Moo Yong Lee, (1938 - 2016) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Let the memory of Moo Yong be with us forever

78 years old
Born on May 20, 1938
Passed away on December 16, 2016

It is with a heavy heart that we inform you on Friday, December 16, 2016 at approximately 6:10 a.m., Grandmaster Moo Yong Lee passed away peacefully at Hartford Hospital. He remained very strong, positive and resilient throughout his battle with cancer. Even until the time of his passing, he was coherent and could understand his wife, three children, and son-in-law, who were all with him. On behalf of the Lee Family, we thank everyone for their love and support.

FUNERAL INFO (Please check back for any updates):

Sunday, December 18, 2016
3:00 p.m. to 6:00 Public Viewing
4:30 to 4:45 Eulogies by Grandmaster Lemire and Jim Lee
6:00 to 7:00 Korean prayer service
Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home
419 Buckland Road
South Windsor, CT 06074
1-860-644-2940

Tuesday, December 20, 2016
10:30 a.m. to 11:30 Funeral Mass
11:30 to 1:30 Reception
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
56 Hartford Ave
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Burial will be private

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December 21, 2023

We have been Forever GRATEFUL for Mr. Lee coming to the U.S., and coming into our lives (February, 1972). His teachings and mannerisms had a very positive impact in our lives. He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers. Wow! 7 years. God Bless, Mr. and Mrs. Cartier

December 16, 2023

I can’t believe he has been gone seven years. He made a tremendous difference in my life. He lives on in my heart and mind. He lives on through my students. May God comfort the Lee family. May God surround GM Lee with light and love in heaven.

GM Ray Smith
Summerville SC

December 16, 2023

I still cannot believe it has been 7 years. Miss your presence in this world. Continue to shine your light upon all those you touched.

December 17, 2022

He is still with us.

December 16, 2022

We were with Mr. Lee from the beginning, when he came o the U.S.A., Hard to believe it has been 6 years now. He and his family are always in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless, Mr. and Mrs. Cartier

July 6, 2021

On behalf of the Lee Family, I just want to thank everyone for sharing their kind words and memories. We know Mr. Lee would be happy to read everything here, but more importantly that any positive impact he had on anyone's life carries on through them. May you and your loved ones continue to live strong and with great purpose for everyone around you. Cheers

July 1, 2021

As an 11-year-old growing up in a rough neighborhood in Hartford Connecticut my dad enrolled me in Mr Lee's School I studied taekwondo under him for 3 years and went from being a timid kid that was constantly bullied to a strong young teen full of confidence I remember many times when my life seemed bleakest Mr Lee pulling me into his office offering me a cup of ginseng tea and asking me how things were going taking the time to actually listen to me and give me advice I joined the Navy many years ago and kept my life on track but if not for Mr Lee I have no idea if I would still even be alive today he was one of the kindest most caring souls I have met in my entire life just today I came across this notice of him passing many years ago I think about him quite often and I'm now 55 years old it is people like him true lights in a world sometimes filled with darkness that seem to leave too soon

March 1, 2021

There’s not a single day that goes by when I don’t think of Grandmaster Lee. I miss him dearly but I know he’s always watching over his students. His legacy will live on forever.

December 16, 2019

I still thinking of him and the advice he has told me... today I'm promoting the Taekwondo Old School following his advice's, he still is my inspiration to continue doing the real Taekwondo until my last day in this life. Marcos Starling, 12/16/2019.

May 23, 2019

I still miss him. Mrs. Lee and I and my wife often have breakfast, and it always seems like he is still with us. I think he will always be.

May 20, 2019

Happy Birthday to KwanJangNim Lee,
I think of you often and I know you know I loved you and we all miss you. I am still teaching what you taught me. Your legacy lives on through us all. Until we are together again in heaven.
Grandmaster Ray Smith

December 16, 2018

It is hard to believe that 2 years have gone by. There is still a void in all of our lives, since losing a teacher, mentor and friend like Grand Master Lee. I know we all still miss him.

December 17, 2017

I wanted to add another story, yet one with lasting relevance: It was common for Mr. Lee, after an exhausting workout, to sit on the floor with a number of students who stayed after class and talk about anything that came up. At that time we had a great student who had previously (and concurrently) earned a black belt in Kung Fu. This student felt comfortable enough with Mr. Lee to do something the rest of us probably would not, which was to ask directly which was the better martial art, Taekwondo or Kung fu? It is a tribute to Mr. Lee that the student felt fine asking the question. But further was his answer: Martial arts training can be thought of as a pyramid, with a wide base and corners very far from each other, meaning the many different forms of martial arts are at different point of the base. But all martial arts aim toward the same goal, the top of the pyramid. So ultimately those who trained might end up at the same level of accomplishment. The difference, and the key, is the quality and character of the instructor/instruction. Mr. Lee was that instructor.

