George Yee

George Yee passed away at home on July 11, 2024 after open heart surgery and a long convalescence. He will be greatly missed by his beloved wife Phyllis, son David, daughter-in-law Rosa and granddaughter Leah.

George was born in San Francisco on October 31, 1939 into a large Chinese-American family which included his brothers Leo and Henry and sisters Mary, Lillian, Rose, Violet and Peggy. Both parents, Ong Sliu Yee and Wong Lon Ching, emigrated to the U.S. from China.

George was raised in the North Beach area of San Francisco. He attended San Francisco public schools as well as City College of San Francisco. He was a U.S. Army veteran.

An outgoing, kind man with a big heart, George was generous to a fault. He loved to treat and entertain family and friends. He made many friends in his beloved North Beach where he was known as “Smiley”. He worked as a bartender there for more than thirty years.
George loved music, sports and art. He loved to listen to opera, sing pop tunes and dance the night away. He had a talent for arts and crafts including water color painting and pottery-making. He excelled at sports such as tennis, golf and softball.

Most of all, George was a devoted family man. Being with his family took priority over everything. He loved, protected and took care of his family until the very end.

George has been cremated and his ashes scattered in a beautiful, scenic spot in his beloved San Francisco. Rest in peace, dearest George, we love you and miss you so much.