Leelan Charles Edwards

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles C. Edwards and Frances M. Goodwin, his brother Harold, sister Charlene, and son Bradley Edwards.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Beverley, daughters Lisa Pavlu and Michelle Edwards, nephews Richard and David Edwards, and niece Denise Vasquez.

Lee was born in Vancouver, WA in 1935, and moved to Salem at age 3. He graduated from Salem High School in 1954. He attended Northwest Nazarene College in Idaho. He attended San Francisco College of Mortuary Science, graduating in 1957.

Lee served as Deputy County Coroner for Marion County in the early 1960's until the Medical Examiner System took over in 1965. In 1966, he and his childhood friend, Jim Doerksen established Howell Edwards Doerksen Chapel of the Gardens Funeral Home in Salem, Oregon. He chaired the 1968 Marion County Heart Association Fund Campaign with more than 200 volunteers. He served as President of The Oregon Funeral Directors Association 1984-85. In 1993, he served as a member of the National Funeral Directors Task Force in Chicago. He was a member of the Salem Jaycees, Kiwanis Club, Keizer Elks, Salem Yacht Club and Columbia River Yacht Club, and Salem Knife and Fork Club. He was also Chairman of the Willamette River Days and a member of the Mt. Jefferson Snowmobile Club.

Lee and Beverley married in 1994. Lee retired in 1996, and he and Bev traveled throughout the United States and became snowbirds, purchasing a lot in Palm Springs and spending several years wintering there. There, Lee headed up the Safety and Security Board for the Resort Association.

He loved cruises, and went on many in his retirement years, especially enjoying his time in Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. Lee always had a passion for speed. He raced Unlimited Hydroplanes and Corvette cars, accumulating many trophies and stories that he loved to share. Snowmobiling at Yellowstone was another sport he enjoyed. Lee was greatly well-liked and respected by all who knew him. He was a kind and benevolent man who will be missed by so many.

Funeral arrangements were provided by Howell Edwards Doerksen Chapel of the Gardens funeral home. Those who wish to pay tribute to Lee may do so by donations to the Willamette Humane Society in Lee's honor.

A celebration of Lee's Life is on Aug. 23 At Route 99 in Brooks from 2 - 5 pm.