George Lee

Obituary of George Peter Lee

George Peter Lee, of Las Vegas, passed away peacefully, at the age of 83, on October 27, 2020.

George, known as Peter by those close to him, and “Baba” to his family, was born in Shanghai, China on December 3, 1936, to Joseph Edward and Katherine Tai Lee.

He was a graduate of many schools, beginning with the prestigious Wah Yan College in Hong Kong.

Moving to the United States, he attended Occidental College, Los Angeles, followed by his Bachelor of science degrees in Physics and Electrical Engineering at Columbia University in New York City.  While there, he met his bride of 59 years, Dorothy.  Moving to Syracuse and employed by General Electric, he attended Syracuse University in their Business Masters graduate program.  He completed his Master of Science in Electrical Engineering at Purdue University, while working for RCA.

Working for world-class companies such as General Electric, RCA, Packard Bell, Zenith Radio Corporation, Randix, Lloyd’s, Interstate Industries and Tiger Electronics, and Spartus, he pioneered and worked on several innovative and cutting edge technologies, including patents in vacuum tube audio, the earliest television remote controls, and the world’s first talking clock.

After his early career accomplishments, he founded the Astrotech Group of companies, and ATR Manufacturing, creating a Far East electronics manufacturing base to the USA.  Furthering his entrepreneurial interests, he founded ADR Technologies, Manutech Limited, Valtech, and AmerTech.  Of particular note was the creation of products from the ground up that won 2007 Yahoo Last Gadget Standing award, and patented bill validator technology.

Family was important to Peter, who is survived by wife Dorothy, and his three children, Keith (Sally), Deanna (Paul), and Dwight (Emily).  Peter survived his sister Lydia, and is survived by brothers John (Cecilia) in Minnesota, and Joseph (Julie) in Virginia.  He will be missed by his grandchildren Jenna, Kenton, Jerelyn, and Jessica, and many nieces and nephews.  Peter made a point of being involved with his children and grandchildren, and liked to organize family trips with them.  Full of wisdom and humor, he always had something to say about life’s ups and downs.

An enthusiastic linguist, Peter spoke several languages.  Alongside his flawless American English and Cantonese, he also spoke Mandarin, German, and Spanish.  When he developed some of the first offshore manufacturing programs for Zenith, he even learned Japanese.

He was a faithful attendee at his church, St. Joseph Husband of Mary, and was generous to the Catholic Church throughout his life.  He often spoke about his faith and its importance, as well as his wish for everyone to know the salvation of God.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, November 11, 2020 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Davis Funeral Home, 1401 S. Rainbow Blvd., Las Vegas, Nevada 89146.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 11:00AM at the Davis Funeral Home.

He will be laid to rest at the Palm Northwest Mortuary & Cemetery, 6701 N Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89131.