Edmond Hong Gee

Edmond “Eddie” Hong Gee passed away on June 29, 2026 in his chosen hometown of Brawley, California. He was born December 10, 1935 in Guangzhou, China. Eddie emigrated to the United States at twelve years old, sailing 21 days on the ship “The Seagull” to live his American Dream. Upon arriving, Eddie spent two years in Seattle, Washington before settling in the Imperial Valley, first in Holtville and ultimately building his business and raising his family in Brawley. He attended Calipatria High School (excelling in athletics and held many school records), graduated from El Centro High School and attended Imperial Valley College.

Eddie served his country with the 8th Army infantry based out of Fort Ord and was stationed in Seoul, South Korea during the Korean War. While serving, Eddie met his wife, Ping Choi, in Hong Kong and they married in 1960. The couple have three children – Douglas, Randy, and Connie.

Eddie was a successful businessman with ventures in retail, restaurant and real estate. Eddie and Ping owned and ran College View Market operating it from 1961 through 2015 where it was a main stop for the Brawley community. Not only was College View Market a place where students stopped by to grab lunch or a snack after school, customers would travel from as far as Florida to get a taste of the fresh meats and renowned carne asada. It was not uncommon for US Navy pilots at NAF El Centro to make a quick stop, or even San Diego Chargers football players to pick up a few pounds to take back home. In addition to being a successful grocer, Eddie fulfilled his dream of being a restauranter – opening the popular Four Seasons Buffet Restaurant in El Centro in 1991 through 2001. Furthermore, Eddie and Ping managed real estate investments in Imperial Valley and elsewhere.

Eddie enjoyed travelling and meeting people. In addition to visiting 45 of the 50 United States, Eddie and Ping had the opportunity to travel to six continents – Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, Australia, and North America. One of Eddie’s favorite places to visit was China. A special highlight was taking the grandchildren to his birthplace – Guangzhou, China and showing them the village and home in which he grew up.

Eddie enjoyed playing mahjong. He loved watching Westerns except when he was cheering for his favorite sports teams. Throughout his long-life Eddie believed in giving. He imparted to his grandchildren that anything can be achieved by hard work and study, but it is important to give back to your community and help the people around you.

He built a community center in his hometown in China. Additionally, as president of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, Eddie established scholarship funds and held annual fundraisers to be used for the scholarships. Further, Eddie was a proud and active member of the Rotary club (45 years) – supporting community development. Eddie always stepped in to assist others in need of support.

Eddie is survived by his wife Ping and their children Douglas Gee and his wife Dr. Kwee Ong and their daughter Catherine; Randy Gee and his wife Camie Ujiie and their daughters Julia and Elise; and Connie Gee and her husband Danny Park and their daughters Haley and Imogene. And his siblings Phyllis Leung, Donald Gee, Jeannie Head and Danny Gee.

If you were fortunate enough to dine at a Chinese restaurant with the Gees, Eddie would pour you a tea and say, “Drink hot tea, think of me.” Then to the next person he would pour a cup and say, “Drink tea hot, forget me not.” Family and friends will forever remember you, Eddie Gee.