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Arthur Jacob Lee

Arthur Lee Obituary

Arthur Jacob (“A.J.�) Lee, died on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at Pikes Peak Hospice, of cancer. He was 61. He was born on February 20, 1948, in Boise, Idaho, the son of Arthur J. and Marion Lee, nee Woods. He had one sister, Carol Ann Massaro, who preceded him in death this year. He married Sasha, nee Kaliner, in 1989. Their marriage was a true partnership. A.J. received a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Norwich University. He worked many exciting jobs, e.g., as warehouse supervisor for Morrison-Knudsen in Saudi Arabia, and running a fishing barge in Puget Sound, but eventually found his niche as a mental health clinician. He held positions at Princeton Medical Center, and at the Institute of Pennsylvania Hospital, and worked in Corrections. He worked with Philadelphia trashmen for the AFSCME, with high-rollers and prison inmates, with men, women and families. A.J. grew up loving the outdoors in the foothills of the Owyhee mountains. All his life he enjoyed fishing, shooting, running, sculling and hiking. He learned the discipline of karate, and practiced daily meditation. He also painted in oils. He is the author of three published books, “A Guide to Early Recovery�, “The Triumph Mine�, and “Silver City�. A.J. lived in Boise, Seattle, Houston, Saudi Arabia, and Philadelphia, and appreciated each; he moved to Colorado Springs to be close to his stepdaughter Tara and her family, and he took great joy in being a dad and a grandfather. He served an afflicted and stigmatized population with effectiveness and compassion. He was a man whose tenderness and easy-going humor won many hearts. He faced his illness and impending death with calm dignity. A memorial service is planned for 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 19, at Swan-Law Funeral Home, 501 N. Cascade Avenue.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Gazette on Jun. 17, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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Tom Sammons

June 20, 2009

AJ had a quality about him that made it seem like he had known you for years--like everyone was a close friend.

I worked with AJ at the prison; he was truly an integral part of the facility (with his trademark bow-ties) and we were all sorry to see him leave, albeit for good reasons.

I am deeply saddened to hear of his death; the world is an emptier place without him.

He was, as so many have said, a dear man.

P Burch

June 19, 2009

He was such a remarkable man. He inspired everyone who's life he touched. He will truly be missed.

Misty Shalz

June 19, 2009

I had the pleasure of meeting and working with AJ at Idaho Correctional Center. He was more to me than just a coworker he was a friend. When I was battling with some issues with mental health. He was there to offer his assitance to find me help and never gave on me. I'm thankful for that. AJ will be greatly missed.

Merlene Fletcher

June 18, 2009

I met and knew A.J. from working with him at the Idaho Correctional Center. He was always ready with a smile, a friendly hello and a quiet humor. When I remember him it will be of bow ties, a restored red pick-up and his jaguar sedan. His jaguar earned him a speeding ticket that should have been mine. He accepted the ticket with the grace and humor that he always had. Vaya Con Dios.

Carolyn Voronov

June 18, 2009

I'll never forget the jeep story he told us in therapy one night, I still laugh today when I think of it. He was a great guy and I could tell him anything and feel comfortable. My sympathy to Sasha and Family.I'll remember him always. Carolyn V.

Pete Smith

June 18, 2009

A.J. helped me through a difficult period in my life and showed me a new way to live, I'll always be grateful for knowing, and listening to what you had to share, it makes my life rich in experience in away I may have never known, God bless you, and thank you , Pete Smith

Lori Westby

June 17, 2009

My brother and I grew up in the Northend of Boise with AJ and have many wonderful memories. I lived in our childhood home until 2006 and hoped one day he would be at my door for a visit. I'm sorry that never happened. We were always sorry we lost track of AJ and hoped he found what he was looking for. By the details of his obituary it sounds like he did. Our sincere condolences. Bernard and Lori Westby

Wes Barker

June 16, 2009

AJ was a fine person with a vibrant personality. He was always friendly, like he had a gift to give. My condolences to his family and may he be remembered in the spirit that he lived. God Bless You!

June 16, 2009

Today, for some strange reason, I put on a T shirt that I had not worn for quite awhile. It is my "Boise Rowing Club" t shirt that AJ obtained for each of us a number of years ago when he and I met while rowing our shells at Discovery Park.We only knew each other from our love of rowing and we had fun for several years at our annual Boise River Rowing Regatta event. Just he and I and family onlookers. I haden't seen AJ for several years but today I had my T shirt on when I spotted the obit and my heart ached as I think of the fun we both had as the only 2 rowers ( at that time)in Boise. Farewell.
Steve Kerr, Boise

Mark Mitchell

June 16, 2009

I went to school with AJ and worked with him in Saudi Arabia. He was a truly nice guy with a great sense of humor and he treated everyone with respect. My sincere condolences go out to his family.

Mike Trant

June 16, 2009

I worked with AJ at Idaho Correctional Center. He was missed when he left here as he was a friendly smile and hello no matter what the day brought. All who knew AJ here remember him as a good and kind man. Condolences to the family.

Edie Brewer-Hutchison

June 16, 2009

I knew AJ when we were young teenagers. He was so handsome, and always so sweet and kind. I lost track of him over the years as our lives took different paths, but I never stopped wondering how he was, and if he had found the rich life I knew he deserved. He was indeed a jewel in my memory. It is no surprise that he was brave to the end, for his was a heart that sought the good of others. Bless you, dear friend! Edie Brewer-Hutchison

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