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I first met Tunney and his wife around 1960; I knew her as Tutu, though I also knew that wasn't her given name. She had lived in my mother's place for a year or more while in college  early 50's, but I'm not certain of the dates. My mother maintained a connection with them both into the1980's. I met them 3 times, and remember them as quite warm and interesting people.

For 30+ years I've been the keeper of a small sculpture of a man and woman given to me by my mother, made and given to her long before that by either Tunney or Tutu;  I don't remember which one. I can send you a photo of it, and If you'd like I'll pass it on to you for the next part of its life.

Chuck Green
CG@PerpetualMotionMedia.com

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http://www.arch.cuhk.edu.hk/event/in-memory-of-professor-tunney-lee/

Hope this collection of tributes from colleagues, friends and students who crossed path with Tunney in the 8 years he spent to build the School of Architecture at The Chinese University of Hong Kong serve as a token of thanks, a small gift to a great man.

Most sincerely,
Vivien Mak
Graduate of the first class,
CUHK Architecture
On behalf of the Organising Committee
Of the Memorial Service for Prof. Lee
Held in Hong Kong on September 12, 2020

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The School of Architecture of the Chinese University of Hong Kong and a group of alumni, including myself, have co-hosted a memorial service to celebrate the life of Prof. Lee, our founding chair. We are forever grateful to be fortunately nurtured under the wings of such a great man who has set our career path and built our  inner strength in a humble, inclusive and amiable manner. Hope you would find inspirations while seeing his footprints in Hong Kong in the full recording of the service: -

https://www.facebook.com/113569723751655/posts/150021346773159/?extid=RK8ISoiMO2BfmNPh

Regards,

Vivien Mak

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I am so sorry and sad about the loss of such a great man. Thanks for organizing the memorial service. It was a sadly beautiful and profound experience. His friends and students from all over the world shared so many rich and vivid stories. Tunney taught me so much. Tunney’s wisdom always lives with us.

I met Tunney at MIT when I studied at DUSP during 2010-2012. Tunney was a dear mentor. I was so inspired by his worldly heart and wisdom, which motivated me to explore far and challenge myself. He is so mindful and generous, while very determined and sharp. I grew up with my grandparents, who were born in the same year as Tunney. My grandpa is Teochew, born in Shantou area in the same province of Tunney’s hometown Taishan (and even shared the same family name), and moved to Vietnam first and then to Beijing. So I always felt a strong connection with Tunney when talking about migration, Chinatowns, development processes, food, and the human dimension in architecture and cities.

I shared with Tunney my poem about my grandma, and Tunney shared his about his grandma. It was a beautiful poem about serving a foot bath to his grandma and her lotus feet. How drastically different are destinies of each generation of Chinese women! Tunney and I exchanged poems a few times. He told me poetry to him is a comfortable way to express deep feelings and meanings. Unfortunately I got busy with work and stopped writing and exchanging poems. I will pick up again, but Tunney won’t be there to share anymore.

Tunney liked to invite students to his summer house in Cape Cod. It was such a lovely and peaceful place. I remember how tranquil it is to swim and kayak in the crystal clear pond. He showed us his waste composting efforts and healthy food, and then told us his stories and life experience. I always remember those lovely moments.

Tunney had always been so proud to see Chinese young women today excelling in studies and career. He encouraged me to work overseas for a while before deciding whether moving back to China. He remained curious, open and exploratory throughout his life. That inspired me to always keep learning and pursue a truly international career.

I saw Tunney again last summer in his office at MIT. He was as wise, supportive and strong as always. He was excited to show me his latest research about Chinatown and his discovery from old photos. I couldn’t imagine that was my last time seeing him. My grandpa unfortunately passed away this summer, too. They were born in the same year and gone in the same year. I am lucky to be nurtured by their love and wisdom, and will carry on the torch.

May you Rest In Peace, dear Tunney. I will miss you.

All the best,
Judy Zheng Jia

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by Hannah-Hunt Moeller, MCP '20

I had the pleasure of meeting Tunney this past fall in Cambridge. I was in the final year of my Master of City Planning at MIT. I attending an audible walking tour in Boston hosted by a classmate's brother. Tunney was also on the tour taking in the sounds of the city as we were guided along. We picked up conversation and he explained that he was a professor at MIT in my department. What unfolded was a delightful conversation about architecture, University of Michigan (both of our alma maters), and planning in Boston. He shared with me stories of working under Buckminster Fuller at University of Michigan, planning and creating models for the Bucky Domes out of cardboard and wire. He invited me and my two classmates out for lunch in China Town a few weeks later.

Tunney met us at the China Town metro stop , where he greeted us with his wide smile and generous demeanor. We walked alongside him and listened to him tell us of the history of Chinese laundries, the origins of China Towns across the country. He shared with us the specific history of Boston's China Town, its relationship to the Big Dig, and the work that he has done for years to maintain the history, culture, and people who sustain this special part of the city. Our time concluded with a fabulous dim sum lunch where Tunney ordered all his favorites and asked us about our stories, our goals, our dreams. It was a sincere and special encounter. He was an educator to his core, extending himself for students and his community. I am so honored to have had the opportunity to share some time with Tunney during my tenure at MIT. What a gift of a person; what a life well lived.

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Francesca Frassoldati (from Italy to China, and back, with Tunney at my side)

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Francesca Frassoldati (from Italy to China, and back, with Tunney at my side)

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One month has gone since Tunney's passing - which is so sad - yet, as I cannot stop reading the notes posted here every day, new heartening memories add up every time I discover the extended network I'm in, thanks to him.

Fifteen years ago Tunney was to me mostly a legendary figure, emerging from the stories of Paolo and other Italian colleagues who happened to share with him their time at MIT. Without ever meeting him in person, he guided my first steps in Hong Kong, arranging appointments and recommending places and issues I had to look at. My life in the Pearl River Delta would not have been the same without those conversations with Wallace, Mee Kam and, later, Nelson. Only five years later all pieces recombined together and finally I met Tunney in his second home, at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, seeing him navigating Hong Kong and southern China in person, and not only making sense of their constant changes in his pragmatic recounts.

Tunney's immense capacity to weave connections around the globe built upon two traits of his character: the trustworthy generosity in including people into or disclosing his world to them, and the revealing glimpse of surprise while discovering yet another unexplored or neglected corner of the world.

There are so many Tunneys I'm discovering in these posts and others I'd like to cherish: Tunney in Italy in the early 2000s, encountering with curiosity a new generation of migrants from Mainland China in Ferrara. Tunney traveling with me from Milan to Mirandola, where Wenzhou entrepreneurs were reinventing the Italian SMEs Districts (the early stages of a potential research never carried out). Fatigueless Tunney walking through Boston urban redevelopments and Tunney the chef, willing to know how to perfect his 'spaghetti con le vongole' at Baker Pond.
So many encounters had a twist the moment Tunney's name dropped in the conversation. So much of Tunney will be missing. We'll never forget, I hope, how he could make things happen, with a gentle smile. And we'll remember to return the kindness we were given.

(Tunney on the move, with backpack on, in 2008. Exploring courtyards in Milan "Chinatown")

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Profesor Tunney Lee was the methods savior . He took me to knowledge of numbers and concepts that formed my thinking   about urban scapes . While his academic work focused on  Chinese culture in planning , mine was Latin  America , he counseled me in a way that shook the fear of numbers out of me. For his friendship I am grateful.
To his lovely family  my condolences.

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I am deeply saddened upon reading the MITArchA July 2020 of the passing of Prof. Tunney Lee.  My sympathies and condolences to his family.  He was truly a remarkable person; the world became a better place because of him.

We first met when I began working as a Long-Range Planner, MIT Planning Office, after graduating in 1974 (M.Arch., A.S.), and he was a member of the Faculty Advisory Committee overseeing our various campus planning and development guidelines projects.  When Tunney was at the Statehouse and I at the STB across the Commons, we would meet monthly and walk over to Chinatown for lunch, exploring a different place each time.

After relocating home to San Francisco, during my business travels to Boston and Hong Kong, we would get together for a meal, and up till this past spring, still maintained contact via email.  I am a better person for having known him; he was a mentor, colleague and friend.

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Dear members of the family of Tunney Lee (with love from James & Ellyn Polshek)

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Dear members of the family of Tunney Lee (with love from James & Ellyn Polshek)

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Tunney’s Memorial was an emotionally wrenching and sadly beautiful experience. So many of his friends passionately described his astounding contributions to Boston and its Chinatown. Tunney’s public service was not solely a contribution to his hometown. It was an example for future generations of architects and planners.

Having known Tunney since 1955 none of this surprised me.  When I first met him in the office of I.M. Pei he confided that he was not comfortable in an expanding corporate architecture firm. He was already able to articulate a vision of an architecture that would serve the public good. Tunney left for his Fulbright in Italy and about six months later my wife and I arrived in Denmark to begin my fellowship with a plan to meet with Tunney in Europe where we would begin a lifelong friendship with him and later with Irene.

Around Christmas of 1956 we drove to Italy to visit Tunney in his beloved Rome. A friend of Tunney’s, the painter, Tom Boutis, graciously loaned us his loft. We had never been to the city and Tunney’s love of the ancient capital and his willingness to share his knowledge of its history and development was a gift. He took me to Rome University to attend lectures by the legendary Italian engineer Pier Luigi Nervi. Tunney’s seemingly intuitive understanding of complex and innovative structural systems was reinforced by his work with Buckminster Fuller at North Carolina State University.

Not long after our arrival Tunney invited Ellyn and me over. Ellyn remarked that she had lost her taste for Italian cooking and said she longed for Chinese food which was not available in Rome. The words were not out of her mouth before Tunney jumped up saying ‘I’ll be back in a few minutes. When he returned he was carrying what appeared to be a giant size bottle of soy sauce! Like a magician he grabbed two eggs, some celery and a few other bits of vegetables. In seconds Ellyn was served a plate of Egg Foo Young, a favorite of her hometown in Boston’s Chinatown. Tunney’s natural generosity was repeated again and again for as long as we have known him. Days later the demise of ‘cinque topolini’ at the Salvator Mundi Hospital explained Ellyn’s temporary culinary aversion. She was four months pregnant.” Our brief time in Rome ended and we returned to Copenhagen and later to New York where we later met Irene for the first time. Thus began a lifetime friendship with the two of them.

Over the next decade our lives became geographically separated- but only by a 4 hour train ride from New York to Washington. By the mid 1960s we were brought together again by our shared opposition to the war in Vietnam. The Lee door in Washington was always wide open. We took advantage of this one night in the late 60s along with a number of other marchers  and spread out on the floor in sleeping bags. Tunney was, as always, a calm and unflappable presence. While I was two years older than Tunney his worldview and the rationale of his political convictions were “light years” ahead of ours.

We kept in touch over the years in somewhat parallel careers but in different time frames. In 1973 I became Dean of Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation. While Tunney, now in Boston, Tunney joined the faculty at MIT ultimately becoming Chair of the Department of Urban Studies and Planning. His academic success led to public service at the Boston Redevelopment Authority. In 1991 Tunney came full circle back to China, the land of his birth. He was invited to become the Chinese University in Hong Kong’s Dean of the newly founded School of Architecture and Planning. Sometime after Dean Lee’s first year I received a call from China. I was connected to the Dean and Tunney’s unmistakable voice invited me come to the University as a Visiting Studio Critic. Of course I was thrilled by the invitation and quickly agreed. His smile was “audible”. This was a marvelous opportunity to participate with Tunney as teacher, administrator and most importantly as mentor to his students. A gentle manner and extraordinary self-confidence were aspects of his academic persona that served him well and endeared Tunney to his Chinese students. Our visit was also an opportunity for Ellyn to become close friends with Irene. We were housed on the campus near the lees and dined with them and Tunney’s faculty daily. This required moving from building to building over a topographical roller coaster of walkways and streets. Time flew and we were to move on to Tong Ji University’s School of Architecture in Shanghai. There I spoke on the pros and cons of American education.This was only one of the many” doors” that Tunney opened for us. Another included being treated to a box at Happy Valley Racecourse. Our brief but intense visit to the University and to the captivating city Hong Kong was over. And so too was the bonus of being able to spend time with Tunney and Irene. After Hong Kong we saw them only occasionally in Boston.

Ellyn and she were devoted friends up until and during the time of her tragic death.

Of course all of humanity is irreplaceable but Tunney’s intellect, spirit, optimism and generosity are as indelible as his beautiful smile.  We will miss him terribly.