December 16, 2017

I trained under Mr. Lee from 1984 until 1992, short by the standards of some. But that time with Mr. Lee was formative and his impact has been felt by me for all these years. On this year anniversary of his passing, I am struck by how relevant he remains in my life. I am forever grateful for meeting him and coming under his tutelage. Thank you, Mr. Lee.

May 20, 2017

I will miss him until I meet him again... He had show me the value of honor and good will. The life he lived is my inspiration. Thank you Mr. Lee.

January 16, 2017

When my son Richard was 12 he was overweight and had some difficulty controlling his temper. When we enrolled him in Mr. Lee's school of Tae Kwan Doe we were concerned about his being presented religious beliefs differing from ours. Mr. Lee assured us that would not happen and he began a wonderful segment in Richard's life that forever changed him. He is such a tribute to the force of Mr. Lee's character and teaching. In course of time, Mr. Lee and I became friends and he was always very kind to inquire as to our health, location and to wish us well. He was a tremendous man of character and integrity and it has been a real pleasure to have known him. We will be grateful for his influence on Richard and our lives. He also gave my eldest daughter a quite comical lesson about making snide comments to her Mother while watching one class. My wife and I still laugh about that when we recall it in our conversations.

December 24, 2016

I met Grandmaster Lee in the early 1980's and he stayed in touch with me ever since. He tested me for my 6th degree black belt in 1989. We reconnected at our annual pilgrimage to support his U.S. Cup tournament and I got to coach in Korea in 2000. He was an incredible teacher, mentor and friend. I loved him and he loved you back. We played golf together a few times the day after intense workouts. I would pretend none of it affected me but the truth was my body was aching but this gentle man would right there still teaching even on a golf swing.

I saw him last year in Georgia and he held my hand and told me he wouldn't be around that much longer. I didn't understand yet that he was sick. I got the chance to hug and tell him I loved him. I am so grateful for the mark he made on my life. I will miss him so much but I look forward to seeing him again in heaven.
Grandmaster Ray Smith

December 20, 2016

On behalf of the staff of Taekwondo Life Magazine we offer our deepest and sincerest condolences the passing of a Taekwondo Legend and revered man.

December 19, 2016

My fondest memory was during a private conversation I had with him when he chose to pass on to me little words of wisdom that have stuck with me to this day. He did this out of kindness in an effort to help me be a better person. He made a big impact on me. He was a great man I feel honored to have known. He will be missed. My heart goes out to his family and all of his students may god bless you all

December 19, 2016

Grandmaster Lee was an extrordinary man. To many of us, he was a teacher, mentor, friend and inspiration. He was a phenomenal martial artist, a loving husband and father. I met Mr. Lee 35 years ago, when I came into the school to find out about Taekwondo. I had the privilege of studying under him for all those years, as well as serving as the Treasurer of the United States Taekwondo Union when he was President. We became fast friends and spent many good times together. He touched so many lives in a positive way. The world is now a little worse off because he is no longer with us in body. But I know that his spirit will always be with us, and for that we will be better. I will miss him terribly.

December 19, 2016

I did not have the honor of meeting Grandmaster Moo Yong Lee, but I heard of him and his incredible generosity, patience and humbleness by my Master Marcos Starling.
My condolences to the family and strength for this time of sadness.

December 19, 2016

I first met GM Lee in the 70s when I was a teenager and over the decades, he exemplified Honor, Generosity, and Dignity..I will truly miss his sense of humor and smile..It will forever be etched in my heart...

Master Kyung Sik Park
Baltimore, Maryland

December 19, 2016

오랜 친구이고 미국태권도 역사에 길이남을 GM이무용씨를 잃게됨은 모든 태권도인이 애석하고 비통함을 함께 합니다.
그 가족에게 하나님이 같이 하시길 바라면서 애도를 표합니다.

GM. YOUNG I. LEE
Annapolis, Maryland에서

December 19, 2016

So very sorry to hear of the loss of Grandmaster Lee. When I was just beginning my career in accounting I was lucky enough to get to know Mr. Lee. He was a wonderful man and will be missed.

December 18, 2016

I am very sorry to hear of Grand Master Lee's passing. As a true martial artist and founding member of the fledgling Taekwondo movement in the USA and worldwide he gave much in both business and personal time, talent and treasure.

He was always proving a kind, unassuming compliment or encouragement. For the decades I knew him, he was consistently a fair individual that always took special attention to detail. In good times and hard times, he was always supportive of me personally and professionally.

