Obituary of Jimmy Lee

On Wednesday September 29, 2021, Yiu Keung (Jimmy) Lee passed away at the age of 57 from complications of a stroke, at Riverview Health Centre. Jimmy is survived by his brother Yiu; sister Susan; wife Val; daughters Rachel and Madeline; and nieces Lauren, Chelsea and Kanisha. He is predeceased by his father Kwok Hung Lee (passed April 14, 1984 at 52 years) and his mother Choi Ho Tam (passed July 18, 1991 at 50 years). Jimmy was born May 1, 1964 in Hong Kong. He arrived in Canada from Hong Kong with his parents, brother and sister to start a new life in 1974. After living on Elgin Ave for about a year and learning the English language from a neighbour, Jimmy and his family moved to sunny St. Norbert. Jimmy attended St. Norbert Collegiate where he earned both academic and sports achievements, graduating in 1983. Jimmy loved sports and was part of the school teams for badminton, basketball, volleyball and track. After high school Jimmy attended Red River College where he earned a certificate in Business Accounting in 1989. In 1993 Jimmy met Val and they got married August 26, 1995. Together they had two beautiful daughters that he was so proud of, Rachel born in 1998 and Madeline born in 2001. Jimmy’s love of sports continued by playing golf with friends and taking Rachel to the driving range to “see how many balls we can hit.” Jimmy also loved watching movies and playing baseball as a member of the Ratz baseball team where he made many friends. Jimmy was a real people person, always very social and ready to make friends with everyone. Jim’s friendly demeanor landed him many jobs in the food service industry. He managed restaurants such as Salisbury House, Perkins, Pony Corral, Boston Pizza, Aaltos in Canad Inn, and finally found a home at Denny’s. Unfortunately, Jimmy suffered a debilitating stroke in May 2010, leaving him permanently paralyzed on the left side of his body. He suffered a smaller stroke in 2016 and yet another in July 2021. Jimmy suffered physical and mental challenges with his disability and his recovery was difficult. He was overwhelmed and sometimes felt broken and defeated. As Jimmy moved on to a more independent life his challenges became even greater and it was at that time that his vast network of friends became even more important to him. He always looked forward to watching television with Maddy, visiting the pet store with Spike and reading messages of support from friends on Facebook. He could not have survived as long as he did without the tireless love and support from his big brother Yiu, loving daughter Maddy, his loyal dog Spike, and his many friends. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Jimmy’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Society for Manitobans with Disabilities, Addictions Foundation of Manitoba or Riverview Health Centre. A memorial service will be held on November 20, 2021 at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg, 603 Wellington Crescent from 2:30pm to 3:30pm (no reception to follow). Capacity is 110; must be fully vaccinated and able to show proof; face mask required.