Deep condolences to Mr. Rudy Yee

Arizona Chinese History Association Rudy Y…

Arizona Chinese History Association

Rudy Yee, a pillar of Phoenix's Chinese community and a beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully in his sleep at home on the evening of February 25, 2024. He was 83 years old. Rudy Yee was born on April 19, 1940, the son of immigrants, and grew up with his brothers at the family store Sam Kim Market in downtown Phoenix. In 1955, the Yee family moved and opened Glenex Market at 11th Avenue and Glendale Road.

Military photos of Rudy Yee in his youth

(Preserved by the Arizona Chinese Historical Association)

Rudy enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served as an anti-aircraft technician in Okinawa from 1962 to 1964. In 1966, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann, with whom he lived a life of love and devotion. After experiencing the highs and lows of life, Rudy inherited his family's legacy and created a better life, first as an engineer and then as a [Hunan restaurant] owner. He is a loving husband, father of three sons (Kevin, Jason and Stephen) and grandfather of 11 grandchildren. Rudy values ​​family above all else.

Rudy is also an integral member of the Chinese community in Phoenix. In 1974, he co-founded the Chinese Citizens League in Phoenix with State Senator Wing F. Ong. Rudy's community service also includes the Phoenix TOY Family Association, Phoenix Chinese Annual Fourth of July Celebration, Chinese Federation of Greater Phoenix, American Legion Thomas Tang Post 50 and the Chinese Senior Center. Rudy was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church in Phoenix, and he also supported Northwest Baptist Church, where his son Stephen served as pastor.

Rudy's legacy is one of selflessness and unwavering devotion to others. He found joy in helping others and making everyone feel welcome. His life was a testament to his service, whether to his country, his community, his friends, and most importantly, his family. Rudy's funeral will be held on Saturday, March 30, 2024, at Greenwood Cemetery in Phoenix. A farewell service will begin at 9 a.m. at Serenity Church, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m., where friends, family and community members will gather to commemorate Mr. Yu Changcun’s extraordinary legacy and share cherished memories.

In lieu of flowers, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of Rudy to one of the Phoenix Chinese community organizations he loved, such as:

1. First Baptist Church of Phoenix - https:// fcbcphx.org/give;

2. Northwest Baptist Church—https://www.nwcbc.org/en/give

3.Yu Fengcai Church (3040 N. 16 St Phoenix, AZ 85016) Tel: (602) 274-0709 or (602) 253-064

4. Phoenix Chinese Citizens Alliance Box 38336 Phoenix, Arizona 85069, email cacaphx@gmail.com

5. Thomas Tang Post 50)-https://azlegion.org/about-us/donate/

(Chinese translation in "Arizona Republic" on March 27, 2024)

Yu Changcun (standing) is the director of the Chinese Welfare Association

(Photography by Zhang Zhaohong)

Spring banquet at Yufengcaitang. Mr. Yu Changcun (first from left)

Mr. Yu Changcun participated in the autumn outing of Yu Fengcaitang

Yee Fung Toy Family Association Picnic (2023) ( Photo by Homer zhang)

Mr. Yu Changcun participated in the activities of the Historical Association (2024)

Rudy Attend Arizona Chinese History Association Events