Hae Un Lee, the founder of Lee’s Discount Liquor known as Mr. Lee, died Friday at age 79. Lee had been battling pancreatic cancer since October 2020, the company said in a statement. He died in a local hospital on August 27. Lee’s is the largest liquor retailer in Nevada.
Lee’s Discount Liquor has been serving the Las Vegas Valley for over 35 years. Founded by Hae Un Lee, who emigrated from South Korea in 1980, Mr. Lee worked to ensure a great selection of spirits, wine and beer at low prices.
Mr. Lee gave back to the Las Vegas community. Almost 20 years ago he started Lee’s Helping Hand, a nonprofit organization that put millions of dollars back into organizations in need throughout Nevada.
The success of his family-owned business is demonstrated by the transition from a Las Vegas start-up to establishing 22 retail locations while earning the respect and trust of customers along the way.
Mr. Lee and his wife, Sun Lee, whom he immigrated to the United States with, had three children, Annie, Kenny and Tina, and have eight grandchildren.
R.I.P. Mr. Lee. Thoughts to your family and friends.
(Top Image Credit: Lee’s Discount Liquor)