OBITUARY
Dr. Kuen On "Kenneth" Lee
October 1, 1933 – October 12, 2020
It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Dr. Kuen On (Kenneth) Lee.
He leaves behind his beloved wife Micheline Lee (née Leung), his children Michel Lee Chin Fee (Lisa Lee née Cheung), Patricia Lee Lee-Ming (Graeme Hays) and Jeanine Lee Siew Ming (Alessandro Bertolucci), his grand children Jason Soon Ping Lee, Ashley Hui Ping Lee, Samantha Hui Lin Lee, Matteo Soon-Liang Bertolucci and Elena Hui-Ai Bertolucci, his brothers and sisters Lee Kien On (Lai Newk Yee), Lee Hon Lee Fook Choy (Bernadette), Dr. Jean Lee Fook Choy (Jenny), Marie-Anne Lam (feu Jimmy), Terese Wong Too Yen (Noël), his nephews and nieces and many other relatives and friends.
Dr. Kuen On (Kenneth) Lee, BSc (Wales) MSc (Belfast) PhD (Wales) began his education as a student in China, where he excelled in his studies. In the early 1960s, he furthered his academic life in the U.K., by first obtaining a Bachelor of Science and then, a doctorate in Physics from the University of Wales. His thesis on light waves (Thesis title: Infrared Spectroscopic Study of Matrix Isolated Molecules) gained him a PhD degree in 1964.
Through the 1970s, Kuen On collaborated with research teams at the Laboratoire d’Optique des Solides and the Groupe de Physique des Solides (University of Paris VI, France), and Department of Applied Physics (University of Durham, England). In 1984, he went on to obtain a Master of Science in Computer Science and Application (thesis title: Implementation of a Purely Applicative Database using Lispkit) from Queen’s University of Belfast in Northern Ireland.
Between 1964 and 1987, Kuen On spent 23 years teaching at the Physics Department of the University of Malaya. With his wife, Micheline, he raised three children in Malaysia - Michel, Patricia and Jeanine. The family immigrated to Montreal, Quebec, Canada in the fall of 1987.
Kuen On Lee and Micheline Lee were married in a Catholic Church in Port Louis, Mauritius on November 5, 1964. He was a long-time observer and supporter of his wife’s catholic faith for many years. On March 3, 2019, Kuen On was baptized as a catholic at the Good Shepherd Parish in Brossard, and adopted the Christian name of "Kenneth".
Kuen On was a self-taught cook of extraordinary talent. He was most famous at dinner parties for traditional Hakka dishes – in particular, pork belly dishes (Moy Choy Niuk and Fun Mun Chu Niuk) - and for his roasted stuffed turkey at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Visitation will take place on Tuesday October 20th from 8 am to 11 am at La Maison Darche, 7679 Taschereau Blvd, Brossard, Qc, J4Y 1A2.
A celebration will be held on the same day, in the chapel of the funeral home from 11 am to noon.
You can follow the ceremony by webcast on: www.funeraweb.tv
In lieu of flower, a donation can be made to the Cardiology department of Charles-Lemoyne Hospital or to the Good Shepherd Church in Brossard.
https://www.fhclm.ca/faites-un-don/
https://www.goodshepherdbrossard.ca/
To comply with current Covid-19 restrictions please wear a mask and maintain a safe distance during your visit.
Memories
Dr. Kuen On "Kenneth" Lee
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYJason Lee
November 20, 2020
Kung Kung has been the light that shined through the darkness. Every time our family would visit to see Kung Kung and PoPo it meant the world to me. We always felt at home when we visited. The amazing food Kung Kung cooked was so good I would always get a second round. Kung Kung had that spark that nobody could offer, I will never forget your smile and overall personality. Every year would be such a blessing seeing Kung Kung and PoPo host parties for the whole family. I loved coming to stay with you both and I can certainly speak for the whole family as well. We certainly will not forget about the amazing times we would have with Kung Kung. We will never forget you.
