Dr. Kok Wai Lee
In loving memory of Dr. Kok Wai Lee
1945 – 2025
Dr. Kok Wai Lee
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dr. Kok Wai Lee during the beautiful dawning Saturday morning of January 11, 2025 in his long term hometown of Federal Way, Washington, surrounded by his family. He was 79 years old.
Born on August 23, 1945 in Penang, Malaysia, Kok Wai Lee was son to Jie Ling Lee and Shi Ng, and sibling to one sister and three brothers. After graduating from Chung Ling High School in Penang, he became the first in his family to pursue higher education. It was while studying to become a doctor at the National Defense Medical Center in Taipei, Taiwan, that he met nursing student Ching Yang Chen, with whom he would soon embark on a lifelong adventure. Dr. Lee’s medical career brought him to the United States where he served as rotating intern in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, studied psychiatry in St. Louis, Missouri, and completed residency at Northwest Hospital in Michigan. Kok Wai and Ching Yang finally settled down in Washington state where they raised their two children and he continued his psychiatry practice at Western State Hospital and St Francis Hospital. After semi-retiring, Kok continued to work as a traveling doctor in underserved Eastern Washington. In later years, Kok Wai officially retired and was able to travel extensively including trips to Asia, South America, Europe, and Antarctica.
A kind and sincere soul, Kok Wai devoted much of his life to caring for others, both professionally and personally. Despite a demanding schedule, he found time to enjoy life by traveling, feeding animals, supporting Chinese cultural activities, tinkering with technology, and of course, joking around.
He is survived and missed by his wife Ching Yang, his son David, his daughter Grace, his son-in-law Jeremy, and other family members and friends who keep his memory alive.
A memorial service will be held on February 18, 2025 at 3pm.
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I will forever cherish the memories of my uncle. I vividly recall visiting him in Seattle during my childhood, and his warmth and generosity created moments we’ll never forget, making us feel truly at home and loved. Though he is no longer physically with us, his spirit will remain in our hearts forever. I find comfort in knowing that one day, we will be eventual reunion. Until then, I will carry his memory with me, treasuring the love and wisdom he shared.
Today, February 18, I honor and remember our beloved Uncle, who passed away at the age of 80. Though he may no longer be with us physically, his kindness, warmth, and the countless memories he created will forever remain in our hearts.
As his nephew from Taiwan, I had the privilege of visiting him in Seattle multiple times. Every visit was filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable experiences. My uncle always welcomed me with open arms, making me feel at home.
During my visits, he was not just a guardian—he was a mentor, a friend, and a guiding presence. His generosity and warmth touched everyone around him, and his legacy of kindness will continue to inspire us. Though we grieve his passing, we take comfort in knowing that he lives on in our hearts, the stories we share, and the lessons he taught us.
我們用默禱敬送李醫生國輝在完成了他在世的使命後一路走好。 願他的家人在時間的轉移中沖淡憂傷，伴著李醫生的精神過著未來的日子。追思儀式即將開始，送上我們最真誠的祝福。蓓蓉，珍麟
Eulogy for Dr. Kok Wai Lee, a Beloved Psychiatrist and Mentor
We gather to honor and remember Dr. Kok Wai Lee, a compassionate psychiatrist, a cherished
mentor. Dr. Lee lived a life of profound purpose, dedicating himself not only to his patients but
also to young psychiatrists who crossed the ocean to learn.
We fully understand the grief of his wife and his family, and we feel the same way. As the
representatives from the mainland scholars, we remember the selfless help he gave us, feel his
love for his motherland and compatriots, feel his pursuit of career and his love and responsibility
for his family. We miss him!
With open hearts, they provided not only professional guidance but also the warmth and care that
made a foreign land feel like home. Dr. Lee took the time to ensure that each visiting scholar felt
supported, both in their academic pursuits and in their personal lives. He understood the
challenges they faced and went above and beyond to help them adapt, offering wisdom,
encouragement, and a listening ear whenever it was needed.
His wife, Ching Yang, stood by his side as an equal partner in this mission of kindness. Together,
they created a nurturing environment where young psychiatrists could thrive. Their generosity
knew no bounds, and their impact on the lives they touched will be felt for generations to come.
As we say goodbye to Dr. Kok Wai Lee, we celebrate a life well-lived—a life marked by love,
service, and an enduring belief in the potential of others. His kindness, his wisdom, and his
unwavering support will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had
the privilege of knowing him.
To Mrs. Kok Wai Lee, we extend our deepest condolences and gratitude. Your partnership with Dr.
Lee in his mission of care and mentor-ship was a testament to the power of love and shared
purpose. We stand with you in honoring his memory and celebrating the extraordinary life he led.
Dr. Kok Wai Lee, you have left an indelible mark on this world. Your legacy will continue to
inspire and guide us. Rest in peace, knowing that your life made a profound difference.
Thank you, a Beloved Psychiatrist and Mentor
Yizhuang ZOU, Psychiatrist
Xin Ma, Psychiatrist
Feng Feng, Psychiatrist
Yuchuang Zou, Psychiatrist (son of Dr. Zou)
Xiuping Yan, Psychiatrist (daughter in law of Dr. Zou)
Mar 2, 2025