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To the Lee Family: I am very sorry I had to miss Tunney's memorial service. He was a new kind of person in my experience.  Welcoming, respectful and yet determined to encourage everyone to extend themselves and to be generous to others, regardless of origin.  It was preaching by example, much more effective than harangue.  I learned this first hand as his teaching assistant at DUSP. He inspired me and students to try to be as inclusive as possible and yet have a point of view about choices designing buildings not just as structures, but as communities of people in an urban context.  We will miss his warmth as well as his knowledgeable, tactful and effective leadership.

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To the Lee Family,We are your neighbors on Bakers Pond across the Fishermen’s Landing and were so touched by the outpouring of love and affection by so many at today’s memorial.Tunney’s swim across Bakers Pond was as natural an event as the Ospreys hunting each day. We always knew it was Tunney making his way SE to NW and back on the pond as no-one on earth had his unique version of the elementary backstroke. It was unmistakably Tunney with the slow elegant rotation of his arms way out of the water almost pausing for a moment before descending to gather the next armful of water without any splash. I always wondered how he was able to make any forward motion, let alone stay afloat with such a gracefully inefficient stroke.One late afternoon, I was out sailing while Tunney was making his way across the pond. I was always careful to give him a wide berth, but this time I came in close as he had paused to rest and I wanted to know how he made his stroke work. As I slowed and sailed by in close proximity, I asked him how he makes his swimming seem so effortless. His reply was, “I cheat - I use flippers!” Then he proceeded to lift one leg up to show me his secret.Tunney was concerned about our pond ecosystem and annually displayed the sign that we think a granddaughter sketched asking nicely that people at the public access respect the pond and not to pick the Plymouth Gentian. The last time I was with Tunney was about a year ago at an Orleans Conservation Committee meeting that was discussing expanding swimming access to the pond.We are so sorry for your loss of a great man, a great legacy and, from today’s memorial, a great father and friend. You did great honor to your father by organizing today’s memorial. I know he is proud.Best,Per & Susan

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To the Lee Family,We are your neighbors on Bakers Pond across the Fishermen’s Landing and were so touched by the outpouring of love and affection by so many at today’s memorial.Tunney’s swim across Bakers Pond was as natural an event as the Ospreys hunting each day. We always knew it was Tunney making his way SE to NW and back on the pond as no-one on earth had his unique version of the elementary backstroke. It was unmistakably Tunney with the slow elegant rotation of his arms way out of the water almost pausing for a moment before descending to gather the next armful of water without any splash. I always wondered how he was able to make any forward motion, let alone stay afloat with such a gracefully inefficient stroke.One late afternoon, I was out sailing while Tunney was making his way across the pond. I was always careful to give him a wide berth, but this time I came in close as he had paused to rest and I wanted to know how he made his stroke work. As I slowed and sailed by in close proximity, I asked him how he makes his swimming seem so effortless. His reply was, “I cheat - I use flippers!” Then he proceeded to lift one leg up to show me his secret.Tunney was concerned about our pond ecosystem and annually displayed the sign that we think a granddaughter sketched asking nicely that people at the public access respect the pond and not to pick the Plymouth Gentian. The last time I was with Tunney was about a year ago at an Orleans Conservation Committee meeting that was discussing expanding swimming access to the pond.We are so sorry for your loss of a great man, a great legacy and, from today’s memorial, a great father and friend. You did great honor to your father by organizing today’s memorial. I know he is proud.Best,Per & Susan

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I first met Tunney during an elevator ride at DUSP in October 2018. He immediately recognized my Italian accent, and he wondered where I was from. "Catania, Sicily – I have just started my Ph.D. in City Planning," I responded. Tunney turned back to me by saying: "You have the most delicious oranges I have ever tasted in my whole life: the cold breeze from Etna volcano e the arid wind from the Sahara make them just perfect." I was almost speechless. I had just moved to Boston, and I was talking about Sicilian oranges from a very specific geography perspective in an elevator ride at MIT. I wanted to know more…

After an introduction by my dear friend and mentor Antonio di Mambro, Tunney invited me to see some of his 1957 pictures from Italy in his Emeritus office. I was so impressed to know that he visited the most remote places in Southern Italy. But one specific image shocked me the most. Tunney had it printed on a 11X17 sheet pinned on one of his shelves. He took this photo in the Valley of the Temples of Agrigento in 1957. Two priests, a shepherd, and dozens of sheep were all sharing the same place: the sacred stones of Hera's temple. We talked a lot about how the ruins of this building were being used in this photo. Also, the red color of the priests' clothes was so vivid and intense. Tunney loved it!

Our initial oranges-related conversation eventually evolved in several espressos in his Emeritus office, and lunches in China Town with dear friends and colleagues talking about migration, social justice and community heritage. I will treasure these precious moments of joy, generosity, and optimism forever.

We took the pic I am attaching here on March 14, 2020. This was our last coffee. I will miss Tunney so much, DUSP won't be the same without him.

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Founder of our school setting path for our lives

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Founder of our school setting path for our lives

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Dear Dara, Thea and Kaela,

It’s my honor to connect to you all.  I was among the first batch of students admitted to the Department of Architecture CUHK created by your father in 1991, graduated in 1997.  We will never forget the old days when the school was small like a family. Led by your father, together with Joe Wehrer, Brian Sullivan, Leng Wu and Andrew Li, we were in absolutely good hands.  We were residing at the top floor of Chung Chi Library. It was only big enough for first 2 years of students. I still remember your father forever smiley face no matter how clueless and troublesome we were.

As first class of the school, we were empowered to imagine without predecessor to follow.  There was no ceiling set in the sky. The school taught us an attitude to prove and strive for what we believe we can be.  Your father had certainly paved the way and shape our lives.  I am forever grateful to Tunney.

Phiyona Auyeung

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An inspirational teacher, thinker & leader - Amy Stitely

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An inspirational teacher, thinker & leader - Amy Stitely

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So hard to capture all that was Tunney in words. He was an architect, urbanist, historian, teacher, mentor, immigrant, advocate, father, philosopher, and warrior for what is right. Tunney showed me that you can be all of those things at once and still be a kind, patient, giving, empathetic, steady, humble, and deeply curious human being so long as you kept your eye on the big picture.

I've been grieving his loss quietly alone for the past two weeks, channeling his wisdom at a time where "the work" is particularly hard and overwhelming. I think about all he taught me in such a short period: place is never fixed - nor is racial identity, designer mind is forever, public service is power and with that power comes great responsibility and great opportunity. And, sometimes you just need to close your eyes, take a deep breath, count to ten, and then go jump in the nearest pond.

I met some of my forever friends in Tunney's studios and seminars. Those who were fortunate enough to be shaped by him - we know what we share.

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Tunney was wise, compassionate, humane, and curious until the end of his life.  His planning vision always prioritized the people, which transpired in his writing, advocacy, and planning projects.  He was an advocate, a diplomat, and an engaged historian of Boston’s Chinatown.  Seeing, truly seeing the place where he was born and raised with him  was a unique experience for my wife and I, and learning about not just the history of the Chinese community in Boston but about the history of downtown Boston from him was invaluable.  He was a companion at the MIT gym in the last few years of his life to whom I turned for advice and for checking on the status of humanity as he saw it.  I will miss him tremendously, strolling along the way to the Z center or out of it after a swim.  May his soul be what he always wanted it to be: free.

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Tunney was wise, compassionate, humane, and curious until the end of his life.  His planning vision always prioritized the people, which transpired in his writing, advocacy, and planning projects.  He was an advocate, a diplomat, and an engaged historian of Boston’s Chinatown.  Seeing, truly seeing the place where he was born and raised with him  was a unique experience for my wife and I, and learning about not just the history of the Chinese community in Boston but about the history of downtown Boston from him was invaluable.  He was a companion at the MIT gym in the last few years of his life to whom I turned for advice and for checking on the status of humanity as he saw it.  I will miss him tremendously, strolling along the way to the Z center or out of it after a swim.  May his soul be what he always wanted it to be: free.

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Tunney was my practicum professor. Our class went to China to work with the Vanke Development organization. Through that class I learned a lot about managing through ambiguity and the faith that Tunney had in us to figure things out. Such calmness, clarity, and trust. Thank you for leading by example to teach us all to allow the process to unfold before us.

Months after the practicum, Tunney invited a few of us to his home in the Cape. It was there I learned about his swimming routine, and remember being impressed at his on-going discipline. Again, quietly leading by example. Thank you Tunney for welcoming me to your home, sharing your time and space.

I am thankful to have had the pleasure and am appreciative of the opportunity to share my experiences with his family. He will be missed!

Thank you to the family for letting us celebrate his life with you.

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Thank you to Thea, Kaela, Dara, Ruby, Eve and everyone who helped in preparing and hosting  Tunney's memorial service.  The two photo montages were really great.  And thank you to all the participants for their eloquent sharing.

My older sister, Marcia, and I are Tunney's first cousins.  Tunney's dad, Kwang Lien (known to us as Uncle K.L.) and our dad, Gene Ho, are brothers.  Our dad is about
16 years younger than Tunney's dad.  And, as it turns out, Tunney is only six years younger than our dad.  So, when Tunney was growing up in Boston Chinatown, their relationship was less of uncle-with-nephew and more so like brothers.

And, as it also turns out,  my sister and I are more than 20 years younger than Tunney, so we are actually closer in age to Tevah, Thea, Kaela and Dara than we are to Tunney.

When we were in elementary school, (don't remember the exact years), Tunney, Irene and the daughters lived in D.C.  and we lived in the Maryland suburbs just outside D.C.
My memory is rather fuzzy now, but I do recall one year when both families went to the cemetery where our paternal grandmother is buried.  It probably was Ching Ming and after we conducted the rituals and ceremony, we spent a few hours flying kites and having a picnic.  It was a good day.

In the early 70s, our family visited Tunney in Newton.  I think it was the first time I went to their house.  I was into chess back then, and Irene played a match with me.  Looking back, I think she probably took it easy on me.  I was doing okay in the match until I made a crucial mistake.  Eventually, either Irene checkmated me or I chose to resign the match.  Irene then kindly asked me if I knew where I had messed up.  I told Irene that I could guess, and then she pointed it out to me.  It was a great lesson.
There was so much creative energy and intellectual energy in the house on Langley Road; I wish I could have stayed there longer.

Later on I went off to my various misadventures in college and later on in life, and I lost touch with Tunney and the family.  My parents would update me on what Tunney was doing with his teaching and his many other endeavors. I knew he was accomplishing many things, but I did not realize the full extent of his accomplishments until I read all of the sharing here in his Memory Book.

Over the years, I did not see Tunney that often but we did see each other at Thea's wedding,  our dad's funeral in 1999 where Tunney gave an eloquent eulogy, Irene's memorial service at MIT, and a couple of his nieces's weddings.  After our dad passed, Tunney would visit my mom down in Maryland, and we would all get together for a dim sum lunch.

I regret not approaching Tunney to talk with him about our parents, and about Tunney's relationship with our father when they were growing up in Boston Chinatown and their relationship later on in their lives.  I always thought Tunney would just keep right on going as he always had so many projects to work on.

I will miss Tunney very much.

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Tunney was a friendly face at the swimming pool. He was deeply interested in disability-inspired design and anthropology--two themes I brought in as a disabled anthropologist and swimmer. The enriching conversations we had at the pool will be fondly remembered, as will his beautiful life. Gate gate para gate para sam gate bodhi swaha (गते गते पार गते पार संगते बोधि स्वाहा).

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Kowng Kow Chinese School Reunion interview July 2006

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Kowng Kow Chinese School Reunion interview July 2006

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Thank you for the moving memorial today which showed how Tunney touched so many lives. From 2005-06, we were busy preparing the 90th anniversary of the Kwong Kow Chinese School. I invited alumni who went to KKCS from the late 20s to the 50s for an interview. The group included Tunney, Helen Woo, Richard Wing, Josephine Wong, Stephanie Fan and others. They talked about how life in Chinatown changed from the 30s to after WWII. I documented some of their conversations in an essay published by CHSNE in 2006. The 1931 graduation photo of KKCS became one of Tunney's interests in the post-WWII to 1941 emergence of Chinatown families which he came to be the later cohort of this group.

