A Message from Steven Yee, son of Richard Yee

South Bay Chinese Club

On behalf of Richard Yee’s family, we thank the South Bay Chinese Club for their prayers, thoughts, and support.

Richard has been a resident of Fremont since 1963. He is a second generation Chinese, born in San Francisco, CA.

Richard passed away at home at the age of 85 on Wednesday 04/24/24 with his family present.

He is survived by his wife Esther; 3 children: Steve (Anna), Kevin, Lisa (Doug); 5 grandchildren: Leslie, Kelsey, Nick, Jeremy, Cameron; and Richard’s older sister, Pauline.

There will be a Vigil service on Thursday, May 9, at 4:00 p.m. and a Funeral Mass on Friday, May 10, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Fremont, CA.

Richard was inducted into the Army in 1957 and served for four years.

After retiring from Lockheed at age 55, Richard found his calling and was an active Catholic Deacon for 29 years.

He will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Hayward, CA.

Between the time he left the Army and retired from Lockheed, he was active in the South Bay Chinese Club.

I was fortunate to participate with my parents, uncles, aunts, and grandparents in the South Bay Chinese Club.
I grew up with the SBCC. n
I learned a lot about my heritage from the SBCC (i.e., mooncakes, moon festival, lai see, jook, Chinese chicken salad).
It was refreshing to find a community of Asian Americans in Fremont.
Back in the 60’s, Asians were the minority.

I believe Richard & Esther joined the SBCC in 1966.

My Dad, Mom, & I had our turn at being the club president.
Richard (1973), Esther (1976), Steve (1994).
We are lifetime members of the SBCC.

My Dad, Mom, and I also took turns at being the editor of the Pagoda Post club newsletter.
I remember my parents typing the newsletter on an electric typewriter.
I remember the copy machine was an actual spinning carbon rolling mimeograph.
I remember them stapling, folding, and mailing the newsletters.

Richard helped design a few earlier versions of the club logo, banner, pagoda post, and cookbook logo.

I remember the earlier club holiday parties.
All the parents wanted their children to participate in the club holiday plays.
I remember these club events because my Dad saved all the pictures he captured of the club activities.

Growing up with SBCC was a normal activity for me.
The SBCC had activities every month, not just for the adults but also for the family.

The big annual club events were the Fremont Art & Wine festival (we sold the club cookbooks there), the golf tournament, the scholarship luncheon, and the annual picnic.

Again, thank you for your thoughts and prayers, Richard’s son Steve

Live Stream of Richard’s Funeral Mass

https://www.youtube.com/live/3ngTy8KP44U?si=EmEHtnqL2W1eVQ1j