Kern Foon Lee

September 25, 1936 – June 20, 2017

Born in San Francisco to the late Ming Goon Lee and Hom Shee Lee, Kern Foon Lee was the beloved husband of Pearl M. Lee, father of Deborah A. Yee (Dennis) and Kern F. Lee Jr. (Anna), grandfather of Lauren Yee, Michelle Yee and Kelly Lee, and sibling of George Lee, Gene Lee, Thomas Lee and the late Wah Lee.

He courageously ended his seven month battle with stomach cancer on his own terms. He passed peacefully with his loving family by his side.

He was the proprietor of a neighborhood market in San Francisco’s Outer Mission for over 30 years. Day & Night Market became a community gathering spot where locals would meet, many of them becoming his life-long friends. He greeted customers by name and shared conversations about their daily lives and families. With a warm smile and a friendly sense of humor he had a special gift for connecting with people, making them feel at ease by lending a helping hand and a listening ear.

After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1955. His active duty included deployment to Korea where he served until 1957. He continued his military service in the U.S. Army Reserves and was honorably discharged in 1963.

He enjoyed walking the City hills of Russian Hill and Chinatown, having lunch with friends at the Senior Center, playing mahjong daily at his association in Chinatown, watching old western movies, listening to music of the 50s and 60s, was an avid fan of the SF 49ers and the Golden State Warriors, enjoyed his fish aquarium and loved spending time with his grandchildren and family.

The family has planned a private memorial service.