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Thank you to the family for hosting today's memorial. As yet another mentee whose life he touched, I will not forget how Tunney took his time with this young Chinatown Community Planner. We took a few walks while discussing updates to the Chinatown Master Plan. One time in Sept. 2015, we wandered into an alley off Harrison Ave. Tunney led me past the dumpster and behind Eldo Bakery and Juice Bar. He rounded the corner and, as if pulling back a curtain, revealed a block of rowhouses tucked away out of sight. Here is a photograph of him standing in front of one of them. He told stories of kids sitting on the steps of and running between rowhouses. He made sure I appreciated the neighborhood for how it was and understood how it came to be. He reminded me that meaningful community engagement meant empowering residents to shape their neighborhood. Thank you, Tunney, for these walks and stories. Little did I know then, that these would be lessons to guide me always. I'm doing my best in your memory, yet I still have so much to learn. You are missed.

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I met Tunney in an interview for a job at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1991. I was about to finish my PhD and he just started the school. Interview was held in his hotel in London and I was in my full suit and he was casually dressed. After ten minutes talking in the lobby lounge, he said perhaps we should continue in his room. And I was nervously sitting at the edge on the only chair in the room, Tunney first sat on the bed and soon started talking with me lying down. And that etched in my mind forever, his casualness and unassuming attitude, only interested in the substance that would test his intellect. Tunney launched my academic career and had been an eternal mentor. He always focused on what is important in education and placed enormous value on human interaction. He was always student centric. That would be my motto in education administration all along in my career. Both Irene and Tunney had been enormously influential in my family and they are forever missed.

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Tunney was not the first in the family that I met. I met Tunney in the late seventies. I met Tunney's father, Uncle Kwong Lim and his friend Uncle Shih Hing [phonetic] in 1970 at CCBA when I was fresh off the boat from China. Shih Hing suk was the President of CCBA then and Kwong Lim suk hung around with him at CCBA quite often. Kwong Lim suk once told me that he was also a Cantonese teacher at the FBI Academy.

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Tunney was not the first in the family that I met. I met Tunney in the late seventies. I met Tunney's father, Uncle Kwong Lim and his friend Uncle Shih Hing [phonetic] in 1970 at CCBA when I was fresh off the boat from China. Shih Hing suk was the President of CCBA then and Kwong Lim suk hung around with him at CCBA quite often. Kwong Lim suk once told me that he was also a Cantonese teacher at the FBI Academy.

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Tunney was instrumental to the success of the Copley Place project and the Parcel to Parcel Linkage Project. I wasn’t involved in the Copley Place project although I was familiar with several of the key players there. In Parcel to Parcel Linkage Project 1, linking the Parcel 18 project in Roxbury to the One Lincoln project downtown, the requirement of minority participation in the development team was a principle that Tunney inculcated in the mind of the major stake holders. On the other hand, being a managing partner in the development project as well as representing the minority investors, I was reminded from time to time by Tunney that the key to move a large and complex project forward is to be able to reconcile the different interests both within and outside of the project.

Tunney had been a very inspirational teacher and a good advisor to me!

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Wonderful neighbors.  Tunney and Irene bought the half of the grand house on Langley Road in Newton Center that I and my motley crew of classmates and friends were renting. Accordingly, some of us moved into the other half of the house, but were quickly befriended by the new arrivals.  And what wonderful neighbors!    

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Wonderful neighbors.  Tunney and Irene bought the half of the grand house on Langley Road in Newton Center that I and my motley crew of classmates and friends were renting. Accordingly, some of us moved into the other half of the house, but were quickly befriended by the new arrivals.  And what wonderful neighbors!    

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When Vicki came up from Washington to do some work for EDC, she called on Tunney, with whom she had worked, looking for advice on where to rent. He proposed looking next door, where we had an extra room. Two years later we married. Forty years later, on our return to Boston, Tunney and the girls celebrated the successful introduction and our marriage with Dim Sum.

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Thank you to the Lee family for the heartwarming online memorial service that just concluded.   The photos, music, poems, and testimonials all brought back my fond memories of Tunney... my kind and wise MIT thesis advisor.... who was a great role model for 'being truly human' and 'living life to the fullest'.  My best wishes to the entire Lee family.

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Thank you to the Lee family for the heartwarming online memorial service that just concluded.   The photos, music, poems, and testimonials all brought back my fond memories of Tunney... my kind and wise MIT thesis advisor.... who was a great role model for 'being truly human' and 'living life to the fullest'.  My best wishes to the entire Lee family.

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Huang, Jianxiang, MIT MCP'07, University of Hong Kong. Tunney is a teacher, a mentor, a life-long friend. To many of us, he has been a source of wisdom, tremendous generosity, and uncompromising truth. I remember the days we went swimming together in Poker’s Pond, listened to classical music concerts, and of course lunches in Chinatown. I recall one time Tunney ordered a pork feet dish with bones, which he likened as “the texture of life”. I am saddened by the passing of Tunney, and my condolence is with the Lee Family. His intellect and compassion will always be there to guide us, and his legacy lives on.

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I will truly miss Tunney. He was remarkably generous with his time and his wisdom. We worked together on a number of history projects including ones that documented the Inner Belt, the Boston Redevelopment Authority, and the China Trade. I would approach him with an idea for a project and he was always willing to help even though I often had very little knowledge of what I was doing. He was never dismissive or critical, he would just send me some material to read, give me a little more information, and introduce me to a couple other people. In the end, all the projects grew. I learned a lot working on these projects, I suspect Tunney knew it all before and was just happy to lead me through the process. 

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I will truly miss Tunney. He was remarkably generous with his time and his wisdom. We worked together on a number of history projects including ones that documented the Inner Belt, the Boston Redevelopment Authority, and the China Trade. I would approach him with an idea for a project and he was always willing to help even though I often had very little knowledge of what I was doing. He was never dismissive or critical, he would just send me some material to read, give me a little more information, and introduce me to a couple other people. In the end, all the projects grew. I learned a lot working on these projects, I suspect Tunney knew it all before and was just happy to lead me through the process. 

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I'm not sure where I found this photo. Tunney will always have a special place in my heart. -- Jeff Rosenblum

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Judy Goldberg
When I married into the Friedman family, I was fortunate in more ways than I could have imagined.  To have Irene as my sister-in-law and Tunney as well as their family be part of mine was a blessing.

Tunney was remarkable in so many ways- his intellect, his kindness, his generosity, his calm and clarity in the face of anything, and his love of family.  I could keep going.  After Irene died, Tunney would visit us in NY and we would spend time with him in Orleans every summer.  We walked endlessly to art galleries and museums for the latest exhibits that Tunney had on his list; and we took him to our favorite ethnic restaurants.  Upscale Chinese restaurants were not allowed.

After Herman died, Tunney and I continued the time at the Cape and visits to NYC and became even closer. At the Cape, he did the cooking -- fried rice, pasta with clam sauce, lobster, …  I introduced him to a fried egg on a parmesan crust that I had discovered.  He proceeded to perfect the dish last summer.

He got me to swim across the pond (once); to eat a mango and a papaya; and to get hiking poles by letting me use his when we walked last summer.  Tunney taught me the fine points of negotiation, about the history of the Chinese in America, about so many other things.  He helped me to cope with my own loss through his sharing and his empathy.

I treasure the time that I spend with Tunney.  I will always remember the walks on the beach and the swims in Baker’s Pond and the meals on the deck. To Tunney, with gratitude for your love and friendship.

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My sympathies to Tunney's family and all those close to him. He is greatly missed! My first memory of Prof. Tunney Lee was in a DUSP course he was co-teaching with Mel King. It was 1988, and I was in over my head – newly landing at MIT from the Midwest, newly married, newly riding the T – everything was novel and a bit overwhelming. Class became my refuge, and Tunney’s compelling narrative pedagogical approach allowed me to understand (and develop the skills to act on) inequity in Boston, and all dense urban ecosystems. When Tunney spoke, I knew I had made the right decision to return to grad school, to change the direction of my career - I knew I was in the right place. Soon after, these two icons - Tunney and Mel – invited me to be their RA on the Washington Street Corridor Initiative to determine the future of the street/adjacent development after the elevated was demolished. I was thrilled! This role proved ideal for a designer with aspirations to be a planner – a mix of formal interventions and community empowerment at which Tunney was so expert. Soon after, I signed up for a dual degree, adding SMArchS. When it came time to choose my Thesis topic and committee, I solicited Tunney’s advice. He said (with that forceful but kind confidence he had): “Write about what you know. Write about what you care about!” The answer was Detroit, the Ford Rouge plant, and industrial regeneration, which was exploding as a holistic approach in the EU, though still nascent in the US.  He also recommended I work with Prof. Dennis Frenchman, who was once Tunney’s mentee. This changed the trajectory of my design career, but Tunney’s model and advice continued to influence my decisions. In 2000, I returned to my hometown of Detroit to pursue a role “in the trenches”. After 15 years of teaching and practice back in Detroit, I was fortunate to be invited back to MIT for my Sabbatical in 2015-2016. Much to my delight, Tunney was still there (though in a new, much fancier office!), still generous with his time, and still offering valued advice. I shared with Tunney the ups and downs and recent challenges with my community-based initiatives. As usual, Tunney offered incisive and inspirational advice: “the community must own and control the land – there is nothing without the land!” Thank you, dear Tunney, for all you have given me and so many, many others. Your passion and activism for equitable cities is more important than ever.

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Remembering “Uncle Tunney”Remembering Tunney, most recently with our cherished time as we visited him and our cousins during summer vacations on Cape Cod, especially after my Dad past away.We enjoyed spending time talking, listening to his stories about growing up  and watching the sunset in the evening across the pond.  He was always so patient with our son Danny and would converse about movies and HDTVs and the latest technology innovations.I remember following his career in awe and his extraordinary to the field of urban planning while at the same time being so grounded as a devoted husband, father, brother and uncle.   We were always amazed at his prowess on the “dance floor” as we celebrated family lifecycle events.  We are happy to learn that his work about Boston’s Chinatown will be carried on and completed by collaborator David Chang.In loving memory- remembering the sunsets on the pond forever…Your niece and family, Ellen, Stew, Jonathan and Danny…

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Remembering “Uncle Tunney”Remembering Tunney, most recently with our cherished time as we visited him and our cousins during summer vacations on Cape Cod, especially after my Dad past away.We enjoyed spending time talking, listening to his stories about growing up  and watching the sunset in the evening across the pond.  He was always so patient with our son Danny and would converse about movies and HDTVs and the latest technology innovations.I remember following his career in awe and his extraordinary to the field of urban planning while at the same time being so grounded as a devoted husband, father, brother and uncle.   We were always amazed at his prowess on the “dance floor” as we celebrated family lifecycle events.  We are happy to learn that his work about Boston’s Chinatown will be carried on and completed by collaborator David Chang.In loving memory- remembering the sunsets on the pond forever…Your niece and family, Ellen, Stew, Jonathan and Danny…

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Tunney opened my eyes and expanded my perspective on many planning, design, and social equity issues while I was a student at MIT's DUSP.  Tunney was approachable, respected and tenacious as an educator, activist and human being.  After leaving MIT we intersected from time to time, and recently Tunney came to the firm I am with (Sasaki) to speak to our new generation of planners and designers about the evolution planning and development in Boston, including his work as a leader in the Southwest Corridor initiative that was transformational to the urban and social quality of Boston today.  Tunney knew Hideo Sasaki, whom he referred to as "Hid" and provided very valuable oral history about Hideo's role  as the head of Landscape Architecture at the GSD and the early years the Sasaki firm.  I remember fondly the cool parties he had at his house on Langley Road in Newton where students and faculty could get to know each other outside of the classroom. Tunney was of my thesis advisors and also a good squash player.  Thank you Tunney.

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Tunney opened my eyes and expanded my perspective on many planning, design, and social equity issues while I was a student at MIT's DUSP.  Tunney was approachable, respected and tenacious as an educator, activist and human being.  After leaving MIT we intersected from time to time, and recently Tunney came to the firm I am with (Sasaki) to speak to our new generation of planners and designers about the evolution planning and development in Boston, including his work as a leader in the Southwest Corridor initiative that was transformational to the urban and social quality of Boston today.  Tunney knew Hideo Sasaki, whom he referred to as "Hid" and provided very valuable oral history about Hideo's role  as the head of Landscape Architecture at the GSD and the early years the Sasaki firm.  I remember fondly the cool parties he had at his house on Langley Road in Newton where students and faculty could get to know each other outside of the classroom. Tunney was of my thesis advisors and also a good squash player.  Thank you Tunney.