Jason
Samantha Lee
November 20, 2020
We will forever remember Kung Kung and he is always in our hearts. As we pray every day, he is safe with God. There are many cherished memories that will never be forgotten, such as his food. His Hakka food was beyond delicious. He was a talented cook. His dishes would be distinctive, as nobody else can do the same. My family and I visited whenever we could to Popo and Kung Kung’s house. From the holiday memories to the ordinary visits, we would keep each other in the company during the enjoyable days together. Christmas was exciting, but our Christmas traditions were even more special with Kung Kung. His kind-hearted self had brought our entire family to light. We appreciated his helpful, amiable and gracious soul that filled us up with joy. During this difficult time, it is important to remember the wonderful things he has done and to never forget.
Samantha
Ashley Lee
November 20, 2020
Dear Kung Kung,
I really miss you and so does your entire family. There are many moments where I wish I cherished your presence more. Although we didn’t share many deep conversations, through your actions, I could see how much you cared for me. One moment was when I asked you about some math homework from tutoring that I was struggling with when I visited and Daddy wasn’t available to help me. Luckily, you knew exactly how to approach the problem and explained it to me (even better than Daddy 😊). Even when I didn’t completely understand, you were patient and went back to the first step. I am especially thankful for the moments from my birthday parties every year that you worked hard cooking for is all I could have ever wished for.
There are several things that I wish I could’ve done for you like cooking, knitting a pair of mittens (I had figured it out recently!) and most of all, I really wanted you to be able to see your granddaughter’s high school graduation that is going to happen this year. You have always been someone I have wanted to impress with my academics as you had always been so encouraging. I couldn’t wait for the day where I could show off my hard work to you. Although you won’t be by my side physically, I know you will be watching all of my accomplishments and cheering me on just like you did before. Last year for Christmas, you had gifted me your camera and I promise to capture all the milestones I want to share with you. The camera will have pictures only for you to see!
We will take care of Popo for you so please take care of yourself and rest peacefully. I’ll make you proud, don’t worry.
I will remember you as someone who was loving, attentive, and encouraging so thank you for being the best grandfather I could have ever asked for,
Your granddaughter,
Ashley
Priscilla Lam
October 24, 2020
So many good memories of the times we shared with uncle Kuen On Kenneth. We can recall those wonderful meals eaten at family gatherings at his house. We also enjoyed inviting him and auntie Say Moy to our house, he always said yes and he would always have a good laugh at my husband’s silly jokes. In the past few years, uncle Kuen On Kenneth and I grew closer. I am grateful for the times that were able to spend together. I admire his resilience when faced with adversity and his commitment to always do as best as he could. Tonton, je me souviendrai toujours de ton sourire et de ta force tranquille. J’ai eu l’honneur d’avoir été un témoin privilégié de ta déclaration de foi en Dieu lors de ton baptême. Maintenant, repose en paix, un jour nous nous reverrons.
Your godmother
Priscilla
Jeanine Lee
October 21, 2020
My Eulogy at my Father's Funeral (and my sister, Patricia’s tribute):
My father was my first teacher, and for most of my life so far, has been here guiding me. Since he left us Thanksgiving Monday, we’ve all felt this great loss. Sometimes, every now and again, I almost say his name, and it feels like he’s in the next room. Memorials and funerals remind us to cherish our loved ones – to appreciate every moment we have with each other. So, today especially, I cherish my husband, Alessandro, and my children, Matteo and Elena. I cherish my mother, my brother Michel and my sister, Patricia. Today, my father is teaching me again, and guiding me once more.
Here is a tribute by my older sister Patricia, from Australia:
"He was my father. And as my father he let me pursue my interests, and for this I will be always grateful. He indulged my strange fascination with animals, which lead me to an academic career in Biological Sciences. Throughout my journey into adulthood, he never said "no" to this crazy dream of mine. Instead, he made sure I had all the possible resources and opportunities I needed to fulfill my dream. I am now living my dream. I will always be grateful. He was my father."
(Photo: 2016 - Sugaring off with daughters, Jeanine and Patricia, and grandchildren Matteo and Elena)
Jeanine Lee
October 21, 2020
My Eulogy at my Father's funeral (including my sister, Patricia's tribute):
My father was my first teacher, and for most of my life so far, has been here guiding me. Since he left us Thanksgiving Monday, we’ve all felt this great loss. Sometimes, every now and again, I almost say his name, and it feels like he’s in the next room. Memorials and funerals remind us to cherish our loved ones – to appreciate every moment we have with each other. So, today especially, I cherish my husband, Alessandro, and my children, Matteo and Elena. I cherish my mother, my brother Michel and my sister, Patricia. Today, my father is teaching me again, and guiding me once more.
