Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
George Lee Obituary
George Lee, 49, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 13, 2008, after a long illness. He was blessed by the daily loving care of his mother, Margaret, and proud father, Pak Lee, of Ventura.
He is truly missed by his daughters, Alisa, Noelani and Maile of Ventura; brother and sister-in-law, Dennis and Kathleen of Covina; sister and brother-in-law, Abby and Ray Mellott of Bremerton, Wash.; sister and brother-in-law Pam and Jim Shaniuk of Ventura; sister and brother-in-law Margaret and Rickey Ohlson of Bremerton, Wash.; brother and sister-in-law Tom and Jayne of Upland; sister Sharilyn of Ventura; brother Carter; and loved one Leah Daproza of Ventura; and sister and brother-in-law Tanya and Alex McCollough of La Quinta.
George was born Nov. 23, 1958, in an Army hospital on the island of Okinawa, Japan. He enjoyed the island life, fishing, surfing and scuba diving until his graduation from Kubasaki High School. He moved to Ventura, where he tried his hand at various occupations, but after several years he returned to Okinawa to follow his dream of becoming a sushi chef and opening his own sushi restaurant.
George studied the art of sushi as an apprentice for thee years, learning from the masters. He did it in the traditional way of working without pay for one day off a month. He then traveled to Atlanta, Ga., where he continued his journey under the tutelage of a master Japanese chef. In 1985, he opened Juro Cho Sushi on Seaward Boulevard in Ventura. With his then-wife, Tomi, mother and sisters making up the staff, it became a family affair. His clientele, made up of locals, loved George's personal touch, friendly smile, not to mention his delicious rolls and fresh fish. He ultimately expanded this restaurant, growing into the corner lot across from the beach at the end of Seaward. He then turned the original spot into Tacos & Beer, where carne asada, carnitas, shrimp and fish tacos are still loved by many today.
Always the outdoorsman and avid fisherman, George loved to camp on the beach, where he could cast into the surf during the day and sit by the campfire at night, telling stories and singing songs. He hit about every stop form Baja to Frisco and ventured as far south as Costa Rica. His favorite spot may have been Jalama Beach, where he once pulled in a couple of halibut weighing 10 and 15 pounds while shore fishing. But with all of this, nothing was more important or meant more to him than his three daughters, who were truly the loves of his life.
He will be missed by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved lifelong friends who will miss his quick smile and belly laugh, fastest sushi knife in the United States and most importantly his easygoing spirit and unselfish generosity and willingness to help someone out.
A service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 19, at Community Presbyterian church, 1555 Poli St., Ventura. In honor of George's aloha spirit, the dress attire is casual.
In lieu of flowers, George would appreciate a donation in his name to your favorite children's charity.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for George Lee
Linda Daffin and Daniel Samera
May 1, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Sue Campana
April 23, 2008
Abby, Ray and family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Laurie Berbells
April 23, 2008
To the Lee family, I am very sorry for your loss, George will always be in your hearts though. Treasure the great times you had with him.
Karen Dickinson
April 23, 2008
May those left behind find peace and comfort in family.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Lisa Plum
April 23, 2008
Abby and Margaret and families, I'm sorry I never had the opportunity to meet your brother. Knowing the two of you and having met some of your other siblings and enjoying all of your hospitality, I think George is reflected in all of you. I did have the opportunity to enjoy some of the best shrimp and fish tacos ever at the Ventura restaurant! My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Suzi Haydon
April 21, 2008
I shall never forget all the fun times had at Juro Cho..From helping name the "Do me Roll", many Birthday dinners and drinks to Dancing in the bar...Thanks for all the good times!!!
Gail O'Neal
April 21, 2008
Carter, May God bless and comfort you and your family in this time of bereavement. You are in my prayers. If you need me, don't hesitate to contact me.
Lona Blake
April 20, 2008
To the Lee Family,
I knew George from Okinawa, and also attended Ventura college at the time he and Carter did. I worked for
him at Juro-cho Sushi..We shared alot of laughs with him, his ex-wife Tomi, and also Mike Annastoplus..Tazuko..