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Fred Merrill

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From George Hein          Dear Thea, Dara and Kaela,   Emily and I are saddened to hear the news of Tunney’s death.  For me, it brings back memories of almost 60 years of continuous friendship with all your immediate family.  Hilde and I met Tunney and Irene shortly after we moved to Boston in the fall of 1962.  There were many threads to the friendship.  The famous poker game is only one of them.  Here are a few of my treasured memories. We socialized at parties; Tunney and Irene hosted huge gatherings, especially after you moved to Newton. The mix of people from many backgrounds was always impressive. Or, we would go out to dinner together.  A favorite restaurant, not in Boston, was Peking-on-the- Mystic in Medford.  I remember Tunney kindly pointing out to me when we went there together that although I seemed to have pretty good control of my chopsticks, no Chinese person would ever hold them in his left hand. It just wasn’t done. I then taught myself to use them with my right hand. In the 1960’s we also quite often dropped in on each other’s houses unannounced.  I taught at Boston University then and I can remember stopping by on my way home to Newton at your house on Garden Street in Cambridge (on the corner of Donnell St?) It had four garages next door that Tunney imagined turning into housing.  One time, I can remember Willow Zinn, then probably 13 or 14 years old, consulting Irene concerning teenage problems with her parents, as Tunney and I talked in the next room. Another time, I found Tunney and Harry Ellenzweig hard at work constructing a model for their proposal to build the visitor center for the underwater Roman Caesaria waterfront near Haifa, Israel.  After you moved to Newton, the poker game was always at your house. One lasting image of those games is not the poker we played or the conversations we had, but the scene I observed if I had to use the bathroom upstairs. That involved going past your parents’ bedroom with its open door usually occupied by three little girls on the bed all cuddled together like lovely puppies. When Tunney moved to Harvard Street in Cambridge, he bequeathed the beige felt cloth cover for the table to Emily and me. With few exceptions (evenings at Dara’s or Kaela’s homes) it’s been in use for that purpose only on Howland Street. Your family hospitality was always there for any request.  In the late 1970’s, when I was living alone and had lost my grandmother, father and close friend (who had married my sister) all within a short time, I was pretty depressed.  I remember driving back to Cambridge from Connecticut where my mother lived one summer day after one of the funerals (or maybe just a sad visit) and inviting myself to join you all for a few days at a house you had rented on Squam Lake (was that an MIT Property?).  For me it was a huge gift to be among your lively group. I’m immensely grateful for all these memories of a rich and rewarding friendship that encompasses not only Tunney, but your whole family.                          George 

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From George Hein          Dear Thea, Dara and Kaela,   Emily and I are saddened to hear the news of Tunney’s death.  For me, it brings back memories of almost 60 years of continuous friendship with all your immediate family.  Hilde and I met Tunney and Irene shortly after we moved to Boston in the fall of 1962.  There were many threads to the friendship.  The famous poker game is only one of them.  Here are a few of my treasured memories. We socialized at parties; Tunney and Irene hosted huge gatherings, especially after you moved to Newton. The mix of people from many backgrounds was always impressive. Or, we would go out to dinner together.  A favorite restaurant, not in Boston, was Peking-on-the- Mystic in Medford.  I remember Tunney kindly pointing out to me when we went there together that although I seemed to have pretty good control of my chopsticks, no Chinese person would ever hold them in his left hand. It just wasn’t done. I then taught myself to use them with my right hand. In the 1960’s we also quite often dropped in on each other’s houses unannounced.  I taught at Boston University then and I can remember stopping by on my way home to Newton at your house on Garden Street in Cambridge (on the corner of Donnell St?) It had four garages next door that Tunney imagined turning into housing.  One time, I can remember Willow Zinn, then probably 13 or 14 years old, consulting Irene concerning teenage problems with her parents, as Tunney and I talked in the next room. Another time, I found Tunney and Harry Ellenzweig hard at work constructing a model for their proposal to build the visitor center for the underwater Roman Caesaria waterfront near Haifa, Israel.  After you moved to Newton, the poker game was always at your house. One lasting image of those games is not the poker we played or the conversations we had, but the scene I observed if I had to use the bathroom upstairs. That involved going past your parents’ bedroom with its open door usually occupied by three little girls on the bed all cuddled together like lovely puppies. When Tunney moved to Harvard Street in Cambridge, he bequeathed the beige felt cloth cover for the table to Emily and me. With few exceptions (evenings at Dara’s or Kaela’s homes) it’s been in use for that purpose only on Howland Street. Your family hospitality was always there for any request.  In the late 1970’s, when I was living alone and had lost my grandmother, father and close friend (who had married my sister) all within a short time, I was pretty depressed.  I remember driving back to Cambridge from Connecticut where my mother lived one summer day after one of the funerals (or maybe just a sad visit) and inviting myself to join you all for a few days at a house you had rented on Squam Lake (was that an MIT Property?).  For me it was a huge gift to be among your lively group. I’m immensely grateful for all these memories of a rich and rewarding friendship that encompasses not only Tunney, but your whole family.                          George 

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I first met Tunney over 20 years ago. Our bond, common interests and many coffee breaks flourished through the years. We taught together, worked on urban design research and developed  together the walks I have been leading through Boston and Cambridge for so many years. But above all, Tunney was a mentor and a colleague I could always trust and consult.  He was intimate yet opinionated – something I could easily relate to. We always joked about the brashness of my Israeli upbringing and his close acquaintance with Jewish culture. (Tunney always loved to ‘warned’ me, in his semi-serious voice that he knew Yiddish better than Chinese . . .) When I became a department head, Tunney reminded me to lead with compassion, to never ask others to do something I wouldn’t do myself and most importantly to use and not lose my voice.

I’m missing Tunney and I’m heartbroken, but, I’m also heartened by the great run he had !
As pointedly said by Humphrey Bogart “Here’s looking at you Kid!”

Eran Ben-Joseph

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Jing Rong Zhao (Godmother) and the Li Family, Melbourne, Australia

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Jing Rong Zhao (Godmother) and the Li Family, Melbourne, Australia

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逝者安息。It was with great sadness that we learned of Tunney’s passing. Tunney will be in our hearts and memories forever.

Tunney's father, Kwang Lien Lee and our late father, Yong Xi Li were schoolmates and close friends who attended the Law School of Soochow University, Shanghai, China (1931-1935). One of their common interests was volleyball (Picture 1, please open the pdf below). Our father loved little Tunney very much and became his Godfather.

Tunney left China for the USA at the age of seven. He longed for his hometown and missed his sisters in China, but WW II and suspended Sino-US relations prevented him from going back to his birthplace.

After a long wait of over 30 years, Tunney finally made his first visit to China in the early 1970s (Picture 2).

An emotional reunion with his Godfather, Professor Yong Xi Li, at Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou and Godmother, Jing Rong Zhao (Guangzhou 1980’s picture).

In Melbourne, Australia, 2002 (Pictures 3, 4).

One day we answered a phone call and were pleasantly surprised to hear Tunney’s voice. He said he would come to Melbourne for a conference and would like to visit our mother, Jing Rong. He had a catch-up over the phone with Jing Rong in Cantonese.

How did he find our phone number, we wondered? The answer was through the Whitepages (telephone directory)! We had a wonderful two-day family get-together.

I met Tunney just once, when I was seven. Despite this he’s always been in my thoughts. When we met, I was excited by his presence and must have pestered him with dozens of questions and pranks. I recall that he had a gentle presence and that he was patient towards me. Though I couldn’t figure out who he was exactly I developed a great fondness and admiration for my new uncle from America, the architect who was awesome at drawing. I would have talked about him for days after our meeting.

At the time I was interested in drawing and this became the basis for a correspondence. I sent him my drawings and he sent me a beautiful Derwent pencil set, drawing paper, a manga drawing book and a drawing of his own.

I was so sad to hear about Tunney’s passing. Only last year I was studying abroad in America and had discussed visiting him while planning a trip to the East Coast. It is a painful regret of mine that in the end I never made that trip and that I never got to know Tunney as an adult.

Now, on realising how great a man you were, how you gave so much time and love to a little boy living half a world away moves me that much more. Tunney loved the Li family dearly. – William, Yong Xi Li’s Grandson.

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Jing Rong Zhao (Godmother) and the Li Family, Melbourne, Australia

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Jing Rong Zhao (Godmother) and the Li Family, Melbourne, Australia

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逝者安息

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Tunny Lee

I am fortunate to have worked with Tunny on several projects in preserving Chinatown’s immigrant history. Tunny was a great storyteller. His in-depth knowledge coupled with his own ancestral experience are part of the Chinese immigrant history that has yet to be recognized in American history books.

Tunny’s great grandfather came to this country from Toisan to work on building the Northern Pacific.   Afterwards, he was forced from his home in Tacoma, WA because of anti-Chinese sentiment that had plagued the West.  They eventually settled in Boston’s Chinatown where his family had a grocery store on Beach st. near the corner of Tyler St.  He left his mother and sisters when he was 6 years old and was detained at the East Boston Immigration Center.  He said that he will always remember the frightful look on some of boys’ face when they failed the interrogation and had to be deported.

Several years ago, during a tour of Chinatown with officials from the National Park Service in Washington DC, he showed us the house on Oxford Place where he first lived with his grandparents.  His grandmother had bound feet, so she never left the house.  He recalled playing ball on Oxford Place and the sweet smell of noodles being made from the noodle factory at the head of the street.  He also proudly showed the ancestral alter at the Lee Family Association where his grandfather name is displayed at the top for helping the association organize and form its own credit union.

Tunny wanted to preserve Chinatown’s history and he wanted others to know about it.  He proudly described the unique nature of Chinatown and how the community came together to help each other out.  He once told me that the Chinese American community are the best resources in telling our own history.  In memory of Tunny and other great Chinatown elders, we need to come together and work on preserving Chinatown’s history.
Fondly,
Nancy Lo

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Peter Gorer

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Children learned from Tunney, too. The Boston Children's Museum was an educational innovator in many ways beginning in the 1960s, under under the leadership of Michael Spock. I was fortunate to have participated in much of that work as the director of  the museum's Community Services and Educational Resources divisions. Tunney served as an key advisor to several of our landmark projects, including "The City," a multimedia curriculum on urban design, used in elementary classrooms nationwide; and "Ethnic Discovery" a teacher-training and cross-cultural student learning program implemented in the Boston Public Schools in the desegregation era. When Tunney moved to Hong Kong to establish the Architecture Department at the Chinese University, we did a turn-about. He invited me to apply the  the Children's Museum's participatory approaches to learning to the creation of city explorations for CU's 1st-year architecture students -- and put me  up in his and Irene's faculty apartment overlooking the South China Sea, while I worked. 

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Children learned from Tunney, too. The Boston Children's Museum was an educational innovator in many ways beginning in the 1960s, under under the leadership of Michael Spock. I was fortunate to have participated in much of that work as the director of  the museum's Community Services and Educational Resources divisions. Tunney served as an key advisor to several of our landmark projects, including "The City," a multimedia curriculum on urban design, used in elementary classrooms nationwide; and "Ethnic Discovery" a teacher-training and cross-cultural student learning program implemented in the Boston Public Schools in the desegregation era. When Tunney moved to Hong Kong to establish the Architecture Department at the Chinese University, we did a turn-about. He invited me to apply the  the Children's Museum's participatory approaches to learning to the creation of city explorations for CU's 1st-year architecture students -- and put me  up in his and Irene's faculty apartment overlooking the South China Sea, while I worked. 

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All that -- plus dozens of Chinatown lunches and our weekly poker games -- will remind me of Tunney's friendship forever.

Jim Zien

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Tunney was a wonderful role model and a good friend, and I will truly miss him.  His knowledge, warmth, curiosity, and enthusiasm made him an exceptional teacher and person.

I met Tunney in the fall of 2008 during one of my first days at MIT when I took his class on Boston’s immigrant neighborhoods as an MCP student.  In the class, Tunney brought Boston’s neighborhoods to life, both historically and in the current day.  I will always remember touring and learning about Boston through Tunney’s eyes—the tour was filled with information about how the city had been reshaped over time and how different people experienced the buildings in the city.  To see the city through Tunney’s eyes was exciting and a privilege.

I consider myself incredibly lucky to have been able to continue to learn from Tunney since that fall as an MCP and PhD student at DUSP.  I took only that one class with Tunney, but he was so kind, generous, and helpful ever since.  Tunney welcomed students into his life, such as through day trips to his house on the Cape, and he always made time to help and show interest in the work of his students.  Tunney’s knowledge of Boston and urban processes was extensive, yet he was down-to-earth and expressed a genuine curiosity about the research of students.  Time and again, I relied on Tunney for feedback and support on research projects, and he always made me feel that my research was interesting and valuable.

