Jack On Lee

1936 - 2012

Jack On Lee obituary, 1936-2012

BORN

1936

DIED

2012

FUNERAL HOME

Fletcher Funeral Chapel

237 - 4th Street North East

Weyburn, Saskatchewan

Jack Lee Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 5, 2012.

Jack On Lee was born to Yip See and Gim Foon Lee on September 15, 1936 in Taishan, Guangdong, China. Jack lived through the Japanese Invasion of World War II and the Chinese Revolution of 1949. With his parents, Jack and Kan (cousin) immigrated as twins to Canada. They departed from Hong Kong on November 28, 1950 aboard the SS President Cleveland sailing for 21 days through Yokohama, Tokyo, Honolulu and finally docking in the San Francisco Bay on December 16, 1950. The family spent Christmas in San Francisco Chinatown with their older sister, Tew Moy. On December 27, they left aboard the Great Northern Railway onto Canada and arrived at White Rock, B.C. on December 29 and Vancouver on January 1, 1951. It was a new year, a new life at the "Golden Mountain" and the "Land of Opportunity".

The family resided in Golden, B.C. and ran the restaurant in the town hotel. Jack's father was looking for a permanent life for his family. Gim Lee saw an advertisement in a newspaper that there was a restaurant for sale in Weyburn, Saskatchewan. He found Weyburn on the map and went west to purchase the restaurant. He then brought the family to Weyburn in September 1951 and ran the "Club Café" which was located on Souris Avenue.

The Lee family ran the Club Café at the old location for 4 years until Gim Lee bought the 4 Star Café Building in October 1955, which is at the present location. Jack has been an "icon" at the café for more than 57 years.

After arriving to Canada at age14, he attended school for 3 years at Souris and Assiniboia School. At 17, he started working at the Souris Ave. location with his father. The Lee family lived in a small house on 2nd Street until 1959 when the upstairs living quarters were built.

Jack married Wai Fong Chow on September 16, 1959 and had 3 children, Lucy, Jack Jr. and Nancy. After the passing of our mother on July 17, 1989, Jack was lost and lonely until he was introduced to Cui Ling and was married in China on February 15, 1995. Cui Ling and her children, Wan and Xue immigrated to Canada in1996. Jack continued to operate the café with our extended stepfamily to the present. The legacy of Club Café will continue with Cui Ling, Wan, Liping, Xue, Tim and family.

Jack's proudest and honored moments:
•Weyburn Chamber of Commerce "Golden Service Award" in 1999 for high standard of hospitality and customer service
•Weybex "Business Hall of Fame" Award in 2004
•Prairies North Reader Choice Award for
"Saskatchewan's Best Chinese Food" in 2011

Jack was a very proud man, loving husband and father, who instill great virtues of life to his family and everyone around him. He was hardworking, generous, and wanted the best for everyone. He loved people especially all his customer who are also his friends. He loved to joke and his laugh will truly be missed.

The biggest joke was: he would retire the day he couldn't get up. Jack lived up to his word. Last Saturday, he was at the "Club" answering the phone, taking orders, greeting, talking and laughing with his friends. He rested on Sunday, and then peacefully passed away on Monday morning.

Essence of Jack's life consists of achieving goals, realizing dreams and experiencing life's greatest moments of family, friends, love, happiness and lots of laughter.
Jack was predeceased by his parents, Gim Foon Lee and Yip See Lee; first wife, Wai Fong Lee; sister, Tew Moy Lee and grandson, Kingsley.

Jack is also survived by his loving wife, Cui Ling Huang of Weyburn, SK; children, Lucy Lee of Saskatoon, SK, Jack Lee of Regina, SK and Nancy Lee of Vancouver, BC; step son, Wan Zhang Li (Liping) of Weyburn, SK; step daughter, Xue Yu Li (Tim) of Weyburn, SK; 4 granddaughters and brother, Jack Kong Lee of Moose Jaw, SK as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

A Funeral Service was held Saturday, December 8, 2012 at 2:00 PM from Grace United Church, Weyburn, SK with Reverend M. Barnabas officiating. Interment took place at Hillcrest Cemetery, Weyburn, SK.

In Lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jack may be made to Weyburn & District Hospital Foundation or to Hospitals of Regina Foundation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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27 Entries

March 5, 2013

Dean Mulhall

I'll always fondly remember going to the Club Cafe with my family for the Cheese Burger Deluxe with gravy on the fries and a Pepsi. Jack was always a warm and welcoming presence with an infectious laugh and smile. Thanks to Jack for the wonderful memories. I know so many people will miss him. My deepest condolences to his family.

December 23, 2012

Wayne Morgan

To Cui Ling Huang:
In the 1950s when I was a teenager, the Club (and to be fair, the Dickson) was where we hung out. You and Jack provided us a place to learn how to be people, choose between catsup and catsup with our fries and just what was the best tune of the day on that perfect in-the-booth Wurlitzer (green tuxedos!)