We had alot of parties at his home..alot of great memories. He was one of the nicest people to know in California. His warm-hearted personality, and also the love he had for his family was amazing. I convey my deepest sorrow at this time, and I pray that
he will rest in peace..God bless him, as he will bein the Lord's hands.
My brother Cory Blake attended Kubasaki High School with him, back in the 70's.
With deepest Sympathy,
Lona Blake
Cory Blake
Aison O'Neill
April 20, 2008
What a beautiful service yesterday and what a testament to George.
I ate at Juro Cho the first week it opened & for five years it was my second home. I always felt welcome and embraced by the whole family. I still remember Alisa sitting at the end of the bar eating sashimi when she could barely speak. God love you all, Alison Ayers O'Neill
Diana Duff
April 19, 2008
Dear Valerie and Family, My heart goes out to all of you. Noe and Maile are such little rays of sunshine! I pray that you can find comfort in your friends, joy in your precious children, and strength in Our Heavenly Father who loves and cares for you so very much.
Bill and Robin Harmon
April 19, 2008
Tanya and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you, that you find peace and comfort during this difficult time. May the memories of George's smile and hearty laugh bring warmth to your lives.
Gloria Kilmer
April 19, 2008
George is missed and loved by so many. Such a big heart!! My prayers are with his family and Val.
June Bardwil (Johnston)
April 18, 2008
In the mid 80s I was flying back from Japan after visiting my parents. I was wearing a Kubasaki tee shirt. George was on the same flight and introduced himself as a KHS alum. I was delighted to get to know him and enjoyed his fun loving spirit. I had lunch at his restaurant a few times where he was a generous host. As sad as we are feeling, his joyful spirit continues on for eternity. We miss you; bless you our friend.
Joe and Paula Simonds
April 18, 2008
Tanya and Family~
What a beautiful legacy of joy, caring, and love of life George has left for your family! Every family should be so blessed. May the memories you hold in your heart carry you through this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lisa Luna
April 18, 2008
Dear Lee Family,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I remember George being the friendliest guy I had ever met. He was gentle and generous. I grieve the loss for your whole family, I know how close all of you are. Take care, and know that you are in my prayers.
Lisa (Smith) Luna
Scott Acosta
April 18, 2008
To Deariest Valerie, Noe, Maile and Sam...
We are so sorry for your loss, and our thoughts are with you..
Valerie,
You have been so strong thru out this entire trajedy- I'm sure George is resting in peace knowing of your love and dedication for your children. Noe and Maile are lucky to have you.
Our prayers are with you..
The Acosta's
ron thomas
April 18, 2008
My deepest condolences to the Lee family. George was a great person I miss him.
Ron Thomas
Karen Pagano
April 18, 2008
Dearest Valerie, Noe & Maile, You are so precious to us here at CPC Preschool. We are so sorry that you have had to deal with this tragic loss and will continue to lift you up in prayer. We love you!
Denise Fritch
April 18, 2008
Valerie,
I am so sorry for your loss and I wish you,the girls, Sam, and your family peace during this difficult time. You are an amazingly strong woman and an even better mother. I can only imagine how proud George would be of the job you are doing raising his children. My thoughts are with you.
Ty (Tzvia) Guernsey
April 18, 2008
Time passes all too quickly....birthday barbecues, 4th of July beach parties, holiday festivities....music, laughter and always room for friends... newcomers....a welcome hug and an open door.
Your life is remembered by many that shared your traditions and were changed by your presence.
An era passed but your spirit lives on in the children..... Alisa, Noelani, Maile.
Tomi....a special thank you for your smiles in the early years .... Valerie ... for giving George the added precious gifts, Noelani and Maile.
Walk kama’a ‘ole, telling stories with Jack and Buddy.
Aloha ‘oe
Ty Guernsey
CJ Arnold
April 18, 2008
Alisa and Family,
What an amazing man George was; friendly to all, would do anything for his family and passionate about life. He always had a smile on his face and it transfered to all of those around him. His passing leaves a great sadness in many hearts, but then you think of his smile and you just can't help but smile yourself. Carry his aloha spirit with you everywhere to always keep him with you.
My condolences
Stephanie Howe
April 18, 2008
Margaret & Family...My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you feel peace at knowing that George is now laughing and free with God.
Stay strong, my friend!
