KING POI LEE

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KING POI LEE

With grace and peace, King Poi Lee passed away on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg.

King Poi is lovingly remembered by his wife, Bik Mui Lee, and their two children: daughter Quenifer and son Erick. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law: Howard and Elaine, Henry and Sophia, Wayne and Yen-Ching, Ivan and Mui-Ling, Doman and Alice; and his sisters and brothers-in-law: Mei-Fung, and Ivy and Stanley Leong. The family is especially grateful to Ivy and Stanley, whose attentive care and constant presence brought immense comfort to King Poi in his final moments. He will be missed by his many cherished nieces and nephews, numerous friends and admirers. King Poi was predeceased by his brother, Paul.

Born in China in 1940, King Poi immigrated to Canada in 1968 and settled in Winnipeg. Together with his family, he helped operate the legendary Shanghai Restaurant in Winnipeg's Chinatown, a beloved institution that served the community for 70 years before closing its doors in 2011.

King Poi was a passionate advocate for Chinese culture and was a key member of Winnipeg's Chinese Dramatic Society, which promoted art, theater and music. He taught martial arts, played the flute, and supported the Chinese pavilion at the Folklorama Festival for many years.

Known to his friends and neighbors simply as Poi, he will be remembered for his easy smile and distinct, throaty laughter. The true joys in his life were the strong bonds he shared with family and friends, his love of cooking, and the celebration of special times through food. He was an avid sports fan and collector of coins, stamps, and memorabilia. In recent years, traveling to visit friends and watching football games with his son Erick were among his favorite moments.

The family extends its appreciation to the staff at St. Boniface Hospital for their compassionate care. In keeping with his wishes, cremation has taken place and a private family service will be held. A celebration of King Poi's life will be shared with extended family and friends at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 22, 2025