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9/26/38 - 6/2/09
Harry William
Lee, a longtime Moscow resident, passed away at the
family home early Tuesday morning, June 2nd
at the age of 70.
Harry was born
September 26, 1938 in Bonner’s Ferry, Idaho, where he
lived on the family’s dairy farm through graduation from
high school from Bonner’s Ferry High School. He proudly
served his country in the U. S. Army with a tour of duty
to Korea.
He married
Evelyn Louise Robinson on August 7, 1961 in Coeur
d’Alene, Idaho, and they made their home in northern
Idaho where Harry worked in the forest and timber
industry. They had two daughters. Evelyn passed away
July 4, 1984.
After
receiving a serious injury while working in the woods he
chose to continue his education at the University of
Idaho. Although he would never be remembered as a
diligent nor accomplished student in Bonner’s Ferry,
Harry chose to apply himself and earned his BS/Civil
Engineering in 1972, MS/Civil Engineering in 1977, and
PhD/Agricultural Engineering in 1983, all from the
University of Idaho, all while working to support his
family. He was recognized as Outstanding Civil
Engineering student at UI in 1972.
Harry and Sheryl Lee Monk were married at Kamiak Butte,
Whitman County, WA on August 2, 1986. They had a
daughter and a son.
Harry began teaching at the University of Idaho in the
Forest Products department of the College of Natural
Resources in 1980. Although he never received any
degree in Forestry, Harry brought his on-the-job
experience to the classroom. He taught and advised
undergraduate students every semester since, even after
retiring in 2003, until his health prevented him from
completing this spring’s final term.
When people would ask Harry what he taught he would
reply that “he taught people how to kill trees” as his
subjects typically covered timber harvest. However, in
reality he was a true steward of our forestlands and a
serious naturalist. Much of his work centered on man’s
impact on soil compaction, erosion, natural resources
and our responsible use of them.
He was heavily involved in the annual Inland Empire
Forest Engineering Conference, Resource Conservation and
Development Council at both state and regional levels,
with land-holders of Non-Industrial Private Forest,
Idaho Pro-Logger Programs, Logger Safety Education
programs, as well as additional contributions to
Continuing Education and Extension Service.
Aside from his military service, Harry never resided
outside the state of Idaho. He enjoyed hunting,
fishing, wood cutting, bird watching, enjoying nature,
and watching Vandal sports.
Harry is survived by his wife Sheryl, of Moscow, his
three daughters Larissa LaBolle, of Deary, E’Raina Lee,
of Moscow, Brenda Barnard, of Hermiston OR, a son, Tevis
Lee, of Moscow, brothers Arthur Lee, of New Plymouth ID,
and Donald Lee, of Omak WA, three grandchildren, and
numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death
by his parents, Robert Edward Lee and Laura Rhoda
Knowles Lee, and a brother Robert Edward Lee Jr.
Harry felt so honored as the innumerable colleagues,
alumni, current students, and industry people dropped by
or sent letters, e-mails, and phone calls this spring to
express their best wishes for his recovery.
He knew he had made a difference in this world.
From humble beginning to humble end, Harry never allowed
anyone to address him as Dr Lee more than once.
Those wishing to make memorial gifts can do so by
sending them to: The University of Idaho Foundation,
Gift Administration Office, Harry Lee Memorial Fund, PO
Box 443147, Moscow ID 83844-3147.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday
June 9, 2009 at the Moscow Church of the Nazarene.
Arrangements are under the direction of Shorts Funeral
Chapel and online condolences can be left at
Shorts Funeral Chapel. |
