1918-2004
Hope Yee, golfing Hall of Famer

Advertiser Staff

Hope Yee, who was instrumental in the growth of public links golf for Hawai'i women and a member of the Hawai'i State Golf Hall of Fame, died in her sleep Friday, according to her daughter, Carolyn Tamanaha.

Yee, of Honolulu, was 86.

Yee, who was born in Hilo, organized local U.S. Public Links qualifiers, traveled with Hawai'i teams for many years and helped bring the national championship to Ala Wai in 1983.

She was a charter member of the Hawai'i State Women's Golf Association and helped organize many of its tournaments. She also won her share, including victories in the Waialae, Moanalua, O'ahu, Army and Kaua'i women's invitationals, and three Senior Women's Championships.

She was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998.

"Golf was her passion," Tamanaha said. "She loved playing it and helping those who wanted to learn."

Yee is survived by daughters Carolyn (Mike) Tamanaha of Honolulu and Lizabeth (Dale) Galloway of Federal Way, Wash., and four grandsons.

Visitation is 10:30 a.m. Dec. 10 at Diamond Head Chapel; services at 11:30 a.m.