Tak-Chung Lee

With deep sorrow, we announce the peaceful passing of Tak-Chung Lee on January 4, 2025. Born on January 16, 1935, in Guangzhou, China, he was the beloved son of Tse-Wing Lee and Kwei-Chih Lee (née Chung). Baptized at two months old, he later confirmed his faith in Jesus Christ, marking the foundation of a life characterized by resilience, faith, and devotion to his family.

Tak-Chung’s early years were shaped by war. His family fled to Hong Kong during the Sino-Japanese War, enduring the challenges of Japanese occupation. Despite famine, loss, and danger, he drew strength from his faith and family. After the war, Tak-Chung resumed his education and excelled at Pui Ching Middle School and then at Bethel High School, earning the nickname “Monkey” for his energy and skill in sports, particularly soccer and basketball.

After high school, Tak-Chung studied at the Taichung College of Agriculture (now National Chung Hsing University) in Taiwan. There, he met his future wife, Kai-Sun Yeh, who became his devoted partner for 63 years. Together, they immigrated to the United States, building a beautiful life and raising a loving family.

Tak-Chung had a distinguished career spanning 36 years, first as a math teacher at the Shakespeare School in Kowloon, Hong Kong. After immigrating to the United States, Tak-Chung worked at Crawford & Russell in Stamford, Connecticut, and later at Geigy in Ardsley, New York (now Novartis). In 1973, he relocated with his family to Greensboro, North Carolina, working in formulation chemistry producing herbicides and insecticides rising up to the position of Senior Staff Chemist.

Upon retirement in 1997, Tak-Chung enjoyed a fulfilling life in Raleigh, North Carolina, and later Laguna Woods, California. His passions included cooking, gardening, fishing and listening to classical music. He was an avid sports fan and delighted in sharing his enthusiasm for games and puzzles like bridge, mahjong and Sudoku. Above all, he cherished his grandchildren, finding immense joy in their lives.

Tak-Chung is survived by his wife, Kai-Sun Lee; his children, Dick (Carolyn Louie) of Houston, Ling (Matt Naiva) of Milwaukee, and Willa (Hill Allen) of Raleigh; and his six grandchildren: Stuart, Felix, Ethan, Henry, Audrey and William. He is also survived by his sister, Doris Lee of Irving, Texas, and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by siblings Doreen Huang, Tak-Yu Lee, and Tak-Yin Lee.

In his final months, Tak-Chung was blessed by the compassionate care of his caregivers, Fred & Joiey Ong and Catherine & Renando Raniaga of A&B at Home Health Homecare along with hospice staff, for whom the family is deeply grateful.

A private service will be held to honor Tak-Chung. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations "In Memory of Tak-Chung Lee" to Senior Hospice, 23331 El Toro Road, Suite 217B, Lake Forest, California 92630. May Tak-Chung rest in eternal peace, his life remembered with love and gratitude by all who knew him.