Earl Alva Lee

Earl Alva Lee, known in his younger years as “Alvie,” was born to Earl F. Lee and Agnes Bridgman on August 16, 1937, in Hannah, Wyoming. He was their one and only child, and as such he was doted on and spoiled by aunts and uncles. At the time, he grew up in somewhat unique circumstances. Earl was raised in Clyde Park, Montana with his mom and dad, with occasional stays with his Aunt Jo. At kindergarten age, he and his mother packed up and moved to the Puget Sound area in Washington state. His mom took a job waiting tables. Every day after school he would go to the restaurant and help her with her chores, then he was free to take a neighbor’s skiff down to Puget Sound by himself! He remembers being about 10 years old- just him and his little dog. He would spend as much time as he could in the bay. He said, “I would fish and play. I was free as the breeze.” It was during these years that he grew a love for the ocean and fishing.

His mother and he returned to Clyde Park, Montana once again at the beginning of his sophomore year. He got reacquainted with his dad and uncles and helped his dad with the family ranch which included caring for horses. One story he would share was how he got kicked in the head by a wily horse knocking him unconscious and sending him to the hospital. That’s where the deep scar near his right eye came from.

In 1957, Dad married our mom, Betty Ann O’Neil. They had 6 children together: Rhonda, Rick, Robin, Rosalie, Ronald, and Randy. Four of the six of us kids came along in four years! They were busy times. Dad began working with his dad at Lewis Construction Company setting power poles across Idaho and Washington. This meant the rest of us would tag along in a small pull-trailer that was parked in a trailer court while our grandpa and he would set out for a couple weeks working before they returned.

In 1963, Dad began working for the Montana Power Company - a career that extended for 32 years. He started as a lineman , mastering the trade. Eventually he moved to crew foreman , and finally to Safety Director of the Great Falls Division . Dad loved his work – loved working outdoors, and had a sharp mind for electrical work, which he used to help others when projects came up. He took safety seriously because he knew his life and the life of others depended on it. And there was a side benefit; work became the foreground of a wealth of good friends that he deeply valued till his last days.

From the early 60’s, one would have a hard time finding a better slalom water-skier on the Missouri River than Earl Lee. Our dad could be on dry ground and hop into the water, ski, and come back with barely a splash of water on him. Summertime for the whole family meant loading the boat with coolers of food, beer, and soda, and heading down to the river with friends and neighbors.

The Lee kids also have many great memories of Dad and Mom taking us camping with the cousins. Every summer Dad took us to Seeley Lake during the fair- ON PURPOSE! One time Rhonda asked Dad if he planned this- and he replied, “I sure did!” And it was great! We had a blast playing at the lake, meeting new friends, riding motorcycles, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Dad enjoyed bird hunting with his dogs. He also hunted and bagged 2 bull elk in the back country by horseback with his son-in-law, Steve Fillinger. He took his fishing seriously, which he pursued at many lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Karen joined him on many fishing excursions from Campbell River, Canada, to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

It was in 1984, that Dad and Karen married. Dad’s six kids and Karen’s seven- Elaine, Jay, Ron, Robert, Raymond, Elizabeth, and Keith- began a legacy of family. The running tally of kids, spouses, grands and greats, including one great-grandchild, is at 132 with two more coming this spring. Dad was especially grateful for all his sons, who were faithful to help him out whenever he needed them. Rick, Robert, and Raymond, you are appreciated by all of us!

After retirement, Dad loved to be out on the golf course with his former lineman buddies. He would do his best to arrange his long schedule of doctor appointments around his Monday, Wednesday, and Friday tee-times.

Earl Lee was a man of great strength and vigor. We can hear him saying, “If you’re going to do something, do it right.”  Two days before he passed, he was still doing his daily exercises!

We all recognize that his wife Karen of more than 38 years has been the “wind beneath his wings,” the “one who came and gave without taking.” Karen’s keen sense of care and nursing abilities allowed for him to enjoy the rich life that he had.

We all know that Dad was not always easy to get along with. He knew what he wanted and was determined to get it; still, he was a man dearly loved by his wife, family, and friends- as is evident with all of you here today. Thank you so much for coming to honor him.