I really miss Tunney, but I will always be grateful for how he taught me to appreciate cities and their history, conduct research, and be an excellent teacher and mentor.

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Tunney was my mentor during my visit to MIT as a Fulbright scholar in 2015-2016. The inspiration and instruction from him and DUSP gave me, not only my academic reshaping, but also the understanding of life.

I miss the field research and the community meetings in Chinatown with him,

I miss the family leisure time at his baker pond side cabin,

I miss the afternoon coffee and discussion in building 9,

I miss you dearly, Tunney.

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We grew to know Tunney as Kaela’s Dad & Eves’s grandfather,
Kaela & I  met as new mothers in the Cambridge Library.

Eve and Isa, our daughters, being unconventional by nature, bonded.
Eve, perhaps as her grandfather, keeps her dreams close to her heart.
Our daughters brought our families closer together.

We were honored to spend dinners, & times together with Kaela &Tunney at his lake house.
Tunny’s resilient energy & wise humor was impressive,
even after his workout which was swimming the circumference of the lake.
Our visits were a cherished  retreat.
Tunny was so welcoming and generous in sharing
his home, & we always enjoyed enlightening conversation.  We hold dear these  fond memories
of Tunny, a caring & exceptionally kind human being. His spirit lives on in
Karla & Eve.

Mary, Charlie, and Isa

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Tunney opened my eyes and expanded my perspective on many planning, design, and social equity issues while I was a student at MIT's DUSP.  Tunney was approachable, respected and tenacious as an educator, activist and human being.  After leaving MIT we intersected from time to time and most recently came to the firm I am with (Sasaki) to speak to our new generation of planners and designers about the evolution planning and development in Boston, including his work as a leader in the Southwest Corridor initiative that was transformational to the urban and social quality of Boston today.    I remember fondly the cool parties he had at his house on Langley Road in Newton where students and faculty could get to know each other outside of the classroom. Tunney was of my thesis advisors and also a good squash player.  Thank you Tunney.

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Tunney opened my eyes and expanded my perspective on many planning, design, and social equity issues while I was a student at MIT's DUSP.  Tunney was approachable, respected and tenacious as an educator, activist and human being.  After leaving MIT we intersected from time to time and most recently came to the firm I am with (Sasaki) to speak to our new generation of planners and designers about the evolution planning and development in Boston, including his work as a leader in the Southwest Corridor initiative that was transformational to the urban and social quality of Boston today.    I remember fondly the cool parties he had at his house on Langley Road in Newton where students and faculty could get to know each other outside of the classroom. Tunney was of my thesis advisors and also a good squash player.  Thank you Tunney.

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Fred Merrill

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I met Tunney at DUSP/MIT in 2011, and will remember him as a great teacher and mentor.  We had many great conversations, especially during our trip to Tianjin in 2012, and in between studios.

I learned that he came from Toi-Shan, where my wife's maternal grandparents also came from.  Many left poverty for foreign lands in that period and they could have been kin.  I listened to him reminisce his earlier days of being an architect-planner; on an early winter morning he would start the day in office lighting coal heaters and sharpening pencils.  He tutored and worked under luminaries such as Nervi and Pei, and circumstances within his own community and city brought him to stand for the activism he's well-remembered for.  He shared that it was just the right thing to do.

The right things, as evident from the decades of his work and teaching, revolved around his passion about people's lives and their communities.  This simple wisdom of people-centricity he imparted to his students, no matter which city or context we came from or planned for, and will be a huge legacy he's left for us.

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The first time I talked with Tunney for more than a few minutes was in Cambridge in 1990. I was leaving the Gnomon copy shop in Harvard Square, where I had just copied my CV. I was applying for a teaching job in the new architecture department at CUHK – not least because Tunney was setting it up – and was on my way to MIT to drop it off at his office. But I walked out the door, and there was Tunney Lee himself.

When he finished talking to the person he was with, I introduced myself. He said he had an appointment at MIT, but we could talk on the bus there if I didn't mind. And so my first interview for the job was on the Mass. Ave. bus. I had two more interviews in conventional settings, and eventually got the job. Working with him, I soon learned that this relaxed good humor was standard Tunney.

Another example, from a forum several years later at which Tunney spoke. Someone in the audience disagreed strenuously, and the two of them were having an unproductive conversation. Finally Tunney said: 'I guess I can't convince you.' And he said it with a smile.

I learned many lessons from Tunney, not least that it is possible to see the good in all people and to treat them kindly.

Andrew Li

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http://news.mit.edu/2020/tunney-lee-professor-emeritus-urban-planning-dies-0710?fbclid=IwAR3Nrm3btM-SJKmXAZeHt-PIc-TMAkGGr7cH_RWgbKUukgaVWOJ-jPtiv84

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My name is Lu Gao. I got to know Tunney since my first year at MIT, when I joined Tunney’s China Studio in 2006, an unforgettable class that has shaped my career path and my personality. In the class, we learned from real-life cases and seasoned experts to further understand housing and real estate issues from various perspectives, such as economics, finance, designing, demographic trend, etc, to support sustainable growth, for the people, by the people, and of the people. We wrapped up the class with a field trip to China, sponsored by Vanke Group. Greatly inspired by Tunney, I later worked for Asian Development Bank to research on China’s housing policies. During this process, again, Tunney provided me with numerous valuable support and guidance. Asian Development Bank published my research as an Economics Working Paper, titled Achievements and Challenges: 30 Years of Housing Reforms in the People's Republic of China, which was developed into my master thesis. As my thesis advisor, Tunney blessed me through my graduation with his sincere kindness. Not only is he my academic role model, his devotion to the Chinese communities also deeply impact my personal growth. His tremendous contribution in preserving the Boston Chinatown is a legend and has always encouraged me to work for my people. I took the presidency of Chinese Students and Scholars Association, one of the biggest groups at MIT, and have actively participated in civil right events to voice on behalf of the silent and often ignored Chinese immigrants. Although such activities are time consuming with no direct gain to myself,  they totally worth my efforts since they satisfy my conscience and moral standard, something Tunney has passed on to me and will be well kept deep in my heart forever.

It is a pity that I relocated to Canada and could not visit Tunney as often as before. The class discussions, the Chinatown gatherings, the casual chats over snacks, the cabin on the lake, swimming, and boating in summer… can only reappear in my dreams.  Fortunately, I got an opportunity to visit Boston seven years after my graduation and introduced my daughter to my dearest professor at MIT. Tunney is the same, full of wisdom and humor. He immediately became my daughter’s favorite and they had a wonderful afternoon playing lots of games together in his office. It is my best luck having Tunney as my advisor, who is shining through my life, with the brightest smile.

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Tunney will always hold a special place in my heart.  He was always so full of energy and joy.  I looked forward to seeing him at Highland Lodge--  listening to his stories and walking around the pond behind the Lodge. I was always impressed, particularly over the last few years, how he was able to navigate around the rocks and roots with his hiking poles while also discussing politics, Boston housing and food.

Tunney never failed to ask me how my students were doing and how teaching was going.  Whenever I asked him offhandedly for suggestions of field trips for my 3rd or 4th graders, I would receive an email the next day with a list of suggestions.  When I asked him a few years ago if he would be willing to tell his immigration story to my class, he immediately responded and made himself available a few days later.  He even ordered and read the book (Landed by Milly Lee) that I was planning to read to my class before his arrival.  My 4th graders were totally engaged by Tunney's storytelling and he came plenty prepared with images of his hometown and immigration photos.  He always seemed to be such at ease.  I have included a picture of Tunney talking to my class. You can see how much he was enjoying their questions and see that special smile of his.

Tunney I will miss you and will continue to think of you often.

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From Bianca:  I remember the games with paper and pen that we would play at the table with Tunney when we had meals at Mulan. He did great, simple drawings that made you smile.

I remember when Tunney made our family an impromptu meal when we dropped by his house on the Cape. He served us delicious Clam chowder that came from the supermarket in a plastic bag, noodles that his sister had made and a salad. He slowly prepared everything for us. He seemed so peaceful living in the house by the lake.

Tunney was happy to be in a big group of family and friends. At Highland Lodge, I will remember his walks around the lake with his walking sticks. He seemed to have a sense of supreme contentment from being with people he cared about and spending time outdoors in nature.

This is a photo of my son Leo and Tunney's grandson Leo. Their chance encounter and friendship led to our knowing the Lee family.

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I arrived in Boston mid-career and came to know Tunney more or less as a distant planet knows the sun. I bathed in the light generated by this remarkable man without truly knowing him. He was my supreme boss at DCPO, and when I came to teach at MIT for a few years I knew him as one of the venerable elders. I knew him by his works, his wonderful leadership at a public agency and his thoughtful and challenging teaching. Moreover I knew him through the remarkable cohort of his former students whose own careers were a testimony to his teaching and his warm and friendly mentorship. As little as he knew me, it was a wonderful quality of his that he always greeted me with such warmth and with genuine curiosity  asked what I was doing. His legacy is not only his humanity that lives on through his family, but the humanity that he brought to his professionalism that lives on in practitioners, in the institutions he built and in the quality of our urban fabric. Thank you for the warmth of your sun, Tunney.
Hubert Murray

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One of my favorite summer traditions was visiting Great Uncle Tunney at his home at Baker Pond. Our family would spend the day out on the water and lazing around on the deck. At some point in the afternoon, Uncle Tunney would emerge from the house with all his swimming gear and we would join him for his near-daily swim across to the other side and back (those of us who could even keep up). I remember sitting on the deck post-swim and just chatting with Uncle Tunney. He always wanted to know what was going on in my life and to share what was going on in his. I will always cherish those memories. Uncle Tunney’s warmth, passion, and breadth of experiences made him so easy to talk to. I never left a conversation without some new fact, insight, or perspective. Uncle Tunney’s home on the Cape had a seemingly endless rotation of friends and family making the trip out to spend time with him. This was so telling of the fact that everyone just enjoyed his company. I will miss you Uncle Tunney. Thank you for all the fond memories. 

-Kingston 

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All of us have shared our special moments with Tunney - from poker to "yum cha and cappucino time; in the classroom, on the streets; from the Cape to Italy, MIT, Chinatown to Hong Kong; swimming in the pond or the pool at MIT; from  Chinatown to Hong Kong - a time of learning, challenging, discovering and exploring - and in his way, Tunney would embrace us and let us embrace him.
Two quick remembrances:
1)  In the seventies, when I first arrived here from the Pacific NW (Seattle's  International District/Chinatown) to go to the "other" school  in Cambridge, I would throw these celebratory Chinese New Year parties where  Tunney, Irene and Lawrence Cheng joined me in hosting  (so that they could invite their friends to join with us!   Food and spritis from 4 p.m. to 4 a.m. flowed from wild salmon to oystersauce/green onion noodles in the evening and , grits and fish in the morning;  spirited conversations on the issues of the times and in many languages; and lots and lots of music and dancing.   This was Tunney's favorite time - dancing joyfully, freely; expressing himself with great delight to the music of  our times!
2)  One day, Tunney called Lawrence and  I to meet at F&T Diner in Kendall Square (now no longer) to deal with a problem he was having where he could obtain some land for Chinatown from the city.  From that conversation,  we  knew we had to form a new organization.  We created and founded the Asian Community Development Corporation (ACDC).  We formed a fine board, local Chinatown leaders, young and old, with integrity and ability and roots in the community, to build the first affordable housing/mixed use project in 24 year in  Boston's Chinatown.  Today that organization is resilient and thrives in its mission.  As board chair for the first 15 years and co-founder with him, Tunney has said I need to write this story and has hounded me for year to do so.  I began the story years ago...but never finished.  Will finish that task now, Tunney, for you.

Parting thoughts:  Tunney exemplified the characters for "friend" in Chinese - two moons/friends together.  Like the road of the  great Chinese ancestors before him, the journey of the  first step from the village in Taishan to the top of the mountain  as scholar and teacher, artist and poet was achieved; to serve family and teach others.  His was, indeed, a "fulfilled" and "fulfilling life," and thanks to his remarkable daughters and grandchildren and his  "chi", he passed the love  and gifts to them and each of us to do and have the same. To Tunney, thanks and as the song goes, "thanks for the memories."

