Obituary of William Quon Lee

In Loving Memory of William Quon Lee (Bill Lee)

February 28, 1930- October 12, 2023

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bill Lee on October 12, 2023, at age 93.

A devoted husband, cherished father and grandfather, and successful restaurateur, Bill passed away peacefully from natural causes.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Leah Lee, and their 4 sons, Kelvin and wife Erin, Carey, Ken and wife Christine, and Clifford. He also leaves behind his sister-in-law King Siu Lee, sister Daisy Kwan and brother Don Lee and wife Noreen, many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Harry Yung Lee, mother Own Hai Lee, brother Do Jan Lee and brother-in-law Gene Kwan (Daisy).

Bill believed very strongly in education, continual learning and integration of new Canadians into the community.  A successful restaurateur and prominent community leader, Bill was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to helping others. Bill proudly led a group of partners and family to open the landmark restaurants Tien Hoa Inn in Waterloo and Tien Sun Inn in Cambridge. His business ventures also extended to Kitchener, Burlington, Elmira, Guelph, Brantford, Toronto, and Miami, FL.

Bill received the distinct honour of being recognized in Kitchener-Waterloo Record’s and Waterloo Public Library’s Waterloo 150 Project as one of a select list of men and women who “helped make Waterloo what it is today”.

Bill was actively involved in raising funds for charities and community support groups. He enjoyed tennis, swimming, karaoke and playing guitar in a seniors’ Chinese folk music band. His happiest moments were spent with his five grandchildren Harrison, Adam, Noah, Jackson, and Jada. Bill and Leah were residents of Kitchener-Waterloo for over 60 years and were proud to call the Waterloo Region home.

The Lee family greatly appreciates the outstanding health care Bill received from Grand River Hospital K-W Campus, St. Mary’s General Hospital, Grand River Hospital Freeport Palliative Care, and Home Instead Senior Care. Thank you to all the doctors, nurses and PSW’s who cared for Bill with incredible professionalism, warmth and love.

Friends and family can pay their respects and celebrate the life of Bill Lee on Saturday, October 21, 2023 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm, and Sunday, October 22, 2023 from 2-4pm at Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo, Ontario.

A private family burial will be held at Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be sent to the following charities in loving memory of Bill Lee: The Grand River Hospital Foundation – Continuum of Care Freeport, and Conestoga College School of Health and Life Sciences/Practical Nursing.

Bill Lee’s legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched. He will be deeply missed.

Please Click Here to view the Waterloo Project 150 article about Bill.