We Remember
LEE, Ben
—
Ben Wah Lee died at home, in his sleep, Sunday night. He had been battling cancer. He was 86. Lee was a teacher in the Central Okanagan School District for 34 years. Born in Armstrong, Lee was a pillar of the community going back to the early 1970s.
Lee entered politics in 1973, when he was elected to his first term on city council. He served on council nearly 24 years before retiring from office Dec. 2, 1996. While on council, he served as a regional board director and chair of the regional parks committee for 13 years. He worked hard on council to secure park land for the public while also promoting multiculturalism. His promotion of multiculturalism was evident in the early ’70s when he became a founding member of both the Kelowna Multicultural Society and Kelowna Folkfest Committee. He was also a founder of the Kelowna Chinese Cultural Society. Lee served on numerous other boards and committees during the past 40 years. He continued to serve on some until his passing.
In 1996, a park bearing his name opened in Rutland. In 2001, he was given the Freedom of the City.
Ben Lee is survived by his wife Joyce and two sons, John and Robert.
A celebration of life will be held this Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at Ben Lee Park.
In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to the City of Kelowna in the name of Ben Lee Park.
For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Sorry to hear of Ben’s passing, my brother Art & I attended school with Ben in Armstrong. He has left us with many good memories. Art passed in 2008.
To Joyce, Robert , John and Friends of Ben.
We are sorry to hear that Ben passed away. He will be missed by all . Our thoughts and prayers are with you all through these difficult days. He was a great brother in every way. May he rest in peace .
We are exceedingly proud of your past contribution to this lovely city (Kelowna) that we have resided for 44 years. Your legacy will always be remembered and we sincerely wish Mrs. Lee and family our heartfelt condolence. * Peter & Pauline *
Heartfelt condolences Joyce and family. Like everyone in Kelowna I have many happy memories of Ben as a colleague and friend. Ben made a great contribution to the students SD 23 and to the citizens of Kelowna. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. Thank you for sharing Ben with us.
Joyce, John, Robert and the Lee family. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Ben was great man, his legacy lives on.
Joyce, John, Robert and Family,
My sincere condolences on your loss. I have good memories as children playing in the neighbourhood on Ponto Road (specifically the excellent swing set in your back yard). Ben was always kind and understanding especially when I broke one of your basement windows and also when I stuck my boot in the newly poured concrete sidewalk. He made Rutland very proud with all of his community efforts. I am glad to have known him.
Dear Joyce, John and Robert,
This is Winston Szeto, journalist with CBC in Kelowna.
First of all, my condolences to you and your family regarding Mr. Ben Lee’s passing away several years ago.
I came across this writing by Peter Critchley while I’m doing research on Armstrong’s Chinese Canadian communities:
https://www.labourheritagecentre.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/OHS-Chinese-Armstrong.pdf
I’m working on a feature story series on the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Exclusion Act, and one of the stories will focus on the legacy of Lee Bak Bong and Jong Hughie in Armstrong.
My phone number is 778.325.8882. Looking forward to hearing from you!