Yim Fun Gee, beloved husband, father, grandfather, engineer, and lifelong supporter of American table tennis, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2025, in Sacramento, California, at the age of 88.
A life of learning and service
Born on January 30, 1937, in Guangzhou, China, Yim was the youngest of four children. He mastered Cantonese, Mandarin, and Taishanese, reflecting his curiosity and discipline. After immigrating to the United States, he served California with distinction for more than three decades.
From 1963 to 1979 he worked as a Registered Professional Engineer at the California Department of Transportation, focusing on design, construction, and traffic operations. From 1980 to 1997 he served at the California Public Utilities Commission, contributing to utility rate-making, safety, and customer relations. He retired in 1997.
A family devoted to table tennis
Yim’s greatest joy was his family and the sport they loved together. With his wife Elizabeth (Betty) Gee, he encouraged and coached their twin daughters, Lisa K. Gee Soto and Diana K. Gee. Both represented the United States on World Championships teams and won Pan American Games gold with Team USA. Diana also represented the United States at the Olympic Games. Both sisters are members of the U.S. Table Tennis Hall of Fame.
Yim and Betty were a steady presence at tournaments around the country. His thoughtful conversations, humor, and humility left a lasting impression on athletes, coaches, and parents across generations.
Personal reflection
I first met Yim at the 1977 U.S. Open, where his penhold pips-out game stopped me in the U-1700 semifinals. At the 1985 World Championships in Sweden, I teamed with Lisa in mixed doubles. Later I partnered with Diana, beginning a friendship that brought five national mixed doubles titles, a Pan Am gold and silver, and Olympic Festival medals. A favorite memory is the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, where Yim cheered with my parents and Shaker Bhushan for Team USA. Yim’s kindness and steady support strengthened our community.
Sean O’Neill
Beyond the arena
Yim approached life with curiosity and care. He enjoyed travel with his family, studied the markets with a disciplined eye, practiced Tai Chi, tended to landscaping, and completed home projects with precision. Friends remember his wit, his stories, and the calm wisdom he shared.
Family and service
Yim is survived by his wife Elizabeth L. Gee; daughters Lisa K. Gee Soto and Diana K. Gee; grandchildren Ethan Soto, Ivan Soto, and Aidan McDonnell; and his loyal dog Snowy.
A graveside service was held at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 22555 Cristo Rey Drive, Los Altos, California, on Monday, October 27, at 2 p.m.
His warmth, humor, and love for family and sport endure in the lives he touched. The Hall of Fame community extends its deepest condolences to the Gee family and honors Yim’s legacy in American table tennis.
