Richard attended Iolani School and graduated from Punahou (1965). He obtained his AB degree in Economics from Stanford University (1969), attended the UH MBA program, and obtained his JD from Hastings Law School (1973). He served in the U.S. Army Reserves (1969-75). He was also a Certified Public Accountant and real estate broker.

After obtaining his law degree, Richard served as a law clerk to the Honorable Norito Kawakami. Thereafter, he was a tax specialist with Coopers & Lybrand, CPAs and practiced law with Mukai, Ichiki, Raffetto & MacMillan until he was appointed as a Family Court Judge (1979). He later entered private practice and started the Law Offices of Richard Lee (1993).

He was affiliated with several business pursuits including Lee and Lee, CPAs, Hawaii 800 Inc., Aloha Rainbow Consulting Inc., and nightclubs (Opus One, Angles, Canoe House, Steel Wings and Power Station).

His passion for community service blossomed through his participation with the Jaycees starting in 1978. He rose to leadership positions at all levels of the Jaycees organization, from serving as president of the local Honolulu Chinese Jaycees and then the Hawaii State Jaycees, to serving on the Board of the U.S. Jaycees and Jaycees International. He took to heart that part of the Jaycee creed which states "…service to humanity is the best work of life". He was the recipient of numerous honors and awards including Outstanding Jaycee Chapter President, #2 U.S. Jaycee State President, Clayton Frost Memorial Award, Three Outstanding Young Persons of Hawaii, and Outstanding Young Men of America. He founded the Miss Chinatown Hawaii Pageant.

Richard was an avid reader and lifelong learner who enjoyed sharing his knowledge with others through being an active lecturer and speaker. Later in life, he became an avid student of Tai Chi, Qigong and Baguazhang, obtaining his Qigong instructor certificate and was certified as a Qigong healer and teacher. He was also a sports enthusiast who closely followed athletics at all levels, and considered himself very fortunate to have attended several Super Bowls and World Series.

Richard is survived by wife Lily, daughter Lynnae, sons Jason (Ashley) and Andrew, brothers Calvin (Linda) and Kenneth (Jennifer), and sister Phyllis Brinckerhoff (Dirck), along with many wonderful nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by parents Clinton and Irene Lee whom he has now joined in Heaven. His favorite scriptures include: Matt 22:37-39, Matt 28:19-20, and John 3:16.

He will be remembered for his high intellect, passionate convictions, perseverance, and limitless vision. Visitation: Sunday, February 25, 2018, at 2 pm at New Hope Oahu (290 Sand Island Access Rd). Celebration of Life at 2:30 pm. Private burial. No flowers please. In lieu thereof, gifts may be made to "THE RICHARD Y.S. LEE MEMORIAL FUND". Notes of remembrance may be sent in care of 1620 Ala Moana Blvd. #510, Hon., HI 96815, or to RYSLmemorial@gmail.com