Dr. David Bruce Lee, MD, a well known, long serving Mission physician passed away peacefully Saturday, Jan. 12, 2008 at Mission Memorial Hospital at the age of 87. Predeceased by his adored wife Frances in 1994 and his brother Don, he is survived by his loving daughter Karen (Valentino), son Michael (Joanne), grandchildren Richelle and Adriano and great grandchild Darean.
Serving with the RCAF, 22 year old flying officer DB Lee captained a four-engined Liberator assigned to Sqn 120, based at Kaflavic Iceland, flying 14-16 hour non-stop missions on an anti-sub patrol over the Atlantic. When a U-boat was sighted or located by radar, F/O Lee would bring the aircraft down to 50 feet above the waves to drop depth charges or homing torpedoes to attack the enemy who almost always dived to avoid attack. Flying so low in all kinds of weather caused the resulting spray to freeze on the aircraft windshield, obstructing the pilot's view. Three aircraft from Sqn. 120 were lost in one 10-day period.
Graduating with his medical degree from McGill University in 1952 Dr. Lee came to Mission in 1955 to practice general medicine with his first office on Main Street (now First Ave.). He also served as Police Surgeon for many years. Bruce Lee retired in 1986 with a razor sharp memory. He loved to play scrabble, recalling words generally unknown to others and never missed his regular bridge nights. With the steady foursome Bruce would enjoy the exercise circuiting the Mission Golf Course following his errant ball.
Dedicated to his profession he will be remembered by his countless patients and many friends.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, Jan. 18 at St. Andrew's Church, Grand St., Mission.