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BORN
1932
DIED
2017
FUNERAL HOME
Herbert Lee Obituary
November 19, 1932 - November 1, 2017
Herbert Patrick Lee, 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by family members on November 1, 2017 in Oakland after undergoing a brief but valiant battle to treat colon cancer.Herb was born at home on November 19, 1932 in San Francisco. He was one of ten children born to his parents Al and Lillian Lee. Herb attended St. Mary's School and Polytechnic High School where he first caught the "singing bug" and performed in many stage productions. Herb met his wife Dorothy at a dance in Chinatown and they were married in 1953. They moved to San Diego while Herb served in the Navy.
A true San Franciscan, Herbert was the first Chinese American to be a full-time San Francisco police officer in 1957. Early in his career at SFPD, Herb was enlisted to help recruit minority police officers. Many of Herb's recruits have become respected police leaders. Herb went on to start the PAL Fishing program where he took thousands of under-privileged kids fishing on his boat the "Ah Choo." In his last role, Herb was the Executive Director of the entire PAL program overseeing athletic, fishing, police cadet and other programs. Herb retired from SFPD after 30 years of service in 1987. In recent years, Herb thoroughly enjoyed singing karaoke, fishing, golfing and bowling.
Herb is preceded in death by his father, Al, his mother Lillian, sisters Alberta, June, Vivian, Sharon, and brothers Arnold, Al, and grandchild Aaron.
Herb is survived by his wife, Dorothy, his sisters Norma, Rosemary and brother Clarence. Herb leaves behind his children, Penny (Ronald), Lynette (Wil), Rick (Monica) and John (Darlene) and grandchildren, Eric, Kim, Andrea, Christa, Jenna, Jason, Amber, Bryan, Jade, step-grandchildren, Stephani, Kevin and Nikki, and three step-great grandchildren.
Our family would like to thank the entire staff and physicians at Kaiser Oakland for the compassionate care Herb recently received there. We especially thank Dr. Peter Peng for never giving up hope.
Services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 11, at Duggan's Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Ave, Daly City, CA 94014. Viewing is at 10:00 am; Services to begin at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in memory of Herbert Lee may be made to the Chinatown YMCA (https://www.ymcasf.org/donate?kwofrid=II44H24).
Herb lived his life as a pioneer and inspired a generation of law enforcement professionals. His energetic personality and "love of life" spirit will be missed by all.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Herbert Lee
Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.
January 14, 2018
Rest on peace Uncle Herb....
From your Godson,
Dr. Jeff Ng
Son of Lori/John Ng
November 13, 2017
Herb donated his time singing and warming the hearts of the elderly folks at "The Avenue Senior Assisted Living" community.
Thank you, Herb, for putting smiles on all of our faces. We will not forget you.
Condolences to John and the rest of the family,
Preston Lee & Mel Lee
Peter Poon Jr
November 12, 2017
I remember "Uncle Herb" being good friends with my dad Pete Poon Sr, and my "Uncle Art". My condolences to Auntie Dot and the kids.
Peter (Petey) Poon Jr
Sandy Richardson
November 11, 2017
Lee Family
Herb was such a great neighbor and friend (Peru Ave in SF) to us all. He always had such great stories...Dorothy and family you are in my thoughts and prayers. Another bright star shining upon us all .....
Sandy Richardson
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Frank Lee
November 11, 2017
My condolences to the family and friends of Herb Lee. I first met Herb at a PAL track meet in the mid 80's and he told me to take the SFPD exam to become a police officer. Herb inspired a generation of minorities to join and fully integrate the sworn ranks of the SFPD. All San Franciscans owe Herb a debt of gratitude.
Retired Sergeant/Inspector Frank Lee, San Francisco
Denise Lee
November 11, 2017
My mom, Anna Lee, was friends with Herb in high school. She always spoke highly of him. Then,when I was in high school in the 1970s, he and his band came to George Washington High to perform for us. Everyone laughed and applauded when the curtains went up and police officers were performing. I think Herb sang a Santana number. And, a lot of kids spoke so highly of PAL; we used to hear about it all the time.
Thank you, Herb, for all your dedication and passion in serving the public all these years and your efforts in instilling ethics and values to our youth. I'm sure you've saved many.
Our deepest condolences to Herb's family.
Denise
November 9, 2017
John,
We extend our deepest sympathies to you and your family. We are here for you during this difficult time. May your father Rest In Peace!
CDI Benicia
Robert Lee
November 9, 2017
Thanks Herb for leading the way for Asians in the SFPD. You have left footsteps which many of us have since attempted to follow. In many ways you have lead a long line of Asian Officers through a honorable career in law enforcement. Rest in peace my friend. And thanks for the fishing trips.
Laura Cavazos
November 8, 2017
Penny:
Your father was a great man who left a wonderful legacy behind. He was larger than life and lived life to the fullest. Now that he is gone may all the beautiful memories be a blessing and comfort to you and your family.
With deepest sympathy
Laura and Roger Cavazos
Shu Fang Liu
November 8, 2017
Rest in peace
November 8, 2017
Our love, prayers, and condolences go out to your entire family during this most difficult time. Love, your neighbors Mike, & Janet Kelley, & Michael Bellotti
Anita Nuño
November 8, 2017
My condolences to your family. Thank You Herb for your many years of service and dedication to SFPD.
I am one of the many lives he touched through the PAL Police Cadet Program. Herb along with Ernie Galaviz were pivotal to myself and many others in the program. They were our Leaders.
I'm now in my 23rd year of my Law Enfocement Career.
Herb may you Rest In Peace, and your family to be at Peace knowing you're free from all the pain.
Jordan Lowe
November 7, 2017
John,
Sorry for your loss. Take care.
Jordan
Dan Logan
November 7, 2017
My condolences to the Lee family. My father, Inspector Bill Logan, worked with Herb in the SFPD and I remember how he spoke highly of Herb and that he always had a smile on his face.
May he rest in peace.
Cindy Jung
November 7, 2017
Our deepest condolences on the passing of "Uncle Herb". A genuine caring person who did so much for others. Thank you for ALL you did for my mom and dad. May you rest in eternal peace.
Fred Lau
November 5, 2017
To the Family:
There are never appropriate words during times like this.
Herb was our first sworn Chinese American member of the San Francisco Police Department. He led the way for us. He served as a role model and mentor for me and countless others.
I admired Herb for his community service and caring for our communities. A great many young people enjoyed their first fishing experiences aboard the Ah Choo. We all enjoyed his enthusiasm as he belted out Oh Danny Boy and some of his other favorites.
Most of all, I will always remember Herb for the way he loved Dottie and the rest of the family. I could see his eyes light up whenever he would talk about all of you.
Thank you Lee family for sharing Herb with us for so many years.
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