Obituary of Weng Yek Lee

August 26, 1939 – October 19,2023

With deep sorrow, we mourn the passing of Lee Weng Yek in Calgary, Alberta, at the age of 84 years on the 19th of October 2023. He died peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family.

Weng was born in Tanjong Malim, Perek, Malaysia, in 1939. Weng finished high school in Kuala Lumpur then went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree at Nanyang University in Singapore. There, he met his wife Ong Chow Mooi and they moved to Canada and were married on 24 August 1966 in New Westminster, British Columbia. At the time, Weng was working on a Master of Science degree at Simon Fraser University, which he obtained in May 1967. He went on to study immunology for a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in 1971 from McGill University. He became a Canadian citizen in 1974. Following his PhD, Weng moved to Winnipeg where he worked as a research immunologist at the University of Manitoba until 1981, when he and his family moved to Calgary. There, he continued work in the field of immunology on allergens at the Foothills Hospital until his retirement in 1995.

Weng will always be remembered for his gentle kindness, excellent meals and intellect. He dedicated his life to taking care of his wife and their three children - Han, Lynn and Joe. He always found time to spend with his children amidst his busy work, playing ping pong in the basement, riding bikes in the neighborhood, growing crystals, learning about science and electronics, as well as playing music, woodworking, drawing and painting. Weng was a man of many talents. From drawing and photography to science, violin, and cooking, he was as adept with a paint brush as he was studying antigens and antibodies. We couldn’t have asked for a better dad. Weng’s love helped to shape who we are and, as much as we will miss his physical presence, he will live on in our hearts and the hearts of his friends.

Weng is survived by his wife Chow and three children, Han (Christine), Lynn (Leandre), and Joe, and two grandchildren, Taimen and Alexander. He is also survived by many beloved family members in Singapore and elsewhere in the world, including two brothers, four sisters, and many nieces and nephews and their children.

We are ever grateful to the kind and compassionate care of doctors, nurses and support staff at the Peter Lougheed Centre in his final days, and to the same from staff, nurses and doctors at Wing Kei Crescent Heights when he could no longer live at home.

As was Weng’s desire, no service was held. The celebration of his life was kept small and simple with good food among family and friends. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Weng Lee, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.