LEE, Bernard Joseph,
age 74, of Ottawa, Ontario, passed away Tuesday, June 3, 2014 at the Toronto General Hospital. Born in Hong Kong to Joseph William Lee and Maria Christina Ozorio, he moved to Canada at the age of 19 to study engineering at McGill University, Montreal.
Beloved husband of Lynne (née Watts). Cherished father of Christopher (Katherine), Russell and Cynthia (Neil). Proud grandfather of Allison, Sasha, Nathan, Millie, Jacqueline and twins on the way. Great-grandfather to Hunter and Jazzlyn. Dear brother of Astrid (Late Joseph Mendes) and fond brother-in-law of Geoffrey Watts and Debbie Jacobsen. Will be dearly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Beginning his career as a young engineer with Alcan Aluminum and finishing as Manager, Engineering Services, PWGSC, Bernie finally discovered his true passion in retirement as a figure skater. Partnering with Lynne in dance and pair figure skating, Bernie lit up the ice, as he did our lives, with his familiar smile and loving heart.
Family and friends are invited to visit Beechwood, Funeral, Cemetery & Cremation Services, 280 Beechwood Ave. (east of Vanier Parkway) Wednesday June 11th from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral will be held Thursday at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, 1758 Alta Vista Drive, at 11 a.m., followed by interment at Beechwood Cemetery, and reception from 1-3 p.m. in the Borden & Fleming Suites of The Beechwood National Memorial Centre.
In lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to the Cardiovascular Surgery Research Fund – C/O Toronto General Hospital - In Memory of Bernard Lee -200 Elizabeth St, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4
Digital Guestbook
Cindy
Tomoko and Gary
Bernie,
You probably had no idea how your infectious love of life inspired us to live our lives to the fullest, just the way you did. You will be the source of strength and North Star for all of us who are so fortunate to be touched by your soul. We know you will be with Lynne, family and all of us to enjoy the gift of life forever.
Lynne, our deepest sympathies go out to you and all family members. We will make sure we will enjoy a few of Bernie's famous Lychee Martinis together.
Love, Gary & Tomoko
Diana Aon
So very sad to hear of the passing of this lovely man. Had the pleasure and privilege of meeting Bernie a few times while he was in BC. The world will surely be a little less bright without his warm and generous smile. My sincere condolences and prayers of comfort for Lynne and the whole family.
Diana
Angela Derochie
So sorry to hear about the loss of Bernie...... It was funny the other day, someone at the rink was talking about teaching adults, Which had me thinking about my time coaching Bernie at the minto skating club. His eagerness to learn and his joy of the sport made me look forward to coming into the rink. He will never be forgotten nor will my first experience with dim sum! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
RICK DE GUZMAN
Dear Lynne,
It was a great shock when you called regarding Bernie"s passed away. As you know we have been friends since our childhood in Hongkong before we all came to Canada. We were neighbors, schoolmates, boy scouts, and we go to the same church, Mely and myself will now surely missed
his visit together with you Lynne to Vancouver and having the rest of the group together for the
Chinese dinner which we all enjoyed and cherish the company with each other.
We will like to extend our deepest condolences to you Lynne and your family. We will include Bernie
in our prayers.
Our Love,
Rick & Mely
Naoko and Greg Edwards
We are so sorry to hear about your Bernie. Still in shock to accept the unbelievably sad news.
Thank you for sharing beautiful photos and videos of Bernie. We really appreciate to see his smile again.
Lynne, we would like to express our sincere condolences to you and your family. May peace and comfort find you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Take care.
Love, Naoko, Greg, Mina & Kaya
Gerry Spencer and Mary Dunn
Was a very sad moment when I heard about Bernie's passing. Will be missed...
Lynne, our thoughts are with you. Please accept our deepest sympathies to you and your family at this most difficult time.
Yi-Jen
You and Lynne were the first ones to call me when I left without saying good-bye and you were also the first ones whom I came back to see. You have taught and showed me so much ...
Lyn and Cathy Ross
Lynne,
It was with great sadness that we learned of Bernard's passing. Although we have only had the pleasure of meeting Bernard and yourself on a few occassions the energy and happiness that you exuded was infectious. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Birgit Isernhagen
Dearest Lynne,
I wanted to tell you how sad I am to hear Bernie's death. You guys were my inpiration - it was always so nice to see your smiles at the rink. I appreciated your encourgement and coaxing onto the ice. You guys had this magic between you that only angels have :) I strongly believe that Bernie is in heaven. Please let me know anyway I can help you through this.
Love,
Birgit Isernhagen
Happy New Year Dad!! I miss you so much every day. We thought of you a lot today, New Year's just isn't the same without you.
This year may you land your axel as your spirit continues to dance and skate with the divine.
I love you.
Love,
Cindy
Xoxo