In loving memory of Richard Louis Lee 1945-2024

Richard Louis Lee passed away on June 22, 2024, after struggling with progressive supranuclear palsy with loss of sight, hearing and movement.

Richard was born in Salem, Oregon, on Feb. 28, 1945, to Agnes Camille Lee and John Louis Lee. Richard graduated from Providence Academy Kindergarten and then graduated from Battle Ground High School.

Richard completed three years of Naval Reserves, followed by six and half years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He completed two tours in Vietnam as a tank commander. Having been blown off tanks multiple times, he received a Purple Heart. After getting out of a Japanese hospital, he returned to Vancouver, Washington.

With the guidance of his cousin, Jean Williams, he received his associate's degree at Clark College, followed by a bachelor's degree in teaching machine shop technology at Central Washington University. He then taught the night machine shop class at Clark College with his mentor Al Shurman.

Richard and Susan (Schwarz) Lee were married on June 20, 1970. In 1975, Richard was hired by Morrison Knudson to work on the DC Powerline designed by BPA to provide electricity from the Inga Dam to the Shaba province copper mines in Africa. Between 1975 and 1986, while living in Kinshasa, Zaire, Richard became a proud father to his four sons, Kristopher Mario Lee, Ryan Richard Lee (married to Vanessa Coco), Shawn Nicholas Lee (Jessica Witherspoon), Kevin John Lee (Laura Harding) and godson Suele Malutama.

Richard was an inspired artist, building his house and carefully designing the surrounding landscape. He found enjoyment in sharing the pond with the disabled veterans and volunteer Veterans of Foreign Wars Fly fishermen.

Richard was in charge of maintaining the steam plant and equipment for the Valdez oil spill cleanup. He also was a maintenance engineer for the Portland Hilltop Hospitals: VA, OHSU and Doernbecher’s Children Hospital.

Richard cared for his siblings, Allen, Patricia Ann, Bill, Mary Catherine, Frank and John Jr., and particularly his Catholic priest uncle, Father Joseph Burger.

Richard so enjoyed and cared for his grandchildren, Danae, Malea (married to Micah Fitzpatrick), Hannah, Sofia, Enzo, Autumn, Graham, Aimee, Oliver, Matthew and William. His first great-grandchild will soon be born at the end of August. He gave good life lessons on how to work, gain and maintain skills in many practical fields.

The service will be held during 12:10 p.m. Mass at Proto Cathedral St. James, 218 W. 12th St., Vancouver, Washington, on Friday, July 19. Burial will immediately follow at Mother Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 1401 E. 29th St., Vancouver, Washington. A gathering sharing remembrances will take place by "The Pond" on the homestead land, 18400 NW 28th Ave., Ridgefield, Washington.

Donations can be made in memorial to VA or VFW. Think of him kindly and keep him in your prayers.