Lupe Garcia-Rice
April 18, 2008
Dear Sharilyn and family,
My condolences, I never had the pleasure of meeting George, but knowing you (Sharilyn) reminds me of my own family, on the power of love and closeness a family should have. My prayers and thoughts are with you.
Harry and Judy Mulvaney
April 18, 2008
Our deepest sympathy and love for the Lee Family. George is truly a legend and will be missed by all. The world of Sushi will never be the same. God Bless.
Wendy Arnold
April 18, 2008
Alisa & Family, although I didn't know George very well personally I did know what a great father and great person he was through you Alisa and through CJ. The good advise he gave and all the funny stories. My heart is with you and your family, I'm so sorry for your loss.
Tina & Martin Noren
April 17, 2008
Dear Lee family,
Our heartfelt condolences for your loss. We're sending our warmest thoughts and prayers to all of you during this difficult time.
Scott (Buzz), Terrie & Anneka Busse
April 17, 2008
George was one of the first friends we made when we moved to Ventura County in 1983. We shared so many wonderful years together, married, had our families, camped, celebrated, fished and ate until we nearly popped! There are stories of our times together that we share over and over and each time they are told they are just as funny and endearing as the day they happened. Thank you to the Lee family for including us in your lives. George was the hub of so much of our lives. He is missed in so many ways.
Nicole Breuning
April 17, 2008
I couldn't believe when I open the newspaper and saw George's face. I was taken back and breathless. I remember George from when I worked at Wells Fargo bank in Ventura and remember him always greeting me with a smile and talking about family and business. I saw him almost daily bringing in his deposits. He was always so pleasant to see. The girls in the bank would yell "Hi George" everyone new him. Though it's been a couple of years since I've seen him I never forgot him. He was one of the best/friendliest customers we encountered. I pray many blessing to his family, friends and anyone who knew him, you were very lucky if you knew George. God Bless. See you later George!
Barbara Decker
April 17, 2008
Carter,
The stories you shared of growing up with George never failed to make me laugh. I'm sorry I never had the chance to meet him, your brother sounded like a great guy. I hope those memories bring comfort to you and your family now.
Joe and I send our sincere condolences.
Gerald Dodd
April 17, 2008
Carter, we are taught that absent from the body, is present with the Lord. May this thought and the memories you have of George bring comfort to you and your family during this time of bereavement.
Lauren Tamayoshi
April 17, 2008
To the entire Lee Family:
I am so sorry to hear about Georges' passing. May you find peace to comfort you during this difficult time. My deepest condolences.
chris carson
April 17, 2008
to carter and the lee family..my deepest condolences. your son and brother is up with god and looking down on all of you and protecting you. and carter,next time you cast your line in the ocean,you'll know george is right beside you waiting for the next big halibut. god bless.
Vickey Merriweather
April 17, 2008
Carter and Leah, please know my thoughts are with you. I'm also praying that the memories of George will comfort your hearts and time will ease the pain of your loss.
Felicia "Flee" Flores
April 17, 2008
That picture of George brings back so many great memories. I can still remember his smile and laugh when he would play jokes on me and the other employees at the Sushi Bar. He had such a great sense of humor.
My deepest condolences to Alisa and the family.
Pauline Powell
April 17, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of sorrow. May your memories bring you comfort. For Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal. Time will make it easier but you will never forget. Let God continue to guide you by His light and fill you with His peace throughout each day and always.
Chuy Gonzales
April 17, 2008
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of George Lee. I didn't know him except for talking to him the times I ate at Juro Cho's, my favorite sushi place anywhere. However, he was such a great and nice guy that he made a real impression on me. I was very, very sorry to hear about his passing. God Bless George...the world is a lesser place without him.
Stefan Olsson
April 17, 2008
I only met George a handful or so times. Either at Juro Cho, family gatherings and sadly a few times by his side at the hospital. I never knew him that well, but my instant feeling upon meeting him was of a man larger than life, full of life with plenty of aloha to spread amongst his many friends. I will miss him, and hoping he is riding a never ending wave right now.
Mark Anderson
April 16, 2008
George, The end of an era. I will always think of you and love you. I spent hundreds of hours in your place. And would do it all over again.