He will certainly be remembered for rhe richness brought to the tapestry of the Taekwondo Community.

My condolences to the family for your loss.

December 18, 2016

What an honor and a privilege to know GM Lee. I remember you since making my first national team in 1979. You have been there and been a main force in Taekwondo and its growth during the 1988 Olympic Games. Thank you so much.

December 18, 2016

I meet Mr. Lee on March 6, 1993 in Massachusetts on a Referee clinic. He was the was a great gentlemen that aprouch me to cumpliment my skills at that time, and his words give me the impulse that I need to pursue my carrier as a martial artist. I will never forget his words of wisdom and his teaching. I will miss him very much until I meet him again... Marcos Starling

December 18, 2016

I was 39 years old when I started my training under the guidance of Grand Master Lee. I quickly realized that I wasn't as worldly as I thought. Grand Master Lee taught me life skills that I carry to this day. I am saddened by his loss yet forever grateful that I had the opportunity to sit with him and thank him for his teachings. Grand Master Lee made me a better person.

December 18, 2016

Where do we start? We met Mr. Lee in February, 1972, at the TKD school where he was about to start his teaching career in the Lawrence, Mass. area. We took him under our wing, as we sensed he was struggling with the English language, and needed help. He thank and encouraged us to continue. The relationship developed to the point that we became DEAR friends, with him and his family. We could write a book of the many, many happy times we had together. He (and his family),will forever be remembered in our daily prayers. God Bless,
Mr. and Mrs. Cartier (Salem, N.H.)

December 18, 2016

We at Chuck's Automotive are so very saddened by the loss of Grandmaster Lee. We are proud to have known him, a quiet and humble soul. Our deepest sympathies to all of the Lee family, may you find peace in the wonderful memories he brought you,

December 18, 2016

Grandmaster Lee: First of all, may your faithfully departed soul, through the Mercy and Love of God, Rest In Peace and may Perpetual Light always shine upon your countenance. May your family and your students continue to keep your legacy alive in everything we do and at all times.
Thank you for being such a warm, caring and outstanding Teacher and Mentor to me at United Tae Kwon Do in East Hartford for so many years when I was growing up. I'll always remember you telling our class that if you give 20 percent effort, you get back 20 percent results; if you give 100 percent effort, you get back 100 percent results.
You never tired of motivating me and our fellow students at School to become always wiser, stronger and more flexible; not just in the physical, but in the Spiritual, too. Also, Grandmaster, you taught me and all of us to apply these as well as more in all areas of our lives outside of School. I learned self-respect as well as respect for others from you from you; as well as discipline, humility, integrity and so many noble and helpful virtues.
You will be missed and always remembered in our minds and kept close to our hearts. My Dad, Mom and I will keep you in our prayers and ask that you pray for us, too-you are now in Eternity, Grandmaster; we, have yet to reach where you are now and always be at.
With deepest sympathy, Marc and Family.
Thank you again, Sah Bo Nim.
Some words from class that you taught me almost 30 years ago that I will always remember: Chary-ot, Kun-ye, Chum-bi, Gi-Yup; An-Yong-A-Seo, Han-gara, and Char-aso. Kam-Sa-Ham-ni-da.
You're the Best!

December 17, 2016

As we remember you and your legacy sir, you were and still are so many things to all of us. There are so many memories we all share. Some I am certain are universal....for example....not being able to walk after classes....the length of the dojang seemed longer and longer as we kept going up and down and the meaning of "one more round" meant ten more rounds. You taught us lessons in the dojang but more important how to apply them in everyday life. You pushed us to our limits and beyond. Not because you could but because you knew we had it in us and to prove to ourselves we could. You taught us to achieve the goals thats others said were impossible. You taught us to be the best we could be no matter what challenges we face. To remember the basics, not just about techniques but about life. Treat others with respect, coutesy and honor, to love ourselves, our families and those we hold close to our hearts. As we celebrate your life and our memories, I would like to thank the Lee Family for allowing us to be blessed with your presence . This is not a good bye but a see you later. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you you for everything. Thoughts, prayers and love to all of the Lee Family, fellow martial artists and to all those who were blessed to have met you. Together we are United as one. Kham Sah Ham Ni Da. The Botticello Family and all of the United Korean Martial Arts family. We love you.

