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In the early morning hours of December 29, 2021, the world lost the luster of an honorable man. Richard (Dick) Eugene Lee quietly passed away holding hands with his sweetheart of sixty-six years. Through the Christmas holiday and on the evening of his passing, he had the blessing of visiting with his children and many of his grandchildren.
Dick was born the youngest of four children on June 2, 1936, in Long Pine Nebraska to Willis Earl Lee and Grace Briggs Lee. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Scotts Bluff, Nebraska. At thirteen, because of his father’s health, the family established their home in Mesa, Arizona. Dick graduated from Mesa High School and began his studies at Arizona State University, graduating in June, 1961. He completed several graduate courses in geography as well as architectural design.
Dick married Sandra Lyn Hall on September 26, 1955. He is survived by his eternal companion and four children: Jaci Lyn (Dave Nielson), Joni Kay (Dennis Neuenschwander), Timothy Shane, and Jeffrey Troy, as well as five grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. Following his conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dick and Sandra were sealed in the Mesa Arizona temple on June 9, 1961. Throughout his life, Dick was a devoted disciple, fulfilling numerous callings in the Church, including service in bishoprics and stake presidencies. He and Sandra also fulfilled an extended senior missionary assignment in the Gunnison Utah prison.
A proud United States Air Force veteran, Dick flew military transports. During his six years of service (1961-1967), he received the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. He completed his service with the rank of captain. Following his discharge, he flew for United Air Lines until his retirement in 1985.
Dick thirsted for knowledge. He was an avid researcher and reader, always learning. If he didn’t know how to do something, he simply bought a book and figured it out. He used this gift to renovate a dilapidated hundred- and ten-year-old house in Salina, Utah. He was an avid genealogist, compiling many generations of his family. Following retirement, he and Sandra toured the country in their fifth wheel to complete his research.
Above all, Dick was a family man. He was deeply devoted to his wife and family. He was immensely proud of his children and their accomplishments. His righteous influence will be felt through succeeding generations of his posterity. His life was an example of commitment and steadfastness to his faith and to the eternal principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Grave side services with military honors will be held at two p.m. on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, in the Mesa City Cemetery.
Sandy,
Mel and I are so saddened to read of Dick’s passing. We have wonderful memories of our time working with you at the prison, and really appreciated our association with both of you at that time. Dick was a great man and a good friend. We are thinking of you at this time and pray for comfort and peace for you and your family. He will be sincerely missed by many. We hope you are doing well.
Mel and Kathy Anderson.
I have always admired and respected my Uncle Dick. You always would have the biggest smile on your face when our family would come to visit, even if it was just Shane and I coming over to hang out with Tim and Jeff. From coming to the Lee’s house on Christmas Eve, to the weeks spent at Snowbird, to any big family function, it was always awesome to see you. May you Rest In Peace. Oh, and throw down some smiles once in a while!
Sandi,
We send you our love and prayers. Dick was a great person and we feel fortunate to have become friends with you both. We pray for you to find peace. 🙏🏼
Roger and Merrilyn Hirschi
Dear Sandi & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. I know he will be missed. Our Heavenly Fathers plan of salvation will be such a comfort to your family. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love, Helen
Dearest Sandy and Family~~
Of all the wonderful people I met while visiting my sister, Sandy Brown, in Salina, Utah, you and Dick remain my all-time favorites. I so admired your home renovation skills and the beautiful outcome of all your hard work. Most of all, I admired your marriage, overflowing with love and devotion for one another. I will be keeping the Lee Family in my prayers. Sandy, I hope the future holds a visit in store for us so I can hug you and enjoy another visit with a favorite, much loved lady. May all the happy memories of your wonderful life with Dick bring you comfort and ease your sorrow.
Much love, Barbara
Sandy,
We are so saddened to hear of Dick’s passing. He was a great friend, neighbor and leader for our whole family. Our prayers for you at this difficult time. Please give your family our love.
Don and Sally Blohm
Sweet Sandi.
We were saddened at Dick's passing. It feels like i have lost a brother. We pray that the Comforter will be with you and your family through your time grief.
We do have the knowledge that he is in a wonderful place that is free from pain where he can continue to serve his mission of life.
We send our love and prayers to you and yours.
Dear Sandi and Family,
We were deeply saddened to hear of Dick's passing. We hold special memories of over-the-fence discussions and Sunday evening visits. You were our advisors and friends and we miss you.
Our Sincere love and condolences,
Gerry, Chauna, Krystalyn, Kari and Cory Duffin
Dick and Sandy done a lot for many people and will be truly missed..