Later one summer I delivered groceries every Saturday for the Co-op . My driver always stopped at 10am to have a ham sandwich at the counter as though he had not had breakfast or least one he liked. I don't remember what I ate if anything but Jack was there, the hospitable host to all of us.

And this is the important thing for many of my generation; the chinese restaurents of western Canada helped to create us as a nation. They helped to create many of us who write here today. On those cold winter nights there was warmth and burgers and fries and friendship at the club cafe.

It is a testament to you and Jack that 50 years later so many of us are compelled to write and say thank you.

December 21, 2012

mike post

Jack was a great man made ya always feel welcome you will be missed peace jack you were truly a good person

December 20, 2012

Dianne Elder (Driedger)

Having lived in Weyburn where I grew up & moved away over 30 years ago. I remember sitting in the back of the Club Cafe, drinking pop and listening to the Juke Box. Also other special meals there with my family. I also went to school with Jack's son Jack (Jr). Thanks for them memories Jack. My family and I will always remember you!

December 18, 2012

Lisa Lauer (Thibodeau)

My condolences Lucy, Jack & Nancy on the loss of your dear father. When I think of weyburn where I grew up all these years later Your dad & the Club Cafe come first to my mind every time. Some of my earliest memories were of finally becoming old enough to be allowed to go into the Club Cafe on my own just 2 doors down from my own fathers shop. I always enjoyed chatting with your father as I'd pick up coffee for my own father. I always thought you were the luckiest kids in the world to get to work with your dad everyday. God Bless

December 11, 2012

Audrey & Ken Meckling

We share in your loss.Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you. I,(Audrey)was fortunate to have had a nice chat with him on Dec. 1st.We trust that you will understand the sympathy that we have for the family.

December 10, 2012

Lin and Sunny Ma

Dear Lucy, Jack and Nancy,
Very sorry for your loss. It was very moving seeing and hearing about the rewarding life of Uncle Jack as recalled in the photo gallery and eulogy. I'm glad I took the effort to join you in celebrating his legacy. Cherish the wonderful memories of the good times you had with your Dad. Please be comforted that your parents are once again reunited in heaven where they'd be watching over you all from here on.

December 9, 2012

Condolences to all the Lee family. Jack was a great guy. Many fond memories of Jack sitting at the till, laughing and joking with customers as they came and went. He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed. Thank you for sharing the many wonderful photos of the passage of his life.
Rod & Cathy Kerr, Nanaimo, BC

December 9, 2012

Claude-Jean Harel

Dear Jack Jr. and Family, my wife Helen Yum and I were terribly saddened to find out about Jack's passing yesterday. As you know, Jack had started to build a special place in our hearts a very long time ago. He didn't even have to work very hard at it, for it came to him naturally -- being the generous and hospitable man that he was. Helen never forgot the welcome Jack extended to her family as a child growing up in Yellow Grass. Helen would find herself in Weyburn on a fairly regular basis and, as you well know, always looked forward to being hosted by Jack at the Club Cafe. Having known Jack only for a few years myself, I can see how a child might find in the Club Cafe a world-class haven, a home away from home, a place where one was sure to find enough comfort in the homemade meals served in-house to sustain one through just about any passage. Hard work, quality food and exceptional customer service have helped the Club Cafe over the years claim the #1 spot on TripAdvisor's list of Top Restaurants in Weyburn. If only TripAdvisor could rate "lives lived" as well... I am sure Jack's would rank near the top all-around! At least, those in the know are just happy they have had a chance to meet someone like Jack who dedicated his life to making a difference for others. His legacy lives on through the many lives he has touched during his own humble journey with us. Many thanks and... Happy trails Jack!

December 8, 2012

Susana,Nancy,Cory,Dan T7a

Our lives are like candles in the wind. His flame will forever light up the lives of so many he had known. Sweet memories,beautiful pictures and all those warm moments will forever give comfort to those left behind. Thinking of you.

December 8, 2012

Carol and Ron Borys

My husband and myself have eaten many meals for the past 52 years, in what we consider the best resturant in Weyburn and enjoyed good conversation with an enjoyable man at the till. Will miss his contagious laugh for sure. Your Father, husband and grandfather will be missed by many. Our deepest sympathy to all of Jacks family.

