RICHARD LEE Obituary

RICHARD H.S. LEE Richard Hoy Sing Lee, 95, of Pearl City, HI passed away on January 18, 2024. Richard was born on July 13, 1928, in Honolulu to Quan Jong Lee & Mew Chee Lee. Richard grew up in Pearl City along with nine siblings who all have predeceased him. Richard was a graduate of Waipahu High School Class of 1946. Richard was drafted in the U.S. Army on February 13, 1951, as a Private, and served his country during the Korean War. Richard earned the Korean Service Medal with 3 bronze Service Stars, as well as the United Nations Service Medal. He was honorably discharged on November 13, 1952, as a Sergeant First Class, and transferred to the Reserves for five years. Richard started his trucking company, Richard Lee Trucking, in 1959, with just two semi-trucks. Trucking ran through his veins. He grew his business into the largest trucking company on Oahu, now known as R.H.S. Lee, Inc. He worked seven days a week, 365 days a year, from dawn till dusk, and was often at his office in Pearl City Industrial Park alone on major holidays. Richard provided jobs for hundreds of people and considered them family. There was always fresh coffee, pastries, and okazu for his drivers as they arrived at work. Richard was referred to as the "King of Dirt." He hauled livestock, feed, and most aggregates for infrastructures on Oahu. Richard hauled debris from natural disasters for the City and State. He moved houses, buildings, and school portables. His trucks hauled materials that filled and created the reef runway. While the trucking industry was booming, Richard saw the opportunity to diversify and expand into heavy equipment and mass grading for new subdivisions, golf courses, and parks. He launched his recycling section to comply with regulations and invested in rock crushers and shredders. Richard participated in some of the largest demolitions projects, excavations, and utilities work on Oahu. Richard's favorite color was green, the color of money, and the reason behind his trucks being painted green. His company's logo consists of bamboo to display integrity, tenacity, and longevity. Richard loved his work, family, and dogs. He also enjoyed traveling, especially to Las Vegas. He had a hard exterior, but a generous heart. Richard was known for his witty quotes; however, you wouldn't want to be on the receiving end. As a loving husband, step-father, and step-grandfather, Richard was always surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife, Karen Lee; step-sons Blaine (Darlene) Nakamura, Brian (Sharla) Nakamura, Brant Nakamura, and Baron (Leslie) Nakamura; and nine step-grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would also like to thank the doctors and staff at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Pali Momi Medical Center, and Straub Medical Center for their loving care to Richard throughout his years until his final moments. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Mililani Memorial Park & Mortuary, Mauka Chapel. Open visitation at 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm, with services to follow at 6:30 pm. Aloha attire.