Obituary of Raymond Kendall Lee

Raymond Kendall Lee, 84, of Washington, D.C., said his final farewell to this world on Sunday, August 21, 2011, at Sibley Memorial Hospital. Complications from Diabetes and Coronary Heart Disease ended his life here on earth. Raymond was born, September 13, 1927, in Washington, D.C., the son of late Emma Sing survived by her husband Fred Sing. Raymond was the middle of three sons. On May 31, 1959, he married Jennie Yuen at Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church, Washington, D.C. Raymond resided in Washington, D.C. his entire life. Raymond and his older brother grew up in the North West D.C. neighborhood surrounding North Capital Street having lost his father when he was just 7 years old. Raymond attended McKinley Tech High School. After graduation, Raymond proudly served in the U.S. Army as a radio operator in Germany and upon being honorably discharged, he returned to D.C. to help his mother run her laundry business. He earned Business Degrees from Benjamin Franklin University which subsequently merged with George Washington University. He worked as an accountant, operated his own commercial laundry, and was also self- employed often working long hours to provide for his family. A humble and compassionate man with a strong faith in God, Raymond served as a deacon in the Church and often assisted and befriended anyone in need including mentally handicapped adults and children in need. His respect and compassion for all people independent of their background and abilities was a truly defining quality. Raymond was a skilled craftsman and undertook many projects ranging from making furniture and remodeling homes to installing electrical circuits and repairing cars. Raymond was an avid outdoorsman, fisherman, swimmer, and camper. His knowledge and passion for the outdoors in addition to a witty sense of humor were often shared with family and friends. In addition, he was known for his culinary skills that produced delicious Chinese and American style food. Raymond's favorite place to visit was the beach, especially Hawaii where he enjoyed relaxing at Waikiki beach, watching the sunset, spending time with his family, and listening to the waves break along the shore. Most memorable of all, Raymond was a devoted and loving husband and father who will be greatly missed. Raymond is survived by Jennie his wife of 52 wonderful years and his daughter Stephanie and son-in-law Peter Hammes, Washington, D.C.; son Alan and daughter-in-law Linda Lee, Potomac, MD; and daughter Tiffany and son-in-law Eric Mies, Marlboro, New Jersey. He is also survived by his grand children Christopher, Victoria, and Catherine as well as his brother Kenneth and his wife Glenna and their sons Kenneth Jr. and Dana Lee. A private ceremony is scheduled. Donations may be offered to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, Virginia 22312 or on-line at www.diabetes.org. Online condolences may be made at www.rappfuneral.com