Remembering Chester Lee

It is with deep sadness that I write about the unexpected loss of an old friend and colleague. As I recall it was sometime in the 80’s that it was announced in our small engineering department that a search for a specialist had been successful and soon afterwards we met Dr Lee at that time a recent graduate from UVA Charlottesville.

It was not long before everyone realized that Chester’s knowledge and technical abilities far exceeded those of his peers. In a short time Chester had refreshed the old-style technical approach to the vibration issues and established more modern up-to-date methods some entirely his own design and making.

Chester’s reputation quickly grew beyond his own local circles and soon: in a company of many thousand employees and spread over the five continents: he had been recognized and become the “go-to” expert for all in the company and for any intractable vibration problem anywhere that they occurred. Chester was no longer one department’s technical expert, but he was the resource to whom everyone expected to be able to appeal for support and consultation. His reputation spread beyond his employer, soon the parent corporation whose products had no relation or any overlap with Chester’s work became aware of his presence and they started to contact Chester and request support.

Chester’s expertise and ability was recognized in the academia and in the wider industry as well. Vibration related issues are known to be difficult to manage or resolve and they generate serious anxiety in customers who are naturally suspicious of hidden issues in products that may cause delays and costs and problems in future. Customers who could otherwise turn hostile and mistrust the manufacturer respected Chester’s opinion when he explained the cause of the unforeseen technical problems and as he provided assurances how these problems will be addressed.

The level of attention to every detail, personal commitment and excellence that Chester established in performing his tasks, the confidence that his peers developed over the years in his unique abilities, the loyalty of the employees who worked for him, the trust that the entire company placed in his judgement, was so unique and astonishing that is hard to imagine how it may one day be matched by anyone else. He will be remembered warmly, as a one-of-a kind employee that has left behind a shining mark of achievement, and regretfully, is his untimely passing, as a coworker whose vacant chair may not be filled anytime soon in the same way again.

And yet Chester’s endearing impact on his friends goes much beyond his sheer technical brilliance. Here was a warm personality always selfless and always ready to help and always in good humor. Chester will be remembered by his associates for his natural generosity and unselfish personality. After travels for business or pleasure he would remember to bring a gift for his friends. When out socializing with buddies he was first to pay and ask others too be his guests. He had a warm smile and engaging eyes that greeted everyone friend or strangers.

Chester was dedicated to his family and displayed their framed picture in his office. There was a time when he was worried about his daughter’s adventure crossing the ocean in a small sailboat but he kept calm and reserved during those weeks.

Chester had many friends and was admired by all. Everyone will miss him so dearly. 

Chester溫文儒雅可親. 雖然跟Chester接觸的機會不多，但每次聽Anna講到Chester, 不難想像他是個體貼的丈夫，也是兒女心目中的好父親. Chester和Anna的兒女Jessica和Andrew都很優秀，也紛紛各添了一對孫子孫女—“好”讓人羨慕！Chester這幾年雖保受洗腎之苦，然而兒女成材，兩對好孫子女可愛聰慧，應足以得到慰藉. Chester請安心好走！Anna，Jessica and Andrew 請節哀順變！Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Love,

Shirley 

In Loving Memory of Chester

I’ve known Chester since college years when Anna began dating the love of her life. The  beautiful friendships among us lasted more than half of a century.

Paul and I became Godparents to Jess and Andrew when both were very young; and we were honored being considered as “family” which was a rare and touching sentiment coming from Chester.

We’re grateful to Chester who was kind and thoughtful whenever we needed help; and with great admiration for Chester’s braveness in his journey fighting the decade long kidney disease.

We cherished all the fond memories that we shared, and found comfort that Chester is now in a better place with no more pain and suffering.

Chester will be missed dearly by all who had known him.

Rest in Peace

Irene

給李治平的話:

你有個非常愛你的好太太, 你們共同創造了一個愉快的家庭. 你有兩個非常好的女兒, 兒子, 四個可愛的孫兒孫女, 你是個幸福的人!

你是一個很細心 有責任感的人, 不論是對自己 或者對別人, 你答應的事, 都會盡力而為之. 有任何事情請你幫忙, 一定做到 十全十美, 你辦事我放心.

回想我們年輕時, 有幸我和Irene, 常常和你們一家人出去旅遊, 例如紐奧良和歐洲義大利等地方, 你們也常來我們溫哥華的房子小住, 一起釣魚Hiking. 留下了很多美好的回憶.

阿丹跟我說, 你公司的同事們對你都是評語有嘉, 在你退休的 餐會上, 還有一些工廠的工人, 特地跑來跟你道別. 對我來說這種發自內心的祝福, 比任何的禮物都更有價值. 你走的第二天我到 你們家中, 你以前的老闆正在和Jessica講話, 表達他對你的懷念, 和尊敬, 所有的這些事情表示說 “你是一個了不起的人”

近幾年來看見你越來越瘦弱的身體, 有時摸到你的肩膀, 都是一把的骨頭, 我難過但也 只能藏在心中, 身體不舒服的人脾氣 會比較大, 但是你都表現得很陽光, 依然是一個 Gentleman.

你是一個勇敢的人, 你做Dialysis這麼多年, 我從來沒有聽到你有抱怨 過一句話, 我佩服你,

你做過兩次換腎的手術, 那是多麼痛苦的經驗, 你也都撐過來了, 我佩服你,

這次你 決定放棄繼續治療, 你為了你的家人, 做出你認為最適當的決定. 天啊! 這個是 要有多大智慧的人才能做到的, 我佩服你!

治平, 祝你一路走好!

Paul

Chester was the kindest and warm-hearted person that I had privilege to know for many years. When I was the President of the SDCASEA (San Diego Chinese American Science & Engineering Association) , he was the executive VP. We have worked very closely and achieved a lot tasks for the organization and the Chinese community. He will be missed dearly!

Have a good journey to the better place, my friend.