Jacquie L. Kay

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I met Tunney in the late-2000s. Our paths hadn’t crossed until then as I was from the “other” school up the street. In the ensuing years, Tunney invited me as guest critic to his China studios, including a most memorable one held in Tianjin. We had lots of good dinner conversations on China’s urban development and sustainable urbanism in general. It was then I appreciated his brand of pragmatic urbanism, always focused on solving real problems for real people, not grandiose schemes under the monikers of “smart city”, “low carbon” or “zero energy” cities.

Even when it comes to designing such a grandiose city.

I remember seeking his advice when I was working on a competition for a “city of atomic and renewable energy” in Saudi Arabia. His first question to me was, “Who would want to live there?” Then proceeded to describe the DNA of a sustainable city, finishing with a reprise of a famous presidential campaign line. “And don’t forget, it’s always the economy, stupid!” he said with a smirk.

My wife, Marian, and I felt fortunate to have taken Tunney out to dinner on his birthday last October. Sadly, that was the last time we saw him.  Thank you, Tunney, for all the wonderful meals and conversations we’ve had over the years and for your generosity in sharing your wisdom with me.

James Lee and Marian Tse
(Photo below with Tunney, Antonio DiMambro, and the MIT Vanke Studio in Tianjin, January 20, 2013)

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Tunney Lee, Antonio DiMambro Vanke Studio in Tianjin 20130120

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My name is Beverly, and I am the granddaughter of the immigration officer who Tunney said interrogated and terrified him upon his arrival to Boston.  Tunney always knew that my grandfather had worked at INS but it really didn't hit home until he obtained a record of his interview not so long ago and actually saw the name Jones Wing.  We had an animated chat about his experience and once again used the occasion to remember our mutual friends.  I hope that all the bin diving to retrieve Boy Scout photos for Tunney helped to make amends for the trauma of his arrival in Boston.

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My name is Beverly, and I am the granddaughter of the immigration officer who Tunney said interrogated and terrified him upon his arrival to Boston.  Tunney always knew that my grandfather had worked at INS but it really didn't hit home until he obtained a record of his interview not so long ago and actually saw the name Jones Wing.  We had an animated chat about his experience and once again used the occasion to remember our mutual friends.  I hope that all the bin diving to retrieve Boy Scout photos for Tunney helped to make amends for the trauma of his arrival in Boston.

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Beverly Wing

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CHSNE Tunney Lee Memorial Lecture Series

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CHSNE Tunney Lee Memorial Lecture Series

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http://www.chsne.org/programs/tunney-f-lee-memorial-lecture-series/

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https://hd.stheadline.com/news/realtime/hk/1815012/即時-港聞-建築大師李燦輝逝世-黃錦星發文悼念

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Tribute to a beloved colleague of Chinese American History:

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Tribute to a beloved colleague of Chinese American History:

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For more than 15 years Tunney Lee was my respected colleague and friend who shared  the same interest in the history of Boston Chinatown and Chinese Americans. Our paths crossed only after he came back from the Chinese University of Hong Kong in the early 2000s when I joined and actively engaged in the Chinese Historical Society of New England. I missed the opportunity of knowing what he did as  an architect and urban planner for Boston from the 60s to the 80s and as a founding department chair at CUHK,, my alma mater where  I left two years before Tunney arrived in 1990. Our mutual experiences in Hong Kong was a topic of constant conversation and he kept  giving me newsletters and yearbook of CUHK for many years over the last 15 years. We both believed in the importance of fieldwork and experiential learning with students and talked about how we took students to China for projects over the last 20 years. But my greatest appreciation was his warmth and support as a friend and companion studying Chinese American history. This is a cohort he mentors and works with including David Chang, Stephanie Fan, Peter Kiang, Shauna Lo, Cynthia Yee, Kye Liang, Nicole Newendorp, Lisong Liu, Wen-ti Tsen, Susan Chinsen, Kenneth Eng as well as Randall Imai and all Tunney's recent colleagues and students at MIT who shared the same collaborations for researching the heritage and culture of Boston Chinese Americans.  Tunney and I were also connected by Bridgewater the town where I  am teaching in its university and where his great grandfather opened a laundry.  It was moving to have him visit there sometime between 2007 and 2009 to trace his ancestor's footsteps.  Tunney supported my work in CHSNE and my photo history Chinese in Boston in 2008 and he came to my earlier talks after its publication. I was  interested in collaborating with him on oral history of earlier Boston Chinatown such as the Kwong Kow Chinese School and spent many years chatting with him in the CHSNE office together with others like Helen Woo and Amy Guen. We also collaborated on sharing historical archives from photos of the El to historical newspapers in the Boston Globe about Chinese American life from late 19th to the mid-20th centuries.  I wanted to give credit to his Chinatown Atlas as an enduring legacy of his contributions. The project is full of insights about settlement and development of Boston Chinatown in five different stages with important details of immigrant life and urban planning  The narrative is succinct and judicious and the maps and themes are invaluable for understanding the community. It will stand the test of time as the best web resource on Boston Chinatown for many years to come.  In 2018 he was honored by the Mass Historical Commission for the contribution of Chinatown Atlas.  I knew that he was weak but did not know how his treatment was so I decided to invite him and David to zoom on June 6th talking about the CCBA bulletin board Chinese announcements and other historical sources. I was glad to be able to see him but never could I imagine it was the last itme. I will miss you, Tunney. We will carry on his torch to continue to do more research on our community in Boston.  Thank you Tunney for your friendship and your kindness and generosity in supporting fellow scholars!  Our lives are all enriched because of you.

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I will truly miss Tunney. And based on the outpouring of love in this tribute he will be sorely missed by so many. The breadth and depth of friendship, mentorship, and family bonds he cultivated over his life are phenomenal and a testament to the type of person he was.

I will always be grateful to Tunney for taking me under his wing as a grad student at DUSP. I took his Shenzhen studio.  For our class site visit I was able to see just a small portion of Southern China but gain so many insights on the country and ways of urbanism different from our own. The study was set up give broad recommendations but as part of that Tunney made sure the human-factor of planning and design was present.

After the studio our bond grew stronger… although I did have any other classes with Tunney we spoke often about planning, architecture, history, and culture.   We bonded over his stories and anecdotes about places I have connections to like his time with Buckminster Fuller in Raleigh, NC—and his time in Washington, DC with is work on community-based design in the Shaw neighborhood after the 1968 upheavals/riots.

I also had the opportunity to collaborate with him and a host of others on the Density Atlas.  It was a rewarding experience to collaborate with such a capable and knowledgeable group.

When I left MIT in spring of 2009, in the heart of the “Great Recession” he helped me with contacts and thinking through the job search.   After which we stayed in touch with my occasional visits to Cambridge—I made it out to the Cape house once, where he always extended an open invite---and through email when I had a question about Boston, was looking for answers about Chinatown in DC, or wanted to share a fascinating article.

And it is this I may miss most about the man, just being able to reach out to someone with immense knowledge and understanding of the connection between society and built environments as well as someone who is so thoughtful and humane.

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For over 40 years, I am fortunate and privileged  to have Tunney as advisor, collaborator, friend, and culinary companion. He will be missed but not forgotten. Photo taken on September 28, 2019, with Ada Fung of Hong Kong, Janelle Chan and baby.

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For over 40 years, I am fortunate and privileged  to have Tunney as advisor, collaborator, friend, and culinary companion. He will be missed but not forgotten. Photo taken on September 28, 2019, with Ada Fung of Hong Kong, Janelle Chan and baby.

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Lawrence K Cheng

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From Leng Woo

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I trust the Chinese proverb that goes, “有缘千里来相会，无缘对面不相逢” (“Fate brings people together no matter how far apart they may be”). I was incredibly lucky that fate wanted me to give a lecture on Chinese and Italian migrations to Boston that was attended by Tunney. At the end, Tunney Lee came and introduced himself. His fame preceded him, I knew exactly who he was as I had gone to one his lectures, read of him in the CHSNE bulletin, perused his chinatownatlas website and here he was calling me Dr. and not wanting to be called Dr. himself. Tunney has been the most welcoming person I have met in Boston, with his warm smile and genuine interest for others. Afterwards, we went out for lunches and coffees and his stories of Chinatown, China, Italy, Rome, my city and his city before mine, became a wonderful vehicle of friendship. Tunney was a born unifier, like a Qin Shi Huang Di, but kind and in love with knowledge and with the ability of sharing it across the board with clarity and modesty. He invited my husband and I to his family’s New Year Celebration. I was so moved and grateful, and I will never forget his sautéed mussels at the Cape. One thing we definitely shared was the crave for sitting down, breaking bread and talking history and recipes. He was a great hit in one of my classes last Fall; his knowledge of Chinatown, from culture to architecture to language and folklore was astounding and students took notice. My family, my students and I, as I am sure many many many others, will miss Tunney’s welcoming smile and cheerful look at life.

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More than 50 years ago, Tunney Lee got me involved in a project that changed my life. We were both young architects and planners living with our families on the same street in Cambridge,  One day Tunney said that he and a few others who were concerned about the destruction of many low-income neighborhoods in the paths of an eight-lane highway that was going to be built through Cambridge and several other cities in the Boston area. He invited me to come with him to a meeting about the highway.  
That meeting got us involved with several communities and more highways, which after several years of community protests and alternative plans designed by our group wound up stopping the construction of those highways and shifted much of the government money assigned to them to public transit. That was followed by more than half a century of my social and professional connection to Tunney and to my involvement in assisting low-income communities do their own planning.  
Tunney initiated many innovative urban planning ideas, but when I think of him, mostly what I remember is his decency and devotion to improving the places where people live.  He was, as they say in the language I first spoke as a child, a real mensch.
One of the last times I saw Tunney was when my wife Stephanie and I stayed with him at his house on Cape Cod.  I remember envying his ability to swim much longer distances and to make better cappuccino than I could.  He was never able to help improve my swimming or my cappuccino making, but he certainly helped to give meaning to my life. I miss him.   

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From MIT

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Tunney Lee, professor emeritus of urban planning and former head of the MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning (DUSP), passed away of complications from cancer treatment on July 2 in Boston. He was 88 years old.

An architect by training, Lee was also an accomplished planner, historian, and community activist. At MIT, his research focused on the process of community-based design, with a particular interest in high-density urban settings. He led frequent collaborations between MIT students and Boston-area neighborhoods. His approach to urban planning and architecture emphasized how these fields could be harnessed to empower and enhance the lives of people. When approaching design, Lee viewed the built environment through the lens of how individuals would construct, use, live, and interact with the creations of planners and architects.

"It's about understanding institutions," said Lee, when discussing community input for a series of recommendations produced by DUSP students. "You never hear any discussion as to who is going to carry out this wonderful thing we've just designed. That's just of not interest to them [typical design schools]. In contrast, we would have failed if we didn't inculcate in our students the necessity for understanding the institutional arrangements at the same time as we talk about designs."

"Tunney was a towering, gentle, strong, font of eternally wise humanity - an ideal teacher, colleague, and friend," says Chris Zegras, professor of mobility and urban planning and DUSP department head. "Tunney quite literally helped save Boston, Cambridge, and MIT by spearheading, against all odds, the successful battle against the Inner Belt Highway in the 1960s. That effort exemplified everything he did, combining the passion of the 'good fight' with the compassion of truly working with and caring for others. The outpouring of memories, from such a wide span of our community, shows how he was woven into the fabric of DUSP. We are both crushed by the loss and honored to continue working to live up to his harmonious blend of vibrancy, patience, humor, reflection, insight, and moral clarity."

Lee immigrated to Boston from China in 1938 at the age of 7. While his father went to work in Washington, Lee remained in Boston under the care of his grandparents in Boston's Chinatown. In an MIT Infinite History interview, Lee noted how this experience impacted his perspective of urban design.

"[Chinatown] was a classic urban village, one in which people knew each other and trusted each other and it was small," he said. "It has certainly affected, always, my views of community, of neighborhoods, it extends all the way to my professional life, my interest in neighborhoods has always been there."

Lee lived in Chinatown until he graduated from Boston Latin School and began his studies at the University of Michigan. After completing a degree in architecture, he worked with Buckminster Fuller and I.M. Pei. In 1970, Lee joined the DUSP faculty, earning tenure in 1977. He was promoted to full professor in 1985. At MIT, Lee supervised and read dozens of masters and doctoral theses and taught a wide range of courses, including the introductory course to Housing Community and Economic Development; Site Planning; and Planning Studio.

Lee's colleagues remember him as a pillar of the community whose energy, curiosity, and kindness were matched by his sharp intellect, strong values, and commitment to serve voices at the margins of a city.

