Raymond S. Lee, age 75, of La Grange, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on December 11, 2020, after a long battle with Merkel Cell Cancer.

Raymond was born in Canton, China, moved to Hong Kong when he was two, and came to the United States when he was 13 when his father was able to bring the family to Chicago, Illinois and they could all be together again.

After graduating from Farragut Academy, he attended the local community college but eventually was drafted and spent two years in the Army in Korea from 1967-1969. After getting discharged, Raymond came back to Chicago and met Grace, the love of his life for the next 52 years. They started dating before he went to the University of Dubuque to finish his bachelor’s degree in Math. They were married in 1971 and started their life together. They had two children, Barb and David, and they were the joys of his life. They took road trips in the early days, driving up to Door County almost every summer, taking a day trip up to Michigan, and traveling to Canada to visit family.

Raymond worked hard to support his family. After graduating from the University of Dubuque, he was hired by Continental Bank to help set up their new computer system (new technology at that time) in the Bank’s trust division. However, Raymond and Grace had a dream of opening a Chinese restaurant and in 1977, with the help of family and friends, they opened the Magic Wok Restaurant in downtown La Grange. But a restaurant business is hard work. During the week he would take the bus into the city to work his day job. After work, he walked over to Union Station and took the train out to La Grange where he would work at the Magic Wok in the evenings until closing. Every weekend was spent working in the restaurant from open to close. He knew it was going to be hard work in the early days of opening a restaurant but was determined to make it succeed. 

Over the years, the commuting back and forth from Chicago to La Grange got to be too much and in 1982, they moved the family to La Grange which meant a better education for Barb and David and less commuting back and forth from the Bank to the Magic Wok. All the hard work paid off and the restaurant became a part of the downtown La Grange community for 40 years. He eventually changed day jobs to work at a consulting firm in Northbrook and accomplished his dream of retiring from his day job when he turned 55 and was able to focus more of his energy on the restaurant. But it was in this time that he realized how much he enjoyed traveling.

Post-retirement, Raymond and Grace took many trips together, knowing the restaurant was in good hands with the family and friends that were still working there since the beginning. They traveled back to Hong Kong and China where they reunited with many of their friends from his childhood. They took trips to Europe and cruises to the Mediterranean and Alaska. Raymond was an avid golfer and enjoyed spending his Sunday mornings with his son-in-law and many friends out on the links. His consistency earned the nickname of “Fairway Ray.”

Raymond and Grace were able to buy a second home in Las Vegas where they took many trips to avoid the Chicago weather. But their main home would always be in La Grange so he could be close to his grandkids. Raymond was an important part of their lives growing up. They were his pride and joy. He would pick them up from school every day, take them to McDonald’s on the weekend for hotcakes, and after Sunday family dinners loved giving them their second desserts. There was always ice cream in the freezer. He would cheer them on from the sidelines and loved going to their orchestra concerts and as many school events he could attend.

Raymond is survived by his beloved wife Grace S. (née Ng) Lee; his loving children Barb Lee (Joe Caracci) & David (Megan) Lee; and his four grandchildren Jordan, Kamryn, Brody, & Keira. He was preceded in death by his parents Chuck Wah & Shane Lee. Raymond was a brother-in-law, uncle, and friend to many. A private service will be held with close friends & family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Raymond’s name to the Ronald McDonald House of Chicago are appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside. Info: (708) 352-6500