Here is a tribute by my older sister Patricia, from Australia:
"He was my father. And as my father he let me pursue my interests, and for this I will be always grateful. He indulged my strange fascination with animals, which lead me to an academic career in Biological Sciences. Throughout my journey into adulthood, he never said "no" to this crazy dream of mine. Instead, he made sure I had all the possible resources and opportunities I needed to fulfill my dream. I am now living my dream. I will always be grateful. He was my father."
(Photo: 2016 - Sugaring off with his daughters, Jeanine and Patricia, grandchildren Matteo and Elena)
Jeanine Lee
October 21, 2020
Addendum to my Eulogy at my Father's funeral:
I was speaking with my uncle Joseph shortly before my father's funeral, and he told me the story of how he first met my father. My uncle Joseph was about 16, when my father married my mother in 1964. My dad had just arrived in Mauritius, straight from his graduation convocation as a PhD graduate from the university of Wales. It was like Prince Charming coming to marry his Princess, said uncle Joseph.
The following are some wise words he sent my family, from Annan, Ontario. It is from an unknown author:
"There are two days in every week about which we should not worry - two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension.
One of these days is yesterday with its mistakes and cares, its faults and blunders. All the money in the world cannot bring back yesterday.
The other day we should not worry about is tomorrow with its possible adversity, its blunders, its large promise and poor performance. Tomorrow also is beyond our immediate control. Tomorrow’s sun will rise either in splendor or behind a mask of clouds - but it will rise. Until it does, we have no stake in tomorrow, for it is as yet unborn.
That leaves only one day - today. Any person can fight the battles of just one day. It is only when you and I add the burdens of those two awful eternities- yesterday and tomorrow - that we break down.
It is not the experience of today that drives a person mad - it is remorse or bitterness for something which happened yesterday and the dread of what tomorrow may bring.
Let us, therefore, journey but one day at a time."
- Author unknown
(Photo: Celebrating Uncle Joseph and Auntie Mora's 70th birthday party at Auntie Brigitte and Uncle Luc's place in Candiac)
Kah-Hieng Wong
October 20, 2020
Indeed Dr K.O. Lee, as we students addressed him, is very soft-spoken, but helpful.
I was late in reporting to UM in my first year, and the seats at the Physics Department had filled up. But, my only interest is to do physics. Right at the Department lobby, the HoD then said no. But Dr K.O. Lee, who was chatting with that HoD, stepped in and got me enrolled, for which I am always grateful.
It is always sad to see the passing of a person. But I am also glad to read from the obituary that Dr. K.O. Lee has accepted the gift of salvation.
To the family of late Dr. K.O. Lee, "May our Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26.
KH Wong
Class of '86 @UM
Sing Lee
October 20, 2020
My wife Sau San and I send our heartfelt condolences to Micheline and family on the passing away of Dr Lee Kuen On. Dr Lee took part in the development of the Physics Department, University of Malaya and will always be fondly remembered by his former colleagues.
Oi-Hoong Chin
October 20, 2020
I remember Dr KO Lee as a soft spoken, pleasant and inspiring teacher. May he rest in peace.
Graduating class of 1985, Phys Dept, University of Malaya
Attached is a scanned copy of group photo taken in 1977 from a proceedings book (seated 4th from the right)
Florence & Robert LAN
October 20, 2020
We are deeply saddened by the passing of
Dr. Kenneth Lee. It is certainly a gift to have known him from Leisure Group of our Good Shepherd Church in Brossard, QC.
We had shared some good times together during our exercise classes, our monthly lunches when we celebrate the birthdays of our dear friends, our Christmas Parties, our Fund Raising Dinners & most important of all - our Game Nights that Dr. Lee had really enjoyed very much & was lucky most of the times.
We were also very privileged to be invited for the celebration of Dr. Lee’s 50th Wedding Anniversary & had also attended his Baptism Ceremony last year. We really had so much fun & laughter together & we will surely miss him greatly.
May his loving memories bring peace, comfort & strength to Micheline & the whole family during this difficult time.
Our thoughts & prayers are always with you all!
