Lee Ballantyne

Lee M. Ballantyne passed away at home on May 5, 2017 after a courageous battle with cancer. To quote the founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill Wilson, Lee would be saying, “I knew I was a free man”. In the end, it was Lee’s family, especially his wife Daphne, who became his most treasured gift in his life. Lee’s life was about overcoming. Overcoming addiction, the natural man, cancer, adversity, and death. He overcame through his relationship with Jesus Christ, who now brings him joy, peace and freedom from pain. He was often heard saying, “Without God, I am nothing”.

Lee was born on September 10, 1957 to Laurence and Leah McBride Ballantyne in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was a man of many talents, especially those that required the use of his hands. He was a contractor by trade and owned his own business. He just completed the remodel of his home as a legacy for Daphne. She was the love of his life, his soul mate and eternal companion. They were married on November 5, 2004 and sealed in the Salt Lake LDS Temple on August 16, 2016, fulfilling his greatest dream.

In recent years, he strived to repair regrets from his earlier life in the relationships with his children. His sons, Joe and Tim, daughter Venessa, step daughter Emilee and his grandchildren Neils, Kaleb, and soon to be born granddaughter became his hope, his dreams, his pride and joy.

Lee was known for his strong opinions, quick wit, sarcasm and direct nature. You always knew what he was thinking but you also knew he loved you and cared for you. He was known for sponsoring many through the Alcoholics Anonymous program and the LDS Addiction Recovery program, where he served as a missionary.

Whether it was the bank, Home Depot, his favorite restaurant or just walking his Weiner dogs around the neighborhood, Lee made new friends wherever he went, and often invited strangers into his life. He loved serving his neighbors often through snow blowing or dropping off treats. He treasured his employees, “his guys”, and connected with them as if they were close family.

Lee is survived by his wife Daphne, sons Joseph and Timothy, daughter Venessa, step-daughter Emilee, grandchildren Neils and Kaleb, mother Leah, sisters Laurie and Leslie, and many loved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Laurence and his brothers Lane and Lance.

A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 12:00 noon at the Butler West Stake Center, 1845 East 7200 South, Cottonwood Heights, Utah. There will be a viewing prior to the services from 10:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. There will also be a viewing the night before, Tuesday evening, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary at 3401 S. Highland Dr., Salt Lake City, Utah.

This is not goodbye forever; we say “see ya later”. Lee says “thanks for the warning”.