Kan Cecil Lee
Witness Cremation Service (Private)
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
3:00 PM
Maple Ridge Funeral Home & Crematorium
11969 216 Street, Maple Ridge, BC V2X 5H9
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Obituary for Kan Cecil Lee
November 7, 1930 – April 26, 2026
We announce the passing of Kan Cecil Lee, 95, peacefully surrounded by family and loved ones in his final days.
Cecil lived a life best characterized by his wit, gentleness, kindness and quiet unassuming humility. Generally a man of few words, he demonstrated his love through his actions and his calm, benevolent demeanor.
Both before and after starting his own family, he was first and foremost a family man, intuitively putting others’ needs ahead of his. Born at home in New Westminster, BC into circumstances of meager worldly goods and as the youngest of 8 children (Gladys, Walter, Charlie, Pearl, Rose, Dick, Ken, Cecil), he dropped out of school like the rest of his siblings to work and support the family, then carved out a steady 40-year career in the produce business. At any given life stage, Cecil housed without hesitation various family members over a 45-year timespan including his mother, brother Charlie and family, his own wife and 2 children, mother-in-law Laura (25 years), and brother Ken.
Born to immigrant parents Ding Quai and Seo Ngen, he was proud of both his Canadian life and Chinese heritage, fluent in English, Cantonese, the dialect of his ancestral village (Longdu), and some Mandarin. Notably, over the course of several trips to China and extra weekend classes to learn Mandarin, as a produce buyer at Kelly Douglas in the 1980s he negotiated an exclusive deal to supply the first Chinese Mandarin oranges to BC.
After having spent many of his adult years caring for other family members, Cecil had his own opportunity for individual love and happiness, and in 1972, age 42, married Julie then started their own family with sons Rodney and Darin.
Retiring in 1991, Cecil enjoyed cruise travel with Julie; seeing his two sons complete university, marry and have their families; and spending time with his grandchildren. He also had an extra-special bond with his eldest son’s family dog and best buddy, Maxi, who diligently trained Cecil to provide treats on demand with a combined sit, stare up, and bark.
He enjoyed life’s simple pleasures: going for walks to and from the mall, reading the newspaper, watching his children and grandchildren’s sporting events, volunteering at Red Cross blood donor clinics, and perhaps most importantly sharing meals and a hot cup of tea in the company of others. His superpower was simply being there.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Julie; children Rodney (Melanie), Darin (Sandy); 4 grandchildren (Tyler, Ethan, Aiden and April), sisters-in-law Ida and Lois, and many nieces and nephews.
We extend our deepest thanks to the compassionate staff at AgeCare Harmony Court for their steadfast care for Cecil.
Memorial Donations
In lieu of flowers, we request donations to these nonprofit organizations:
Sanhui: e-Transfer to sanhuilotus@gmail.comBodhiyana Buddhist Education Society: e-Transfer to donation@bodhiyanacanada.org (Include in e-Transfer note “In memory of Cecil Lee”)- Union Gospel Mission: link below (option to check donor box "Dedicate this donation", Honouree name "Cecil Lee")
Condolence Messages
