Harry William Lee, 70
Former Bonners Ferry resident Harry William Lee, 70, of Moscow passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2009, at the family home.
Harry was born Sept. 26, 1938, in Bonners Ferry to Robert Edward and Laura Rhoda Knowles Lee . He lived on the family’s dairy farm through graduation from Bonners Ferry High School.
He proudly served in the U. S. Army with a tour of duty to Korea.
Harry married Evelyn Louise Robinson on Aug. 7, 1961, in Coeur d’Alene and they lived in North 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, Harry continued his education. Although he would never be remembered as a diligent nor accomplished student in Bonners Ferry, Harry earned his bachelor’s in civil engineering in 1972, master’s in civil engineering in 1977 and a doctorate in agricultural engineering in 1983, all from the University of Idaho, while supporting his family. Harry was recognized as Outstanding Civil Engineering student at the university in 1972.
Harry and Sheryl Lee Monk married Aug. 2, 1986, in Kamiak Butte, Wash. They had a daughter and a son.
Harry in 1980 began teaching at the University of Idaho in the forest products department of the college of natural resources. Although he never received a 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 the forestlands and a serious naturalist. Much of his work centered on man’s impact on soil compaction, erosion, natural resources and 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 landholders 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 Idaho. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, wood cutting, bird watching, nature and watching Vandal sports.
Harry is survived by his wife, Sheryl, of Moscow, daughters Larissa LaBolle of Deary, E’Raina Lee of Moscow and Brenda Barnard of Hermiston Ore.; a son, Tevis Lee, of Moscow; brothers Arthur Lee of New Plymouth and Donald Lee of Omak, Wash.; three grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He also was preceded in death by his parents 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 www.shortsfuneralchapel.net.