May God take you to his House.
Eddie and Aleta Walker
April 16, 2008
To Tanya and all her wonderful family: Our love to all of you at this very difficult time. Every family needs a "George" to keep you positive and happy. We know he will be missed. Your friends, Eddie and Aleta Walker
Ruben Hernandez
April 16, 2008
Carter,Mom and all the Lee family: With my deepest sympathy and condolences to all of you in your brothers/son passing. I'm happy to have known him and you all at his sushi restaraunt.
We've had many laughs, good food and plenty of beers together for over 17 yrs. and he will be in our minds and hearts forever.
So, from the two Venturans living in Santa Monica, we love you George!!
Ruben Hernandez(Albie's friend,lol)
Kimmie Cole
Cuz Kamekona
April 16, 2008
We shall never forget all of the great times that you shared with all of us
ALWAYS Amazing Food, Laughs & Lots of Drinks
A Hui Hou (Until we meet again)
Cuz & Lydia
SCOTT, JESSICA , NICOLE AND ZACHARY ACOSTA
April 16, 2008
JORGE -- SO MANY SMILES AND LAUGHS YOU ARE MISSED DEEPLY
Robert Chadwick
April 16, 2008
May God bless you and your family in
this time of sorrow.
George's Aloha spirit will be missed by
so many. He was truly a great Father
Person and friend to so many people.
He will live on forever in this town.
I feel blessed to have known him for
22 yrs. (by far the best Sushi)
R.I.P & God bless George's family and
Friends.
Mario Ossorio
April 16, 2008
Carter, our prayers are with you and your family. May your faith help you through this perrilous time. We are there for you!
Jack Tosono
April 16, 2008
Carter: with my deepest sympathy and condolences. I regret not able to meet your brother at his sushi restaraunt and throwing down couple of brews and taking in some of his great food.
Take care of your self, if you need anything at all, let me know..
Sal Calderon
April 16, 2008
Carter,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May you be comforted by knowing your brother is now in hands of the lord.
Celia hernandez
April 16, 2008
Carter,prayers and blessings to you and your family. May God give you all strength,serenity and peace.
God bless.
martha robles
April 16, 2008
I am so sorry to hear of George's passing. I will never forget his beautiful smile and his hardy laugh and most of all the camping trip to Jalamo Beach with the family. You all are truly a wonderful example of a supportive and lovable family. My deepest regrets. I will never forget all the nice things you did for my children.
With all my love Martha Robles
Ted Tuschka
April 16, 2008
I miss George's quick smile and good friendship. An icon of the community is gone.
April 16, 2008
Sorry for the loss of your brother.
Sending our prayers of comfort to you and your family.
Aloha,
Your Pacific Bell Family at Pasadena
Ticket Administrators & Analysis Group
Helen Grootendorst
April 16, 2008
My prayers are with the Lee family and friends at this most difficult time. I am so sad to hear that George has pass on. I've often thought about everyone during these last 30 or so years. My deepest regards to all.
God Bless
Preston Parks
April 16, 2008
Carter,My prayers are with you and your family..i never met your brother but i know if he was like you we would've been good friends like we are. Just know you have a brother in me. God Bless
Jessyca Estrada
April 16, 2008
To my adopted family, my deepest condolences to you at this time of grief. I will always remember George's smile and my first times eating sushi with Shaynee and friends and family at Juro Cho.
Love,
Bud & Patty Rush
April 16, 2008
We miss George and are content to know he's in a much better place and finally allowed to rest in peace. He always had a smile. His spirit for adventure carried him far and wide. The creative side spurred him to create fabulous sushi! Bet George and Jack are "wowing" the crowd in Heaven. Much love, Bud & Patty Rush
Shaynee Lee-gordy
April 16, 2008
i am overwhelmed and brokenhearted this week. seeing this has really made it final. george was my uncle and my friend. i was lucky to have music in common with him and we talked about so many things. he gave me such good advice and was always there for me. that picture take me back to so many times really great times. i will miss him every day of the rest of my life.
Showing 1 - 55 of 55 results
Make a Donation
in George Lee's name
Memorial Events
for George Lee
People and places connected with George
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support George's loved ones
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 more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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 moreWays to honor George 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