"Tunney was my thesis and life advisor, a force of nature, and guide to all that is good about cities and city planning," says Dennis Frenchman, Class of 1922 Professor of Urban Design and Planning and director of the MIT Center for Real Estate. "He fought fiercely for the unheard, for his beloved Chinatown, and for all people and places in Boston that have contributed to its deep culture of grit and survival."

Lee's impact in the Boston area echoed beyond classes he taught and practicums he led at MIT. Lee served the Greater Boston community as the chief of planning and design for the Boston Redevelopment Authority and as deputy commissioner of the state Division of Capital and Planning Operations during Governor Michael S. Dukakis' administration.

Lee practiced what he taught, seeking to use the tools of design to empower citizens and strengthen community-led efforts. In the 1950s, along with other urban planners, Lee provided technical assistance to neighborhood groups resisting plans for the introduction of Inner Belt, an interstate highway planned to run through Boston and Cambridge.

"It's hard to find the words to capture the depth, breadth, and profound impact of this brilliant visionary ever committed to the good fight," says Karilyn Crockett, a lecturer of public policy and urban planning in DUSP and the City of Boston's first chief of equity. Crockett's book, "People Before Highways: Boston Activists, Urban Planners, and a New Movement for City Making," details this community resistance and features Lee. She writes, "[Lee] knew well the impact of a multilane highway coursing through a densely populated working-class neighborhood, and most important, he understood the relationship between highway expansion and uncatalyzed neighborhood resistance."

Lee founded the Department of Architecture at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, which became the university's School of Architecture. Lee wrote that the department's educational philosophy needed to center on "a basic concern for the quality of people's lives and respect for all those involved in planning and creating buildings, including the people who will inhabit the buildings, coworkers, construction workers, as well as the owners, developers, and fellow colleagues." Today the school's curriculum continues to reflect Lee's values and philosophy, with an emphasis on buildings as part of the human habitat.

The City of Boston and its Chinatown remained a lifelong focal point for Lee's efforts. Most recently, he led a collaborative project with the Chinese Historical Society of New England, the Chinatown Lantern Cultural and Educational Center, UMass Boston Institute for Asian American Studies, and many MIT alumni. The project, Boston Chinatown Atlas, seeks to understand and tell the story of Chinatown's history, dynamics, and context, and encourage future generations to appreciate the traditions and preserve the community's vitality.

He also led a team of MIT faculty, students, and affiliated planners, architects, and designers to develop the Density Atlas. The concept of combining the three commonly used measures of density to better understand and compare city blocks and neighborhoods emerged from a series of urban design classes that looked at housing development projects in both the United States and China.

Lee continued his tradition of public service as a board member for the South Cove Health Center; Kwong Kow Chinese School; and the Asian American Development Corporation. He was the recipient of numerous awards, including the Chinese Historical Society Sojourner Award.

"Tunney was the practical revolutionary. He didn't shy away from the tough issues, but did so with kindness," says Ceasar McDowell, professor of the practice of civic design and DUSP's associate department head. "His advice through the years has served as one of my guideposts for working on the ground with communities. He will be missed by many, but will remain ever-present for those who knew him."

Lee is survived by his daughters, Thea, Kaela, and Dara Lee Lewis; his sisters, Mu Zhen Li, Cui Yu Li, and Xiao Xia Li; and three grandchildren. The family will host an online memorial service on Sunday, July 12, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. EDT. They have also created a virtual memory book for friends and colleagues to share thoughts, stories, memories, and photos.

Donations may be made in Lee's name to these organizations supporting his work: Asian Community Development Corporation; the Tunney Lee Memorial Lecture Series at the Chinese Historical Society of New England; Boston Chapter, NAACP; Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Association; and 2Life Communities.

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Tunney Lee, professor emeritus of urban planning, dies at 88

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Tunney Lee, professor emeritus of urban planning and former head of the Department of Urban Studies and Planning (DUSP), died of complications from cancer treatment at age 88. An architect by training, Lee was also an accomplished planner, historian, and community activist.

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Thank you Tunney for being an incredible professor and advisor

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Thank you Tunney for being an incredible professor and advisor

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I owe so much of my career to Prof Tunney Lee. I was really lucky to overlap with him at MIT DUSP for my bachelor's and master's. Tunney taught me (and all of us) so much about how to think about the communities we serve as planners. Specifically, as a Chinese American urban planner, I feel so lucky to have gotten to learn from someone with deep roots and love for the Chinese community in Boston. I remain so grateful for the ways he touched my life - from founding ACDC (my first ever urban planning internship), leading our MCP practicum to Hong Kong (and learning about the vibrant arts community and his fearless and joyful experience walking through the Walled City there), and advising my thesis and countless papers on urban livability and vibrancy. Thank you Tunney.
- Courtney Sung (SB'10 MCP '11)

(Picture from our class practicum to HK where Tunney could not resist trying some of the exercise machines in the housing complex!)

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My Gratitude to Tunney for So Generously Helping Me Write My Book, Saving America's Cities

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My Gratitude to Tunney for So Generously Helping Me Write My Book, Saving America's Cities

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Tunney was one of the first veterans of Ed Logue's years at the BRA that I met and immediately he offered his help. Not only did he give me a fabulous interview, but he reached out to others to make introductions, gave me files he had kept, helped me find photographers from the past  and identify individuals in photographs, and on and on.  He was so thrilled when I finally finished the book, celebrating with me at a dinner after a talk at the Massachusetts Historical Society. And most recently this past winter, he attended a seminar at MHS in environmental history, where I was simply giving a comment. He told me he wouldn't miss this opportunity for anything. How rare was the love and support he gave me and so many others. I am so sad to lose him. My consolation is relief that he got to see my book between covers and know how cruciall he had been in making it possible. Tunney was a real mensch.
Lizabeth Cohen

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My life began to intersect with Tunney in 1993, when he invited me to come to Hong Kong as a Visiting Scholar in the new, germinating Dept of Architecture at CUHK. He nudged all of us along towards the inspiring vision he had of educating architects to make a better, more socially responsible world. He helped me and my family better understand Hong Kong, where I returned in fall 1995 to teach architectural history at CUHK. As all teachers know, you learn as much as you teach, and with Tunney you ALWAYS learned, not only about architecture, but also how to pinch ginger blossoms to releases their fragrance, how to order good food in a daipaidong, how to play poker more successfully, and how to live life with humility, curiosity, and humor. People -- especially children -- always were drawn to Tunney, who always made connections. He was one of the best people. I will carry warm memories of him (and his expansive smile) always. Let's hope that all of us he touched so deeply can live up to his inspiring example of a generous life well-lived. Tunney lives in all of us.

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Tunney was my thesis advisor. He helped me navigate my research and helped me see connections that I likely would have missed on my own. He was always a calm, encouraging, happy voice, which was always a relief to hear as I was trying to wrap up my degree. I was fortunate to work with him on the Density Atlas project and visit him with friends on the Cape. He is truly a treasure and I feel so lucky to have known him over the years.
-Catherine Duffy (MCP 2009)

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I was so privileged to be Tunney’s student in 2008 in a class where he took us to Shenzhen. Our colleagues based in China were amazed at how he outpaced the rest of us at an age when most people were well into retirement. I vividly remember Tunney walking down the aisle of a moving shuttle bus to hand out oranges he had picked up for us. Whenever I visit dense cities with tall buildings, I think about our conversation of vertical roads. And though he had accomplished so much, he was always warm and approachable, taking the time to know each of us and keep in touch. I found one of the sillier pictures from our class trip, which still brings back fond memories. <3

-mimi zhang (mcp 2008)

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I first met Tunney in 1976 as an MIT graduate student and was fortunate to have that initial contact grow into a long term professional and personal relationship. Tunney helped guide me through MIT years and in my first decade as a community planner and architect in Boston. While the lessons began at MIT, he continued to share valuable insights and guidance into my professional career. Often those lessons were shared during social events including dinners, winter trips to Vermont and the weekly Poker game which I joined in 1979 and continued playing in through 1997 in Hong Kong.

In 1991, I was honored when he asked me and three other new staff to join himself (and Irene,  the Department Mom) as the first faculty members of the new Department of Architecture  / Chinese University of Hong Kong. What an experience working with Tunney to build the Department true to his vision. I am amazed to this day how he guided us through all of the myriad of tasks needed to build the program from shaping the curriculum, selecting our incoming students, designing temporary and permanent facilities, setting up the architecture library,  coaching us to be sympathetic teachers  and most importantly networking with the development and design communities in Hong Kong and China. His goal was always clear. Shape the teaching and research program at CUHK to produce architects and planners that will shape the communities in China, Asia and beyond through sound environmental and humanistic principles.

Looking back -- one key challenge Tunney always stressed on teaching in the classroom -- don't try to teach too much in one lecture,  identify three key lessons for that day, and shape the lecture around those points! I think Kevin Lynch said the same to me at MIT.

In 1997, I left Hong Kong for Seattle where I helped in the rebuilding of public housing communities throughout Oregon and Washington State under the HOPE VI program. I would like to believe that Tunney would approve of the principles we carried into those communities. I know that I relied heavily on his teachings.

Finally, the I believe Tunney's greatest achievement has been the students, professional and community members that he has touched over the years. His net of influence spans the entire globe and his influence will continue for generations to come.

Thank you Tunney. You and your family have been like family to my family and we will all honor your memories forever.

(This is a photo of our weekly Boston Poker table in either 1988 or 1989. Tunney and Irene are joined by  three of Tunney's previous students from MIT - Gordon King, Basil Tommy, Christine Cousineau and myself (taking the photo.))

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David Lee
This is a photo taken in Cuba in 1979 when Tunney and I traveled there with a cohort of students and faculty from MIT. I am in the middle row on the left. Always the design "revolutionary" until the end it is fitting that he was among those who were able to get into Castro's Cuba  when it was really an edgy thing to do. In fact we had to travel on credentials issued by the Czech embassy thru Canada.

As a young community oriented architect and urban designer, it was folks like Tunney and Jan Wampler who led the way. I also remember Irene who shared Chicago roots with me and we often spoke of a favorite restaurant we remembered there.

Tunney would often call me and also say in the presence of others that we were literal brothers . We sure were figuratively.

He was a great guy consistently true to his principles and a wonderful mentor and friend.

I will miss him greatly.

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I’m so moved by the variety of tributes to Tunney.  As one writer said, he was, indeed, a Renaissance man.  So many talents, so many skills, blessed with vision, humanity in spades.

I, too, grew up in Chinatown, a generation apart from Tunney who was a friend of my uncle.  But as I began to become active in neighborhood issues and, particularly, the Chinese Historical Society, I had the opportunity to know Tunney through mutual interests.  He was always warm and friendly, always tuned in to what you were researching and always ready to lend a hand or help make a connection.  That didn’t make him willing to hold you to a lesser standard.  He insisted on accuracy and evidence if any of us made new historical claims.  His solid, carefully researched information resulted in a strong foundation and credibility for our organization.  We are so grateful for his guidance through the years.

Tunney and I also had a connection through a Chinatown grocery store owned by his grandfather and in which my dad was a minority partner.  As bigger Chinese markets came into being, the grocery store gave way to a bakery.  Tunney delighted in telling me that the bakery would give him a coupon good for a box of pastries annually as a gesture of goodwill.  With a twinkle in his eye, he told me that he always redeemed the coupon!

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The Lee’s poker games in Newton were my introduction to Tunney and Irene and Dara. They were wonderful hosts, making a newcomer feel like a regular. It was fun to play with people who were good at cards  and who loved playing poker.

I came to learn in those many Sunday evenings that the game had a long history. Tunney and Irene had taken the game with them wherever they lived.

Around the edges through an evening while the cards were shuffled and dealt, were always bits of conversation, reminiscences of other games in other cities, politics, some architectural project or problem, the latest show in town.  And then back to the game of high drama with nickels, dimes and quarters.

In Newton we played at a round table. I remember looking up during a serious moment in one game and seeing bent over their cards, heads of hair from all over the world – from super straight to winsome curls, jet black, white, grey, and tan.

With his keen eye and historical perspective, Tunney’s descriptions could in the moment take you to Italy, to Hong Kong, or to the last place he had traveled with his wonderful family. He could lead you to see more clearly places closer to home in Boston.

Many people came to the grand party in Chinatown a few years ago,

hosted by his girls, to celebrate Tunney’s contributions to the Chinese American community. Such a Tunney gathering it was!  His whole family and so many friends were there, and colleagues and former students from near and far with whom he had worked over the years on architectural projects and community causes to improve people’s lives.

