Donald Earl Lee

Donald Earl Lee was born in Winona, Minnesota to Earl and Mattie Lee on September 25, 1924. After graduation from Winona High School in 1942, he and his parents left their family farm and moved to Portland, Oregon.

Don started out as a milk deliveryman and oil service station employee. He opened his own car business, Don Lee Motors, in 1948, fulfilling his dream of business ownership which continues through his son, Rodney and grandson Robert. He stayed involved in the family business well into his 80’s.

Don was married to Beverly Anita Skreen in 1945. They first met at Portland Foursquare Church in 1942. Their dating consisted of sitting in church together and also singing in the choir (which they continued to do for 47 years). Last September 8th, they celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary.

Their son, Rodney Donald was born in 1949. He married Gloria Clark and have two sons: Robert (Bethany) with grandchild, Genevieve; and son Jeffrey.

Their daughter, Kristi was born in 1953. She married Wendell Birkland and have a daughter Lisa Bozich (Dan) and grandchildren: William and Ella; and son Ryan (Alaina) and grandchild, Audrey.

Don was pre-deceased by his brother, Wayne.

Don was an active member of the Portland Police Reserves/Sunshine Division since 1946. He was also actively involved in the Peninsula Optimist Club, and Portland Foursquare Church (since 1942). He was an avid boater with Tyee Yacht Club of Portland.

Don was a believer in Jesus Christ. Although his prognosis was grim in the last days of his life, because of heart failure, he never gave up but knew that he was in God’s hands. He told his nurse a few days prior, “I’m ready to meet my maker” with a smile on his face.

Memorial service to be held at Portland Foursquare Church, 2830 NE Flanders St., Portland, OR, 97232 at 2 p.m. Sunday the 24th of February 2013.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Sunshine Division, Peninsula Optimists, or Portland Foursquare Church.