March 29, 1947 – July 14, 2012
Lee was born in New Westminster and was raised and attended school in the Cultus Lake Area. Lee was a member of the Boy Scouts of Canada and was presented the Queen’s Scout Award by the Governor General in Victoria. In his teens, he was a life guard, a skate cop, and a gas jockey. He belonged to the Cultus Lake Swim Club, and at the age of 12, swam the entire length of the lake, beating much older competitors.
Lee’s trade as a heavy duty mechanic and his subsequent jobs with the Provincial Highways Department took him all over the province of B.C.
Lee has always been in love with his country, particularly the Cariboo. He knew the history and geography of B.C. like the back of his hand and was truly a Canuck at heart. His interests were hot rods and old cars, motorcycles, old guns, hand re-loading, world history, and camping with family and friends.
In the 65 years of Lee’s life, he left his mark on all of us. He was a proud man with a gentle heart. He had an infectious sense of humor and an abundance of stories to share.
Lee’s absence will be felt by many. He is survived by his wife Connie, daughter Tammy Gendron (Greg), grandson Xavier, and son Mark Ainsworth (Nell), and his sisters Diane Atkins and Lana Graham (Tom). He will also be missed by his step-sons Dale Hobbs (Tamara), grandson Declan, granddaughters Ava and Tyneshia; Alan Hobbs (Tammy), step-daughter Michelle Rodriguez, grandson Anthony and granddaughter Elise.
Lee was predeceased by his first wife Wendy, his mother Muriel, his father Tom, and his brother-in-law Robert Atkins.
There are friends Lee has kept since grad school. They mean the world to him.
Lee loved his music – Rock and Roll
And he sang it out loud from his soul.
He was loving and funny and more.
He was the real deal to the core.
But his finest charm to the end
Was his love of his family and friends.
We will miss you Lee and always remember the good times.
There will be a gathering for family and friends at the family’s home in the 108 on Thursday, July 19, 2012 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 729 Victoria Street, Kamloops, BC V2C 2B5 or the Canadian Diabetes Association, 522 University Avenue, Suite #1400, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2R5
100 Mile Funeral Service Ltd.
entrusted with the arrangements. 250-395-3243
Condolences can be sent to the family care of www.100milefuneralservice.com