11, 1977 – March 27, 2016

Anthony Kwan Lee, Ph.D., resident of Berkeley, formerly of Foster City, CA, passed away peacefully on Easter morning, March 27, 2016 at the age of 39 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on February 11, 1977 in San Mateo to Holly Lee and Kenneth Kwan Lee who both adored him. Tony was a kind, dedicated, and loving son. After being diagnosed with cancer in April of 2011, Tony never gave up hope and always had a positive spirit. He cherished his friends. Their kind words and love kept him going, bringing much happiness to his life. He also always let his family know how much he appreciated their day-to-day care when he was unable to function independently towards the end of his life. Tony especially loved his dog Daisy who was adopted from the Fresno Humane Society and became his ever-present companion; she always made him smile.

Tony went to Audubon School in Foster City for kindergarten and first grade, then to Nueva School in Hillsborough from second through eighth grade as a Menuhin Piano Scholar. After graduating from Hillsdale High School in San Mateo with numerous honors, he attended Santa Clara University earning his BA in piano performance. He was a dedicated member of the cycling team and, upon graduation, served on the SCU adjunct piano faculty. Tony received his Masters degree from the Moores School of Music in Houston while also serving as an adjudicator for the Houston Music Teachers' Association and assisting the Moores Opera Program as a rehearsal pianist. Besides the piano, Tony played string bass in the El Camino Youth Symphony, the Hillsdale High School Orchestra, and electric bass in his high school jazz band. Tony completed his Masters and Ph.D. in Clinical Forensic Psychology at Alliant University in Fresno where he was a post-doctoral Fellow at the Sullivan Center for Children, co-facilitating substance abuse and family groups. He worked at Valley State Prison for Women in Chowchilla providing individual therapy services and ran groups for coping skills, stress and anxiety, and a music and art therapy group for severely emotionally disturbed inmates. He additionally worked at the Psychological Service Center where he performed individual and family therapy. Tony greatly enjoyed providing psychological support to children, adolescents, and their families, as well as working with local schools to further educate the community regarding mental health issues and services.

Tony found camaraderie and strength through playing an online game called World of Warcraft (WoW). He chose his online name of "Unbreakable" as it sounded like the type of warrior who could overcome many extremely rough trials with enduring will power. Tony's guild, which he had been a part of running and creating, was named Forgotten Aspects of Hyjal. He wanted to send his WoW comrades his love, many thanks, and acknowledge the battles within this lifetime and in the future, "For the Horde!"

Tony was a huge Star Wars fan and watched The Force Awakens at home in mid-March. Industrial Light & Magic sent over an encrypted copy for him to view and Tony wore his Chewbacca robe and set up Star Wars memorabilia in anticipation of the showing. It was a magical moment for Tony and his family who saw the movie with him.

Tony's other interests included soccer (especially kicking the ball around with his brother Jordan), fine foods, constructing models, drawing, sculpting, technology, fixing things around the house, and building with his hands; he was a creative soul.

Tony was predeceased by his devoted father. He is survived by his loving mother, her partner John Donaldson who cared for Tony as his own son, Tony's caring partner Mai Lee, and his faithful dog Daisy. He also leaves his brother Jordan Lee, sister Jeannette Silvi, nieces Isabella, Kiana, and Lila Silvi, brother Kenny Lee (Carol), aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A tribute website is being put up at www.anthonykwanlee.com to share his life and memories.