lee and i were colleagues at the u.s. parole commission.  we met each other when he joined me as an analyst in washington, d.c. and we continued our friendship during our years at the uspc and after we retired.
carol and i  were lucky to have hosted him at our home a few years ago.
all of my times with lee were delightful, informative and full of laughter.  the latter often appropriately at my expense.
unfortunately for me, i lost touch with lee over the last year.
we learned of his death last week.  losing a friend always is very sad news.  we will miss him.  our world was a better place with him in it.
our condolences go to lee's family and friends.

We go way back to the original days of Southeast Region parole commission, offices in Greenbriar. Cloud, Steve, Bill, Wayne and I all cherished Lee’s sense of humor. With a heavy heart, Rest In Peace.

Over the many years we worked together at the Parole Commission, Lee was one of the hardest working, most intelligent, and most entertaining hearing examiners on the agency's staff. Our general counsel's office did not escape his wicked sense of humor. But his barbs were good-natured. When his sarcasm was meant to sting, it was well-deserved. Most importantly, he cared deeply about doing the work right, and he made a lot of long-lasting friendships. That goes a long way to a life well-lived.

Smart, a very hard worker and a loyal friend. I spoke with him last week.  I am so glad we had that time together.  Lee loved his hobbies, his cigars and the dogs in his life.  There is a hole in my heart this evening.

On behalf of all those still working at the U.S. Parole Commission, please accept our deepest condolences on Lee's passing. Lee was one of the finest Hearing Examiners the agency has ever had and left behind quite a legacy upon his retirement. Since that time,  Lee and I continued our  friendship meeting once or twice a year when the pen shows came to Tysons Corner or Baltimore. He never spared me or anyone else he worked with his blunt analysis (e.g. "check your shoes, there's a dummy in them"). However, his heart was larger than anyone's and his loss leaves a void in ours. We are all thinking of Lee and those who loved him most at this time.  Steve Husk 

Representing the Southeast Pen Collectors Club, I can say that Lee was a long time member, collector, and purveyor of quality pens. His involvement within the pen community will be missed.

We will surely miss all our fun times together.  You were a great neighbor and special friend.

Graveside Services Will Be Conducted

Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Tracey Buttrey; daughter and son-in-law, Bettina and Gaines Spivey; grandchildren, Michael Wayne White, Trey (Victoria) Spivey, Rachel Haven Spivey, Bonnie (Philip) Beyer; great granddaughter, Caydence Adams; the mother of his children, Susan Chait; brother and sister-in-law, Jay and Ilene Chait; sister and brother-in-law, Diane Chait and Steven Sobel; niece, Allison Chait and nephew, David Chait and his wife Emily Chait.

OBITUARY

Lee Harvey Chait

February 12, 1947 – August 16, 2019

H.M. Patterson & Son-Arlington Chapel

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