He was a remarkable man of vision and compassion and courage.

We will carry on without him, but the game won’t be the same.

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As we grieve Tunney's passing, what a joy it is to read this outpouring of remembrances.  Eloquent testimony to his extraordinary impacts and legacy.  Now even in death,  these shared recollections reinforce the values and principles he exemplified.
A highlight of my career was co-teaching with Tunney a course on neighborhood planning at MIT.  I learned so much from his unique ability to both listen to students deeply AND challenge them strongly.
I've fond memories of playing poker with Tunney.  No surprise that how he played poker mirrored how he behaved more broadly -- operating skillfully within the rules, and constantly pushing beyond them.  Inventing new games and variations.  Infectiously enthusiastic.  Highly competitive, and at the same time generously coaching those of us with less skill, and taking pleasure in our wins as well as his own.  Amazing how someone with his totally engaging smile could maintain an inscrutable poker face.
Rob Hollister

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Rest in me Tunney Lee. The feeling of loss has been painful but I don't want to talk or think about you in the past tense. I want to think of you, and with you, all the time, and especially when I'm doing things you love and taught me to do, both by your fearless example, and with the detailed patience of a constant teacher. (Favorite memory: looking back to see you still following me when I had nearly reached the other side of the wide kettle pond. You were smiling and wearing goggles and energetically diving underwater to observe and encourage my swimming technique.) Like glaciers forming fresh water ponds, the impressions you've made here are deep and lasting.  

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Rest in me Tunney Lee. The feeling of loss has been painful but I don't want to talk or think about you in the past tense. I want to think of you, and with you, all the time, and especially when I'm doing things you love and taught me to do, both by your fearless example, and with the detailed patience of a constant teacher. (Favorite memory: looking back to see you still following me when I had nearly reached the other side of the wide kettle pond. You were smiling and wearing goggles and energetically diving underwater to observe and encourage my swimming technique.) Like glaciers forming fresh water ponds, the impressions you've made here are deep and lasting.  

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I am a rising senior at Harvard and had the opportunity to have an incredible conversation with Tunney this past December. I was working with a group at The Cambridge Community Foundation towards creating a short documentary series highlighting cultural visionaries from the Cambridge area, one of which was Tunny. I'm attaching below a link to the 3 minute video we made about Tunney, you can see his personality and wisdom stand at the center of the production. I learned from him about a world I knew little about and for that, I am eternally grateful.
Find his video here: https://youtu.be/gN54BKvHXOo

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I would see Tunney at Chinatown community meetings and greatly appreciated the knowledge and thoughtfulness he brought to our discussions.  Honestly, he was so vigorous and mentally sharp that I just assumed he would live for a long long time.  Very sad to hear of his passing.  He will be missed.

Doug Brugge

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Great uncle Tunney has always been an inspiration to me. His life and his accomplishments are on the same level as that of a superhero’s. I was enamored by him from a young age as I noticed anywhere he went, he would capture the room and brighten everyone’s day.

Thank you Uncle Tunney for your countless stories and wisdom. You experienced so much and knew so much and you loved to share your life with everyone.

Great Uncle Tunney, I will deeply miss our conversations, your stories, and our swims across Baker Pond (Did I mention that he was an amazing swimmer?). I am so grateful for the time that we spent together and I will cherish those moments forever.

You are loved by our family and you will continue to live on through our many, many fond memories of you.

-Killian Yu

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Today I received  a sad message  from Albert Chu knowing  that Tunney passend away, although I met n dinner with him once, sometime 40 years ago, he was my uncle. His mother was also great to me 60 years ago in HK. I still have vivid  memories  both. Tunney was just an amazing uncle, contributed  n share  his knowledge  to his students,  I admire him for his devotion  in the  past.  With my  deepest sympathy  to his family.   God bless !     james

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Tunney, you are a great man.  You enjoy life, and people and places around you.  You're both knowledgeable and humble. You are so down to earth but you have access to everything and everyone. You are caring, and you always smile. Thank you for being a great teacher. I will miss you a lot.

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From the Liu Family (Lisong/Jinhua/Helen/Serena), July 8, 2020

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From the Liu Family (Lisong/Jinhua/Helen/Serena), July 8, 2020

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I got to know
Tunney when I moved to Boston four years ago based on a mutual friend’s introduction. The first time I met him was at an exhibition about the history of Chinese students at MIT. Tunney forwarded the info about the exhibition to me as he knew my interest in Chinese migration and Chinese American history, and he had since then been extremely supportive for my research on those topics. He also participated in a panel discussion I organized at my school and talked about Boston’s Chinatown. I also had the honor to be on a panel with him and Shauna at the Boston Athenaeum discussing the historical impacts of the Chinese Exclusion Act. For these past two to three years I have been part of a “fellow traveler” group that includes him, myself and a few other amazing friends with common interest in Chinese American history. While a renowned scholar, Tunney had also been an easygoing and wonderful friend, always thoughtful and caring for others. During our first year living in this area, Tunney invited our family to one of his family unions, which really made us feel home right away in this new place. And what matters more to immigrants like us than feeling at home! We also got chance to visit Tunney several times at his residence at Cape Cod and to swim in the beautiful lake. Tunney shared with us his favorite espresso and taught us how to cook clam the simplest but most delicious way! You would never feel bored with the world if you were with Tunney who would always broaden your horizon with his boundless knowledge about peoples and cultures and who would also always energize and inspire you with his humor and passion. We miss you, Tunney. We will always remember and miss you!

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Joyce Lee, FAIA, LEED Fellow, July 8, 2020                    Tunney was a great thesis advisor who encouraged me to propose a project in Shenzhen.  We knew it would be a city poised for growth but the magnitude of growth!    Then in 1999, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund provided a grant for our project: Planning for Sustainability in the Pearl River Delta.  I had the opportunity to meet his wonderful faculty and his students at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.  The charrette was held at Zhongshan: we explored how to introduce green design and planning at a juncture when sustainability was more an aspiration than a practice.  The work was augmented by participation from the American Institute of Architects New York, which I represented, and the Hong Kong Institute of Architects.  Tunney was always observant, intelligent, insightful and the ultimate leader.     Now that our daughter is at MIT, I ran into Tunney last October by pure coincidence because he is still spending time at the Department.  We followed up with a phone call and talked about the CUHK of today and the new generations of students.  I will always cherish your vision of Chinatowns, the Pearl River Delta, and a life well lived.    "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."     Sir Winston Churchill   

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Joyce Lee, FAIA, LEED Fellow, July 8, 2020                    Tunney was a great thesis advisor who encouraged me to propose a project in Shenzhen.  We knew it would be a city poised for growth but the magnitude of growth!    Then in 1999, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund provided a grant for our project: Planning for Sustainability in the Pearl River Delta.  I had the opportunity to meet his wonderful faculty and his students at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.  The charrette was held at Zhongshan: we explored how to introduce green design and planning at a juncture when sustainability was more an aspiration than a practice.  The work was augmented by participation from the American Institute of Architects New York, which I represented, and the Hong Kong Institute of Architects.  Tunney was always observant, intelligent, insightful and the ultimate leader.     Now that our daughter is at MIT, I ran into Tunney last October by pure coincidence because he is still spending time at the Department.  We followed up with a phone call and talked about the CUHK of today and the new generations of students.  I will always cherish your vision of Chinatowns, the Pearl River Delta, and a life well lived.    "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."     Sir Winston Churchill   

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To Dara, Kaela, and Thea Lee, In honor of your father, Tunney       Terry Guen, FASLA, July 8, 2020

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To Dara, Kaela, and Thea Lee, In honor of your father, Tunney       Terry Guen, FASLA, July 8, 2020

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I have always wanted to meet you, Tunney’s daughters. In recent years your father and I would meet in Boston or Cambridge to drink coffee and discuss the preservation of Boston’s historic Chinatown. He would impart why Chinatown could not be preserved, based on a myriad of racial and cultural circumstances.  Upon leaving I would ask, “Tunney why don’t you bring one of your daughters to the upcoming dinner?” He would feign whatever event would not be of interest, and share news of a family gathering to confirm he had caring family in his back pocket.

Growing up as the youngest suburban child of Chinatown Activists, Ed and Amy Guen, I had heard Tunney’s name over and again during my childhood. In 2013 I spied him at a Kwong Kow Chinese School banquet and introduced myself.  Two years earlier I had been appointed by President Obama as Member of the federal Advisory Council for Historic Preservation. Looking to make use of my volunteer time and position, I sought Tunney’s counsel. I was looking for keys to why historic Asian American communities, such as Boston’s 140 year-old Chinatown, were overlooked and/or not engaged by Boston and National preservation efforts.

His succinctly stated that preservation and preservationists care only about buildings and not about the people. He relayed documented accounts of historic racism by government agencies against the Chinese. He listed the Chinatown groups with historic buildings of note, the Chinese Merchants, Lee’s Association, and the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of NE. Yet based on his local knowledge believed them disinclined to engage with any type of Federal program. Asking him if he had to choose, which building might we pursue for a Chinatown Historic recognition, and he skeptically advised the Old Quincy School.

I took Tunney’s astute observations as guideposts and in August 2017 the Old Quincy SchooI was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Quincy School is cited in the Library of Congress for its role in Chinese American immigrant history.  Tunney’s participation as local authority and CHSNE member included meeting my federal colleagues at an Old South Meeting House “Listening Session”. He welcomed my DC cohorts including the Associate Architect of the Capitol to a CHSNE dinner. Tunney gave a walking tour of Quincy School, the Lee’s Association Building, and top floor of the On Leong Merchants Building for the “Register” (she) of Historic Places and National Park Service Boston Historical Park senior staff. With Stephanie Fan and Nancy Lo, Tunney continued to do heavy lifting, providing input for many months to Boston Chinatown’s context study.  In its 140 pages it is now sealed per Tunney’s authority that Ping On Alley was NOT the start of Boston’s Chinatown. We all have so many warm and wonderful memories of Tunney, which luckily will live on.

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From Amy Chin Guen and Frank Chin (Auntie Amy and Uncle Frank) July 8, 2020:

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From Amy Chin Guen and Frank Chin (Auntie Amy and Uncle Frank) July 8, 2020:

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The friendship between the Chin and Lee families dates back to the 1920’s. Our father, Wah Chin, had a Chinese herbal store at 32 Oxford Street, Chinatown, and was friend to Tunney’s grandparents. Frank recalls Tunney’s dad, Mr. Kwang Lin Lee, visiting from Washington DC in the 1980’s. Stopping by Auntie Kay’s Cathay Corner Gift Shop (Uncle Frank’s wife, the proprietor), Tunney’s father reiterated their families decades long friendship. Mr. Lee recalled hanging out at Wah’s “Wing On Tank” herbal store in his younger days.

Mr. Lee also shared the story of how Wah had him carry Auntie Amy as a new baby in 1925, door to door to collect Hung Bao, Chinese New Year’s money, from the Chinatown merchants. While Amy says she is now embarrassed by this, she notes it was customary at the time. With the Chinese Exclusion Laws there were not many children born in Chinatown, making it a celebratory event.

Tunney was only a few months older than Frank, so they knew each other from Chinatown. Progressing in their careers, eventually both were employed by the City of Boston; Frank as Boston’s Purchasing Agent and Tunney as the Boston Redevelopment Authority’s Chief of Planning and Design.  Frank recalls them joining to tackle redevelopment issues on behalf the Chinese community. They later worked together on the building of 87 Tyler, the new home of the Kwong Kow Chinese School.  Tunney was a Kwong Kow Chinese School graduate and Frank a longtime supporter. Called to help, Uncle Frank says Tunney was always was available to share his expertise and good humor.

Amy exchanged emails with Tunney four months ago, right before the COVID 19 lockdown. Tunney asked Amy for help in contacting a recalcitrant distant cousin to join for lunch. Amy and Tunney shared memories of their growing up on Oxford Street and Oxford Place, with neighbor Helen Woo as part of CHSNE’s 2016 video project. Now Amy ponders how best to complete a small, pending CHSNE photo project, without her dear friend and cohort.

Amy also remembers Tunney’s wife, Irene, who likewise became a social worker. They would seek each other out at conferences, sit together, and chat about their families, children.

Blessed with a long life, Tunney is thanked and fondly remembered by Auntie Amy and Uncle Frank, for his decades of contributions to Boston’s Chinese Community and the City of Boston.

(submitted by Terry Guen)

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See all the wonderful things Alpita Masurkar has made