Darrel Carl Lee

Darrel C. Lee passed away on May 19, 2009, at home in Wenatchee, at age 73. He was born on September 16, 1935, to Carl and Dorothy (Whiting) Lee in Wenatchee and graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1953. Soon after graduation, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army and served our country well in the Korean War. Upon his return to Wenatchee, he married his high school sweetheart, Donna Land, on June 17, 1956. They were fortunate to have 53 years of marriage together and he loved mom dearly. Together, they raised three children. He was devoted to his kids. And his love, while not always spoken, was unfailing. Thank you, Dad! Darrel earned a degree in Education (History) from Western Washington University in 1959, and began his career as a school teacher at Pateros, WA. After one year, he moved home to Wenatchee, where he spent the next 30 years, as a dedicated educator and coach at H.B. Ellison Jr. High, Orchard Jr. High and Wenatchee High School. Darrel had a passion for teaching and coaching and had a lasting impact on many, many students. He loved to see his students learn and was especially gratified when a less-gifted student found success. He was also a real sports fan and spent many years coaching football, baseball and even hockey. He spent countless hours serving as an officer or board member of many of the local youth sports leagues, a lasting legacy for sure. He loved an underdog (and sometimes even the Mariners) and took pride in molding his young athletes into the best "team" that they could be. As if that wasn't enough, he found time to play fast pitch softball, handball, bowl, referee football games and still get in some fishing and hunting. He was also a long time member of American Legion Post #10, the VFW, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Moose Lodge. Dad was eager to share his love of the outdoors, especially fishing, with his family and friends. Some of his most cherished moments were undoubtedly those when one of the kids caught a nice fish or when his brother or one of his longtime fishing buddies, failed to boat "the big one." Even as his health was failing in later years, he looked forward to putting together another fishing trip. Thanks to mom, Brandon and his good friends, those trips remained possible. Dad took great pride in his five grandchildren and loved to share in all of their accomplishments. He certainly had a knack for story-telling and never turned down the chance to tell them a story or two. Darrel was preceded in death by his father; and mother; and his faithful dog, Mai-Tu. He leaves behind his wife, Donna; brother, Dale (Nancy) Lee of Grants Pass, OR; three children, Larry Lee of Blaine, WA, Karen Winter of Sebastopol, CA and Steve (Tracey) Lee of Wenatchee; grandchildren, Brandon, Lauren and Kacey Lee of Wenatchee and Cory and Gavin Winter of Sebastopol, CA. A Graveside Service was held on May 22, 2009, at Evergreen Memorial Park. To honor Darrel, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association or the Humane Society.

Darrel Carl Lee

September 16, 1935 - May 19, 2009