Mario Lee Bansen, III

Mario was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and graduated from Garfield High School in Woodbridge, VA. He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute in Blacksburg, VA.

Survivors include his father Mario F. Bansen, Jr (Bing), residing in Virginia Beach, VA. and mother Leeza Lee Irvine, from Blacksburg, VA, a brother Gary L. Bansen, residing in Virginia Beach, VA and two sisters Adriana and Leandra Irvine currently studying at University Of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA and several Nieces and Nephews.

Fondly known as just "Lee" by his family and close friends, Lee was an avid and voracious reader. He would look forward to every new book from his favorite authors and would have read it cover to cover within a day or less. He had taught himself to speed read while still in high school. Lee enjoyed a varied and diverse genre of reading materials, and would also keep abreast of current events. This provided him with an excellent knowledge of many diverse topics and thus, he was well able to engage in all manner of conversations. One usually came away learning something new and interesting, and much impressed with Lee's intellectual acuity and sharp mind.

Lee's singing brought joy to many. He especially enjoyed singing with his father and brother. Music, like reading, has long been a source of joy for Lee. When Lee was a young boy, he and his brother, Gary, would put on performances for their parents' dinner guests. The brothers were awesome Elvis impersonators, dancing and singing like the King himself!

Lee was a gentle soul at heart. He might intimidate at times, but his humility and politeness were often

remarked upon, especially by the older generation. He was a loving and filial son, a close companion of his brother, and an indulgent and gentle brother to his two sisters. Lee was well loved and will be sorely missed.

“Engage people with what they expect; it is what they are able to discern and confirms their projections. It settles them into predictable patterns of response, occupying their minds while you wait for the extraordinary moment — that which they cannot anticipate.”

― Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Here's a quote from a book written by one of Lee's favorite authors:

“It's easy to look at people and make quick judgement about them, their present and their past, but you'd be amazed at the pain and tears a single smile hides. What a person shows to the world is only one tiny facet of the ice burg hidden from sight. And more often then not, it's lined with cracks and scars that go all the way to the foundation of their soul.”

― Sherrilyn Kenyon, Acheron

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 18, 2014, 5:00-7:00pm at Rosewood-Kellum Funeral Home and a “Celebration Of Life” will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2014, 3:00pm.

"To live in hearts we leave behind, Is not to die." - Thomas Campbell