December 16, 2016

Mr. Lee was my friend over the years. my fondest memories were after tests going to lunch together and he would always have whatever I ordered. I thought of it as a n honor that he thought my taste in American food would suit him. We also golfed together and had many laughs at our own expense. I will miss this humble, kind, and loving man. The world will be at a loss without his presence. He has touched so many lives with his love. Mrs. Lemire

December 16, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of knowing Grandmaster Lee for many years as my children's teacher and even prior to that. Over the last several years, I often enjoyed chatting with him at the school or with him and Mrs. Lee. I often saw his humor during those chats, usually punctuated with the slightest of smiles. As the granddaughter of a Holocust survivor, it was always reassuring to speak with Grandmaster Lee about the value of our country's freedom. I considered it an honor to make the video of Grandmaster Lee and United Tae Kwon Do that was shown at the 40 th Anniversary United Tae Kwon Do party in his honor.

To Mrs. Lee, Grandmaster Lee's children and grandchildren you should know that while Grandmaster Lee was known for being humble, he was an honorable man who loved each of you very much. That is his true legacy you should take great pride in.

Please let me know if I can be of any help. May God Bless You.
Lisa Reiss

December 16, 2016

I pray that Grand Master Lee's family is comforted by God's love and the support of all those who will surround and join in honoring him this weekend and/or on Tuesday.

It was such an honor and a privilege knowing and being taught by Grand Master Lee. There are no words to accurately describe the sadness and emptiness I feel as I come to the realization that my kids and I will never be able to attend another class taught by him. I will always hold dear, the little talks about life lessons, support, and motivation he gave to the kids and to the adults at the end of class. One of the best things I ever did for my kids when they were little was to sign them up for class. Grand Master Lee was the best example when it came to being humble and gracious. I'm so happy to have been able to partake of a class he taught this past summer. It was just like old times and was truly a gift.

Grand Master Lee accomplished so much in his life and I can only hope I'll be able to accomplish even a quarter of what he did. He was such an inspiration, such an honorable, generous and kind man who gave of himself tirelessly. Cristianna, Mandy, Joshua and I will miss him greatly. May he rest in peace in the arms of our Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

December 16, 2016

Bill and I are so so sorry for your loss. Grand Master Lee was a teacher, a friend, and the most humble man we know. He has taught us many valuable lessons. He will be sincerely missed by everyone who knew him. Rest in Peace Grandmaster Lee. Love, Kathy & Bill Viveiros

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December 21, 2023

December 16, 2023

I still cannot believe it has been 7 years. Miss your presence in this world. Continue to shine your light upon all those you touched.

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GrandMaster Moo Yong Lee

December 17, 2021

We were one of Mr. Lee's FIRST students, and stayed with him right to the end. To say HE was the most INFLUENTIAL person in our lives would be an Understatement. And we are sure, if he were living today, he would say the same about us. We have many, many stories about him, and his son, Jim, came to our home, and got most of it on video. We were devastated to learn of his passing, and remember him, daily in our thoughts and prayers.
God Bless
Mr. and Mrs. Cartier
both 5th Dan's

March 18, 2017

I was a student of Master Lee over forty years ago when I was attending Law School in Hartford. One evening after class, my car would not start. Master Lee closed the school for the night and saw me trying to fix my car. He insisted that I come home with him and stay overnight at his house. He drove me to his house where I had the pleasure of meeting his very young children and his first wife. We had dinner, and the next morning he drove me to my car and called his mechanic to tow my car. I graduated from law school that year, got married, and relocated to California. However, I never forgot his act of kindness, and we would correspond every year at Christmas. I would send a letter about what I was doing, and he would send a letter in reply. Christmas of 2015 he sent a letter advising that he was undergoing cancer treatment and he hoped that it would be successful. This year I did not receive a reply letter and I feared the worst. Finally, after waiting two months for his letter, I Googled his name and learned of his passing. It is a tribute to his charactor that I considered him a friend up to the end, and that for over forty years we kept in contact. I will miss him. My sincere condolences to his children and his wife. He was a great teacher, a good friend, and a nice human being. Because of his inspiration, I am still a student of martial arts, even at the age of 65!

Stew Jankowitz
Redding, CA

March 11, 2017

I have been away from United Taekwondo for a long time so when I stumbled on this notice of Mr. Lee's passing I was stunned and saddened. While my time at United TKD was 25 years ago, it sticks with me because of its importance in helping me to be who I am today. And I attribute that to the firm and wise manner in which Mr. Lee taught his students. His guidance, applied through instruction in TKD, helped to me to become stronger and more capable, and I attribue much of my later success and happiness to the teaching environment Mr. Lee created. There are many lessons that settled in for me, but one clear one makes sense even today - "In TKD we train our minds by training our bodies." I am heartened to see that many of my former training partners are now helping to carry on Mr. Lee's legacy. That is as it should be. Thank you, Mr. Lee. You have had a lasting and positive impact. - John Beckwith

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