Comments on: Remembering San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee ’74

By: Marge Young

Marge Young — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 00:40:04 +0000

What a remarkable man, Ed Lee, who was molded by his background and experiences, to become a personable and effective leader!

Wonderful, well written story by Andy Serwer, so engaging and a heart felt read!

By: Sylvia Infantine

Sylvia Infantine — Thu, 14 Dec 2017 00:25:23 +0000

What an inspiring story. Thank you!

By: Darryl Eng

Darryl Eng — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 18:00:09 +0000

Remarkable man and a remarkable life ended so short with so many deeds of kindness and compassion yet to be done.
We share a similar heritage, our families being from the same Chinese city and pursuing the same occupation in America.

By: Stephen Locke '77

Stephen Locke '77 — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 15:15:06 +0000

As we mourn the loss of our most esteemed colleague and dearest friend Ed, we will always remember the way he made us feel. Ed treated everyone with kindness and sincere friendship and made you feel like you were part of his family. Arriving as a freshman to the Bowdoin campus in ’73 I found myself excited and in awe next to the other pines all the way across the country from Seattle. Quickly meeting up with Ed, then a senior living off campus, I somehow felt reassured that Bowdoin would be just fine as my new home for the next four years. One of the first friends that Ed introduced me to was Rosie Huang Normand, a young Chinese lady working in the Bowdoin payroll office. As there were only a handful of Asians at Bowdoin, Rosie would invite us to her home on a regular basis for a delicious home cooked authentic dinner. I hadn’t even realized that I really missed home cooked Chinese food. The “best four years of our lives” (coined by President Barry Mills) were so much about the relationships that we established during our time at Bowdoin. There is much to be said about the comradery of young students held hostage by the peacefulness of rural Maine, the beauty of the campus, and the incredible talent, energy, and compassion of Bowdoin’s educators. It didn’t take long to feel at home quickly establishing friendships and knowing that the Professors and entire Bowdoin community truly cared about you.

It was just three years ago in 2014 that Ed returned to campus with his wife Anita for his 40th Reunion. As recipient of the Common Good Award, Ed spoke about his work as the mayor of San Francisco. Whenever Ed spoke, he always had a great smile and it seemed as if he always had a chuckle or two interspersed every few minutes just for the heck of it. I’m not sure whether this was because he was on to something or he was just pleased that he was sharing something that he was passionate about. I think it really was just because Ed was a very happy person and was truly grateful for the love of family and friends and the opportunities to serve others.

It was clear that Ed was inspired by his Professors at Bowdoin and had entrusted his teachers and mentors at Franklin High School back in Seattle. Throughout Ed’s civic leadership in the community Ed was able to get through to others and gain their respect in his friendly, gentle, and persuasive manner. Never one to rest on one’s laurels, Ed spent his life leading others to act and make a difference in the lives of those in need. He was a true educator and a beloved friend. It is not so much what our Professors said that we remember but how they made us feel and how they inspired us throughout our lives. That is how we will forever remember and be grateful for our dear friend Ed. We are truly blessed that Ed made it back to Bowdoin for the first time in 40 years to share with us how he helped to change the world.

By: Stephen Chisholm

Stephen Chisholm — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 11:37:17 +0000

A brilliant life. A gift to humanity.

My condolences to Mayor Lee’s family and friends.

Steve Chisholm

By: Neal Osias

Neal Osias — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 01:34:26 +0000

I was proud to have worked for Mayor Lee in the City’s Parks & Recreation Department for ten years. He was a true professional in his various positions working for the City, and he constantly tried to improve this beautiful City by the Bay for everyone of his constituents. I will miss him.

By: Johanna Ottervanger Floyd

Johanna Ottervanger Floyd — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 01:20:08 +0000

I left my comments above although I’d love to say so much more. ..T.Y.

By: Johanna Ottervanger Floyd

Johanna Ottervanger Floyd — Wed, 13 Dec 2017 01:16:21 +0000

Although an Alameda native I have always liked Ed Lee so very much,he was a kind,humble,& genuine man..we’ve lost a true treasure of a human, irreplaceable a certainty, my heart is with his family, may he rest in God’s arms…

By: Michael Rice '68

Michael Rice '68 — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 23:22:53 +0000

My wife and I awoke to the sad news of Ed’s untimely death. I knew him as a neighbor in San Francisco, where I was president of the Glen Park Association, with good interactions with him on city matters. A few years ago, I gave him a certificate as a charter member of the “Bowdoin Club of Glen Park.” Ed also sponsored great Bowdoin events at City Hall, filling the lobby with good talk, and good refreshments. We will miss him.

By: Michael Swit

Michael Swit — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 22:15:40 +0000

A great man, a great alum, and a great loss to San Francisco, California, and our nation.

By: Sue

Sue — Tue, 12 Dec 2017 21:59:40 +0000

What a touching tribute. You put tears in my eyes.