Leland Richard Tauer

Leland "Lee" Richard Tauer was born May 8, 1952 in Bismarck, North Dakota. He spent his younger years in Underwood, North Dakota. He moved many times over his early years and came to Oregon. Lee had health issues as a baby and had his first open heart surgery at 3 years old, his second open heart surgery at age 12, his third open heart surgery in 1990, his fourth open heart surgery was in 2010 and his last open heart surgery was on November 14, 2022.

His parents, Rosebelle and Edwin and his brothers, Robert, Lowell and John all passed before Lee. His two surviving sisters, Lee Ann and Sandy, were very close to Lee and brought him joy, he loved them so much.

Lee was a "Man's Man"- a warrior beating the odds for decades with a positive attitude. He graduated from James Madison High School and he was the Photo Staff Editor.

Lee started his optical career at Opti Craft in 1973 and was a dependable and meticulous employee. He later, with his partner Larry, started Rose City Furnishing. He and Larry served hundreds of customers with expert craftsmanship and amazing service and care. He retired in 2016 to the life he had earned. Lee was an avid hiker, kayaker, gardener, golfer, and much much more! He loved the outdoors and camping with his family and friends. Lee loved to see and explore new things. Lee maintained an active social life and schedule with his wife, Sandy.

Everyone enjoyed his zest for life and servant mentality. Lee put others first. He was a Renaissance Man with many gifts and talents. He was the original MacGyver, and able to do so many things. He was a musician, played his 12 string guitar, he could carry a tune, he was a train conductor, astronomer, car mechanic, boat captain, avid reader, and so much more! Most important, he loved his family, including his wife, Sandy, his step kids, Ryan and Crystal, and his grandson, Jase.

"Lee was a friend indeed!" He was a loyal friend and one of a rare breed on this earth, he will be dearly missed. If you were a friend of Lee, you probably had a nickname for him which may have included: LT, Leester, Leeanator, Woody or Mob Boss.

Lee's character was a shining star and his actions spoke volumes of the man he was. His word was his bond. His legacy will live on through all of us. May his life and how he lived be an inspiration to all of us here today. May we all treat and respect one another as Lee did with a servant mentality, caring and giving, and treating one another as we want to be treated.

Lee was not big in stature but had the heart of a lion. His heart was kind and enormous and his spirit was divine and something to be admired. He spoke with a matter-of-fact way and was so considerate to others. Lee lived his life like this inspirational quote: "Good, better, best, never let it rest until your better is best."

Lee is in a better place and he is watching over us with that contagious smile and eternal positive attitude. His love for life, his amazing character, and his loving kindness will be with hus forever.

Lee's Mantra: "Be Good, Do Good, and Make Good things Happen."

When you see a bright star in the sky, remember Lee, he was a shining star while here on earth and he will forever shine bright upon all of us.

To Lee from his family and friends: "We love you, Lee, may you rest in peace and shoot that 39 in Heaven!"

A celebration of life for Leland was held Monday, January 2, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home, 520 W Powell Blvd, Gresham, OR 97030.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.batemancarrollfunerals.com for the Tauer family.