George Lee

1941 - 2017

George F. Lee, M.D.

March 1, 1941 - September 26, 2017

George Lee died suddenly on September 26, 2017, at his home in Yorkville, California. He was a man of vision, passion and compassion, who dedicated his life to healing and helping people everywhere – especially women and children. His passing leaves a deep sadness in his family and friends. Indeed, there are hundreds he touched who are grieving. But through his tireless efforts, many thousands have lived healthier, happier and more secure lives. He truly left the world a better place.
Born on March 1, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York, to George Francis Lee and Winifred Rita Jones, George was the oldest of four brothers and a sister. His family moved to North Chatham, New York, when he was twelve. There, his father passed away, and he met Katherine (Kit) Temple, with whom he would share the rest of his life.
George was the star quarterback of his high school team, captain of the baseball team, and was declared Most Valuable Player at St. John's Academy, graduating with honors and receiving a Regent's Scholarship from the State of New York. In 1959, George entered the Mater Christi Seminary in Albany, New York, then graduated from the Albany Medical College of Union University in Albany, New York, with honors in 1968. He was awarded the Best Bedside Manner, for which he was known throughout his career. He also served as a Captain in U.S. Army Medical Reserves for six years and received an honorable discharge.
George married Kit on August 24, 1963. They welcomed their three children, daughters Barbara and Kelly, and son Douglas, while George was a medical student and resident. In 1969, the family moved to California, where George completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of California San Francisco. Remarkably, after a year in private practice he was appointed Chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Pacific Presbyterian Medical Center. He held this position for nearly 25 years, and served as Vice Chief of Staff, and Director of the Women's Health Center. George was Associate Clinical Professor in Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCSF, and was a Visiting Professor in Guangdong Provence, in the People's Republic of China.
George was driven to improve medical care for women and children. He created the Family Birth Place at PPMC. In 1991, he realized his dream to establish a leading medical center that ultimately included the merger of the four oldest San Francisco hospitals into the California Pacific Medical Center. George held key leadership positions at CPMC, as well as numerous appointments with Colleges, Associations, and Organizations, and with Sutter Health. He helped Congress draft the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA).
George envisioned and established a cooperative self-insurance model for physicians in San Francisco, and promoted a more patient-centered approach to resolve poor care outcomes. It became a model for the state and nation. He served on the CPMC Board of Directors and on the Board of Trustees of the CPMC Foundation, as well as 38 years as the Financial Director on the Board of Pan-Med, Ltd., and over 40 years as President and CEO of the Physician's Reimbursement Fund, Inc.
George was a trusted and compassionate physician, a thoughtful teacher, a visionary leader, and highly respected colleague and mentor.
In 1977, George and Kit began building the Old Chatham Ranch in Yorkville, California. It was the home of their hearts and it came to glow with the love they poured into it, becoming the center of the family's life and an anchor for the Yorkville community. He established the Mendocino Wine Growers, Inc. and served on the Board of Directors. He also served on committees for the Anderson Valley School Board, and the Anderson Valley Health Center.
George leaves behind a large family, and many dear friends. The family is grateful for the kindness and support everyone has extended. We invite all who cared for or were touched by George to join us to honor him on November 11, 2017. More complete details of George's life and accomplishments, and details of the event to celebrate him are provided at https://honoring-georgeleemd.squarespace.com. George would urge all of us to hold our loved ones close, and lift our gaze to look for a way to make this a better, kinder and more loving world.