December 8, 2012

Haifang Mo

December 8, 2012

H Mo

Many times I heard of you being on and off from hospital, I prayed in my heart that please holds on. A good man deserved to enjoy the life instead of hard working. Every times I heard of you were still greeting the customers while wearing oxygen, I wished you could have stayed at home to have a rest. How can a man working for the whole life till the end? I have never met you but I wish I could have a chance to talk to you-A diligent, humble man to serve his community for his whole life while raising his family. I got the answer from watching your video of interview with the local channel. You were busy serving customers, chatting with customers like friends in Club Cafe. When you said you had nowhere to go except for the restaurant. I thought that was you, you were not acting in the video, that was the life you enjoy every day, treating customer like friends, looking after family. When you were very sick, you still told others “don't worry, everything is ok”, Maybe you had some regrets when you left the world. But don't worry, you already left best memory and virtue to many known or unknown, you are deeply loved and missed by your family, your friends and the people you have never met. Today, I am sure you are happy to see everyone with you to accompany you to your last journey. May you rest in peace.

December 8, 2012

Sorry to see jack leave us may jack rest in heaven with his family love from Dan P susana Nanany Eng

December 7, 2012

Neil Bonokoski

Jack, Deepest sympathies to you and your family.Take care.

December 7, 2012

Rod and Valerie Finney

We will surely miss seeing Jack"s friendly face. Our sympathies to Jack's entire family and close friends. He truly built a much appreciated foundational business in Weyburn and countless relationships with his patrons. He will be remembered.
The photos were a joy to see. Thankyou Jack!

December 7, 2012

Brian & Sally Lucyshyn

Dear Jack, Lucy and Nancy, so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Thinking about you and your family during this difficult time.

December 6, 2012

Nikki Rudachyk

Growing up, I was privileged to have Jack feed me (ham and cheese sandwiches, custard and an orange pop) at least once a week! I have adored Jack for as long as I can remember and even after growing up and leaving Weyburn, I always managed to pop in for a quick visit when I was visiting my folks. He will be greatly missed and I will continue to think fondly of him. My deepest condolences to Jack's entire family - he was one of a kind and the world has lost someone truly special.

December 6, 2012

Robert Yee

Jack, Lucy and Nancy, I am sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest condolences to your family. Time passes and time heals....

December 6, 2012

Hau Chow

Dear Lucy, Jack, and Nancy
I am so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. It has been a difficult year for all of you and the rest of the family. Not all of us can attend the service but you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Thank you for sharing with us all those wonderful pictures of the family, they bring back many fond memories of happier times.

December 6, 2012

Our most sincere condolences on the loss of Uncle Jack. Our thoughts are with you at this most difficult of times. Garfield Quan and Family

December 6, 2012

Hi Jack and Lucy, I was very sorry to hear that your father passed away. It was wonderful seeing all those pictures of his life. Living in Yellow Grass, I loved eating at the Club Cafe! Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

Sincerely, Karen, Pat and Jake Zatylny, White City, SK

December 6, 2012

Linda Rudachyk

Weyburn has lost one of it's best!!! Jack was one of a kind and everyone loved him!!! We are sorry that you have lost your Dad and husband and Grandpa, Thank you all for sharing him with the community!!!
Greg Bobbitt, Linda Rudachyk and family

December 6, 2012

Kin and Jo-Anne Chow

Lucy, Jack and Nancy,
Sorry for your loss. Uncle Jack will be fondly remembered. Photos are a wonderful journey of your Dad's legacy and life. Warmest regards.

December 5, 2012

Kay and Lisa Chow

Dear Jack, Lucy, and Nancy,

Thank you for sharing those wonderful photos of uncle Jack's long and prosperous life! We will always think of him fondly and we offer our deepest condolences to your entire family...

December 5, 2012

Pieter & Beverly van der Breggen

I will always consider Jack a friend.
When Bev and I were young and first married, he let us run up a tab at the Club Cafe--and to two young people with never enough money month to month, that was a great help. And, yes, we always paid it off every month.
Then, as we had each of our three children, he would make a point of giving us one silver dollar with the year of their birth on it. Those we saved and gave to them when they got older.
We did share some interests--besides his dear wife's cooking (my favorite is still side pork). Both Jack and I collected coins, and I bought many from him, traded some with him, and he gave me several. Well, finally, a couple of years ago, I managed to get him a coin which I think he liked--a brand new $20 Canadian silver coin which had already appreciated to $35 by the time I got it to him.
Thinking of Jack makes me happy.
Also thinking of you--Lucy, little Jack, and Nancy. I'm sure your Dad will be missed. But always remember his wonderful smile and happy laughter.

Pieter van der Breggen (Jr) and Bev
Fort Qu'Appelle, SK

December 5, 2012

Kim Barks

Lucy and Nancy,
Thinking of you and your family, with sympathy, tonight as I enjoy the wonderful pictures of your dad. Cherish the memories and take care - Kim Barks

Showing 1 - 27 of 27 results

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Funeral services provided by:

Fletcher Funeral Chapel

237 - 4th Street North East, Weyburn, SK S4H0Y4

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