ICHS remembers Fred Yee
International Community Health Services offers its deepest condolences to the family of Fred Yee, former executive director and long-time board member of Kin On Health Care Center. Yee, who received the ICHS Bamboo Health Award in 2012, passed away at his home early Tuesday morning, Aug. 8 after an apparent heart attack. He was 67.
Yee received the Bamboo Health Award in recognition of his leadership in improving access to health services for Asians and Pacific Islanders in Washington state. In 1987, Kin On opened as the first bilingual Chinese nursing home in the Pacific Northwest.
Ron Chew | ICHS Foundation executive directorFred’s passing is a very sad moment for many of us who’ve had the privilege of knowing and working with him. His bubbly upbeat attitude, unlimited passion for the community and commitment to serving the underserved were his greatest gifts. He was a wonderful role model and cherished friend. I will miss him deeply.
Yee served as executive director of Kin On from 1988 to 1991. He remained active as a board member and chair after relinquishing the directorship to Sam Wan. Following his retirement, Yee served on the planning committee for a new partnership between ICHS and Kin On to develop a comprehensive health care and social service program for frail nursing home-eligible seniors, to be constructed on Beacon Hill in 2021.
Nigel Lo, Kin On CEO, said of Yee: “Fred was my trusted mentor and personal inspiration. His ideas, vision, and leadership was exemplified in the success of Kin On. His decades of experience, passion and dedication to serving our AAPI community were truly inspirational.”
A Celebration of Life will be held for Yee on Aug. 25 from 10 a.m. to noon at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 8501SE 40th St., in Mercer Island. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Kin On Health Care Center, Chinese Information and Service Center or the Yee Fung Toy Family Association.