Sincere Condolences!
Florence & Robert LAN
Class 1982 Univ Malaya TYTou
October 20, 2020
An inspiring teacher we always remember. Class 1982 @UM
Bernardine Renaldo Wong Cheng Kiat
October 20, 2020
I was a student of Dr. K.O. Lee at the Physics Department, University of Malaya. He taught molecular physics in my final undergraduate year 1979/80. He was a soft-spoken, learned gentleman and a fine and patient lecturer. May his soul rest in the peace of Christ and rise to eternal glory. My deepest condolences to Dr. Lee's family and loved ones.
Kwan Ng
October 20, 2020
Dr Lee taught us very interesting and exciting physics courses.
A great teacher with talents to make abstract physics easier to understand.
May his soul rest in peace and the Lord bless this kind soul.
Ng Kwan Hoong
Ah lee Lee Fook Choy
October 20, 2020
Elder brother Kuen On Ko has been a good and examplary brother. We are blessed to have such a brother. His way of life, code of conduct, sense of discipline and hard work have been a source of inspiration to me. He was an example to follow. He will be missed. May his soul rest in peace. God Bless.
Ah lee
Nee Hon Jean LEE
October 19, 2020
Kuen On Kenneth was a good Big Brother who loved and cared about us younger siblings. I remember seeing his Graduation photos and our late Dad often mentioning that we must follow his footsteps. He was an inspiration for me to work hard and pursue higher studies. Thanks to his support that I graduated in Singapore. He opened our eyes to the world. I am forever grateful .
Kuen On Ko you are truly missed,.Forever in our hearts.
REST IN PEACE . GOD BLESS YOU.
Nee Hon Jean.
Ginny Ng & family
October 19, 2020
Rest In Peace uncle Kuen On. From birthdays to baptisms to regular family dinners, you were always there to support us. You were indeed a family man; one whom I admired and respected. My thoughts and love to auntie Micheline, Jeanine, Patricia, Michel and families. You will be sorely missed.
Henry & Therese Loo
October 18, 2020
Sarah & Alicia Loo
October 18, 2020
"Confucius once said, "a young man is to be filial within his family and respectful outside it. He is to be earnest and faithful, overflowing in his love for living beings and intimate with those who are humane" (The Analects 1:6). Although I (Alicia) haven't known him throughout his whole journey, Uncle Kuen On showed great devotion towards his family and loved ones. He was a man of a few words but through his actions, one could feel how much he cared and how had no ill-intentions towards anyone.
Uncle Kuen On worked hard to achieve his goals and support his family, whether it was in China, in the UK, Malaysia, or Canada, he strived to do what was best for his loved ones. "One who is humane, first does what is difficult and only thereafter concerns himself with success" (Confucius, The Analects 6:20), I think this applies to him because throughout his life he probably had to give up a lot that could have made him even more successful but chose to move for the collective wellbeing of his family.
I don't have much to say that can be comforting but I believe that death is not the ending. The only thing we can do is be happy every day that we've known him. Let us be comforted by the idea that he just went to another beautiful place to live. Let there be no fixed parting and travel to an island made by all of us, in between, where we can meet in beautiful memories.
"I (Sarah) remember uncle as a great chef. He was an amazing host where you would feel home even if you were miles away from home. May his dear soul rest in peace. We are surely in the world, but not of this world. May the Lord comfort his family in this time of grieving."
Rest in peace, Uncle Kuen On. You did so much good and everyone is so grateful to have had the privilege of knowing you.
Sincere sympathy to auntie Micheline and all the family.
Henry & Therese Loo
October 18, 2020
Henry & Therese Loo
October 18, 2020
My journey (Therese) with uncle Kuen On started in 1993 when I moved to Montreal and get introduced to the family by Henry. During almost 2 years when I was in Canada some 25 years back, even though I was not an official member of the family, uncle and his wife treated me as one. Uncle Kuen On and Aunty Micheline became my god family in Canada. I can remember all our chats together. He has always been supportive and encouraging me at all times, giving me wise advices. He showed me how to cook delicious chinese foods and even italian bread some 10 years back. He helped me moving from 1 apartment to another. Their home became mine during week ends, holiday breaks when I wanted to escape the city or when they did not want me to celebrate alone.
