Dennis Harold Lee's Obituary
It's a challenge to write an obituary about an individual like Dennis Harold Lee, reducing to a few words this incredible man who led a wonderful life. There's so much more to say about him than just what he did---and he did a lot. The special challenge is to also convey the exceptional impact he had on people. By simply being who he was, he charmed them, amazed them, put them at ease, and at times made them do a double-take, all in response to his preternatural genuineness, enthusiasm, and relish for being. He was both innocent and manly, small-town and worldly. His general behavior seemed to radiate a message that said, this is how it's done, this is how to live life, as an adventure, as a gift.
Dennis was in many ways very basic---he jokingly said he loved his "3 s's: sailing, skiing, and [guess the other 's']"---but, he was also profoundly-inspirational through his appreciation, attention, guidance, and overall generosity of spirit towards others. He had multiple health issues, any one of which could have brought another person to heel; yet, he never let them define him; instead, he met them with valor and grace.
Here's what his wife Mary said about him: "Dennis left us peacefully the evening of Feb 11th after a hard and well fought battle. His robust spirit will continue to be with all of us who knew him. I met him in Feb 1999 and had him in my life until Feb 2023. What a gift. I'll grieve his loss. But, I'll also do my best to emulate his joy of being."
Here's what one son said about him: "Dad taught me the importance and courage to love and be loved. He would often say, 'If you feel it, say it,' one of the innumerable ways he guided me through life." Another son said this: "He always had a smile on his face. I'm always going to miss his laugh and positivity."
Here's what his nephew said about him: "Thank you so much for your friendship, bringing sailing into my life, our racing adventures, and time together. And thanks for teaching me through example what it means to be a positive man who takes action and participates in life. You're a man I'd like to be like."
Here's what his primary doctor said about him: "I was so sad to hear of Dennis's passing. I liked him very much, and I always admired his cheerfulness and zest for life, particularly given his health challenges over the years."
Lastly, here's what Dennis said about himself: "If someone writes an obituary, please mention my wonderful parents, Harold and Dorothy Lee, who gave me such a good, Christian upbringing (as they would say) in the German community of Edwardsville, IL and then Albuquerque, NM. Mention my two sons Robert and James who I am so proud of, but never got to spend the time with them that I wanted when they were young. Also mention my nearly ten years in the US Air Force as an avionics flight test engineer and as a combat navigator in F-4s and in C-141s, and a wing operations executive officer, all during the Vietnam War. Also mention my cousin Larry Gieseking, my favorite ski buddy, friend and surrogate brother to me, an only child. Most of all, mention the happiest parts of my life, my marriages to Paula Hellman-Lee, and after her death, to Mary Arcana who has made the final years of my life so happy and complete."
Dennis enhanced the life of anyone who had the honor to know him.
In Lieu of Flowers:
Please donate to Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) at https://www.vfw.org
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