Wallace R. Lee

Wallace R. Lee

Wallace R. Lee passed away at Ace Elder Care in Bonners Ferry on Aug. 12, 2017 of kidney failure.

Wally was born in Kalispell, Mont., on Feb. 2, 1930, to Herbert Hardy and Myrtle Billedeaux Hardy. Wally’s father passed away when Wally was very young. His mother later married Emil C. (Steve) Lee, who adopted Wally as his own.

Wally went into the Army after high school, and served two tours of duty. His second tour was in Korea, where he was wounded. Wally was nominated for the Silver Star for valor in bringing out his injured buddy under fire. He carried a foot full of shrapnel as a daily reminder of his service.

Wally attended Carroll College in Helena, Mont. Later, he worked on various construction projects in the Seattle area. He met his future wife, Dorothy Penner, when they lived in the same apartment building in Renton. Dorothy and Wally were married on Nov. 25, 1964, in the chapel at St. James Cathedral in Seattle.

Shortly after their marriage, Wally accepted a job as police officer with the City of Mercer Island, Wash. He served there for more than 25 years, rising to the rank of Lieutenant in charge of patrol, detectives, and marine patrol. For many years he was a member of the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club (all police officers) and BMW Riders.

When Wally retired in 1990, he and Dorothy moved to Bonners Ferry where they built their new home. They continued to reside there until his death. Wally loved his home and Bonners Ferry. Even during hot weather he would sit on the deck overlooking his field and into the Selkirk Mountains. Wally was a very private person, but his friends and neighbors were highly valued. He liked to spend time at home, working on his property, and in the woods.

Wally is survived by his wife, Dorothy, and his beloved Australian Cattle Dog, Pepper. He also leaves behind Dorothy’s family: sister Joy Castrilli; brother-in-law, Ron Castrilli; and nephew, Brian Castrilli, Maple Valley, Wash. The only surviving member of Wally’s family is a cousin, Jay Goss, Port Orchard, Wash.