Grandpa Lee passed away last Friday just before 4 am. I know this is a part of life, but it's just a sad thing. My Mom and all of her siblings (6 in total) were able to go down for a week a piece over the last two months to help out and share some precious time with Grandpa. He also had visitors from around the globe during his final two months here.
I traveled to South Florida for the funeral this week, and I'm so thankful that I did. Relatives, friends, and neighbors poured in from all over to pay their respects, and share a memory or two of Grandpa Lee. It was wonderful to finally meet some of these people I'd always heard about! My Aunts and Uncles held up better than I expected and they all did their part in taking care of all the arrangements, errands, and needs of the family for this event. During the funeral, relatives and friends were invited to share their thoughts about grandpa. Growing up in the Lee family, I didn't really appreciate the gift of my Grandfather like I should have. Seeing all the people and hearing the stories of his quiet service for others brought tears to everyone's eyes.
Here is an excerpt from the program:
Jin Wah Lee was borni n China November 5th, 1927, the eldest of four children. He came to the U.S. in 1938 at age 11/ While completing his basic schooling, he also worked in the family laundry in Waltham, MA. (Completing basic schooling is an amazing feat since he didn't speak the language. Can you imagine the perseverance, dedication, and tough skin it would take to do that?!?!) He served in the U.S. Army from 1945-1947. Following honorable discharge from the Army, he entered Worcester Polytechnic Institute, completing his degree in electrical engineering in 1951.
Jin returned to China in 1948 to marry Kim May Tom. Caroly, the first of 6 children was born in 1949 She was followed by Helen, Esther, Nancy, Donald, (The long awaited son and Diane. His wife's 11 year old brother, Benjamin was brought from China and adopted by the family in 1959. (At the funeral I learned he 'adpoted' about 6 other kids and helped them get a start here in the states!) The family resided in MA until 1969. During this period of time, Jin was instrumental in bringing the remaining family members in China to the United States. The opportunity to be involved in building a new company (Medcor) led the family to relocated to Miami, FL in 1969 leaving the 3 eldest in Boston to pursue higher education.
Jin's career is notable for achievements including working on the Apollo Lunar Excursion model (LEM) while working with RCA and cutting edge design for cardiac pacemakers with Medcor. ( Grandpa was REALLY REALLY smart ....try reading and understanding his memoir of these projects!!!) This later project earned him high respect from the cardiac community including Miami Heart Institute where he was often mistaken for a doctor.
He lived his life with a focus around family...needs, obligations, expectations and rewards and acted as family leader/negotiator/ mediator/ counselor to extended family. Although a quiet and humble man he was a man of strong principles. "Doing was was right" was a close second after the importance of family. This held true in work and social interactions as well as within family. Teaching and guiding by example was his trademark.
Married 62 years, his 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries were celebrated with family reunions in Miami and Boston. When his health declined in October of the past year the family gathered again in November. Many relatives came LONG distances to share time with him as well. After a period of improvement and hope, Jin's health again declined. He passed on January 15th, 2010.
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A few things he taught me:
1. watch out for the vultures (referring to venture capitalists when giving me advice about starting a company)
2. When you get married...its your turn to GIVE red envelopes rather than receive.
3. Be good to others...even when no one is watching.
4. Be true to your word
5. Be generous. Very generous.
6. Take care of/be there for your family, no matter what.
7. Education is the key that opens many doors...get a good one
While this part of life- isn't exactly a pleasant one... I'm glad he was able to spend the last few weeks with his family. I suppose there is a positive side to knowing the end is near. It afforded him the quality time with family and friends and also allowed time to organize finances and funeral arrangements. His main concern was taking care of my grandmother after he's gone.
My favorite part was going over to Grandma's the day after the ceremony and hanging out with family. I didn't want to leave. It was a lot of fun to visit, tell stories and catch up on life. One of my new years resolutions is to call my grandparents more. They just love hearing from the grandkids and hearing about life. I haven't been very good at that in the past- life always seems to get in the way. But I need to be better. So I'm going to be.