Uncle Kuen On's favorite restaurant was Buffet Vichy. He liked to eat. We went there a few times with him. So next time we go there we shall keep a VIP seat for him.
We are sure that each time we will eat a "Moy Chiouniouk", tonton will always be in our thoughts.
Uncle Kuen On and Auntie Micheline did not hesitate to host us every time we visited and made us feel at home. Uncle was patient, kind, wonderful and has a generous heart. He will be greatly missed by everybody. Uncle has leaved us for a better life with God and he is no more in pain. He will always be remembered as someone special in our memory. May he rest in peace and may God gives his family and all his relatives courage to undergo this difficult times and to be able to continue the journey without him. Sincere sympathy to auntie Micheline and all the family. May God bless you and be with you.
Choo Moy & Doreen Wong
October 17, 2020
Though it is with great sadness that we've learned the passing of Tonton Kuen On, we celebrate that he is now with his heavenly father. Praise God for this great intelligent man he was, with great qualities and values, for his warmth, respect, friendliness, humbleness and consideration of others.......
Kuen On shall be remembered as a person with strong family values and kind-hearted to his friends & others. My mum who's the same age is very sad for losing another school friend today. We shall miss him dearly and cherish the good memories of time spent together.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Micheline & the family. May you find peace and comfort from above in this time of loss.
Brigitte Lam
October 17, 2020
Brigitte Lam
October 17, 2020
We are all grieving at the passing away of Kuen On Lee.
It is especially very sad for all of us for not having been able to be at his side during his last days at home and at the hospital, mainly due to the ongoing sanitary crisis.
Nevertheless, we will always remember and cherish the times when we’ve been together, especially during our frequent family gatherings. We are all blessed for having been part of his life.
As Christians, we all know that life on earth is only a temporary assignment.
We believe that Kuen-On had not left Home, he is going to his final destination, to his eternal Home in the company of the Lord and his forever families and friends.
We would like to express our sincere condolences to Micheline, Michel and Lisa , Patricia and Graeme, Jeanine and Alex, and to all the grandchildren.
May God bless you all.
Brigitte, Luc Lam and family.
Louise Forest
October 17, 2020
C’est avec tristesse que j’ai appris le décès du Dr Lee. Mes sincères condoléances à Micheline et à la famille.
Laval and Ah Chuk Wong
October 17, 2020
We were introduced In 2001 when we migrated to Canada to Dr Kwen On As a classmate of Laval’s mother back in Mauritius in chinese school.
We will Dearly miss him, he was always friendly, calm, and welcoming person.
Our sincere condolences to his wife Micheline and family ,
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.””
Revelation 21:3-4 NIV
https://www.bible.com/111/rev.21.3-4.niv
Gilberte Chung
October 17, 2020
Gilberte Chung
October 17, 2020
Gilberte Chung
October 17, 2020
We give thanks for the life of Uncle Kuen On which we celebrate during this time of bereavement, soothed by sweet memories from all of us who have had the joy of knowing him.
YeeChong appeared very strict but he had gentle manners and was always very considerate and welcoming. He had a set of values by which he lived and these have touched many of us: respect, courtesy, gentleness but also firmness, generosity, empathy...
I remember my visit in their home in Malaysia when I had a chance to meet my younger cousins and have quality time with Tante Micheline who is my mum's sister but also my god mother. YeeChong was the one to cook and his meals were delicious. Then we met again a few times in Montreal and during his visits in Mauritius. Always so welcoming ....I give thanks for having been able to visit them last year. I give thanks because my mum Madeleine was really lucky to be able to stay at your place last June. Who would have thought that this was our last visit?
Thank you Lord, for the fulfilled life of Uncle Kuen On,
For the many years he spent in research and lecturing generations of students, bringing his contribution to knowledge,
For the wonderful years he lived with Micheline and the beautiful family they created,
For his faith in you and his baptism.
Let the memories of his life be treasures to be cherished.
Our sincere sympathy to Micheline, Michel, Patricia and Jeanine and their respective families.
We send our love across the oceans.
Big hugs from
Madeleine
Gilberte, Jerry Dwayne, Kenny and Grace
And the extended Loo Chin Moy family in Mauritius, Canada, Australia, France, Finland and Bangladesh.