Herbert Patrick Lee
November 19, 1932 - November 1, 2017
Herbert Patrick Lee, 84, passed away peacefully surrounded by family members on November 1, 2017 in Oakland after undergoing a brief but valiant battle to treat colon cancer.
Herb was born at home on November 19, 1932 in San Francisco. He was one of ten children born to his parents Al and Lillian Lee. Herb attended St. Mary’s School and Polytechnic High School where he first caught the “singing bug” and performed in many stage productions. Herb met his wife Dorothy at a dance in Chinatown and they were married in 1953. They moved to San Diego while Herb served in the Navy.
A true San Franciscan, Herbert was the first Chinese American to be a full-time San Francisco police officer in 1957. Early in his career at SFPD, Herb was enlisted to help recruit minority police officers. Many of Herb’s recruits have become respected police leaders. Herb went on to start the PAL Fishing program where he took thousands of underprivileged kids fishing on his boat the “Ah Choo.” In his last role, Herb was the Executive Director of the entire PAL program overseeing athletic, fishing, police cadet and other programs. Herb retired from SFPD after 30 years of service in 1987. In recent years, Herb thoroughly enjoyed singing karaoke, fishing, golfing and bowling.
Herb is preceded in death by his father, Al, his mother Lillian, sisters Alberta, June, Vivian, Sharon, and brothers Arnold, Al, and grandchild Aaron.
Herb is survived by his wife, Dorothy, his sisters Norma, Rosemary and brother Clarence. Herb leaves behind his children, Penny (Ronald), Lynette (Wil), Rick (Monica) and John (Darlene) and grandchildren, Eric, Kim, Andrea, Christa, Jenna, Jason, Amber, Bryan, Jade, step-grandchildren, Stephani, Kevin and Nikki, and three step-great grandchildren.
Our family would like to thank the entire staff and physicians at Kaiser Oakland for the compassionate care Herb recently received there. We especially thank Dr. Peter Peng for never giving up hope.
Services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 11, at Duggan’s Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Ave, Daly City, CA 94014. Viewing is at 10:00 am; Services to begin at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in memory of Herbert Lee may be made to the Chinatown YMCA (https://www.ymcasf.org/ donate?kwofrid=II44H24).
Herb lived his life as a pioneer and inspired a generation of law enforcement professionals. His energetic personality and “love of life” spirit will be missed by all.