Howard Dee Lee

Howard Dee Lee left us peacefully on Thursday February 29, 2024, in the comfort of his home with his family by his side. He is survived by his loving wife, Lay, son, Christopher (Xiao), daughter Elizabeth (Ryan), and grandchildren Griffey and Nisa.

Born in Seattle, WA on February 4, 1950, Howard grew up in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and attended Franklin High School, graduating from the University of Washington in 1972. In 1983 he would meet the love of his life, Lay, and made sure to “put a ring on it” in June 1985.

Howard spent his career in finance and accounting but would take breaks between number crunching and balancing books to travel with his family across the country and around the world. He especially loved eating good food and would always read about each new city before finding and bookmarking the best spots to eat.

Few things brought him greater joy than playing and watching sports. In his lifetime he made sure to regularly play soccer, basketball, tennis, volleyball, softball, finally picking up pickleball. He was an avid UW Husky fan, cheered on the Seahawks each season, always rooted for the M’s, and held out hope for a Seattle basketball team comeback.

Howard was a good man with an even greater heart. He leaves behind a legacy of how important it is to be kind in a world that can often be so cruel, and reminded many of us with his humor, that there is never a wrong time to tell a joke. He is forever loved and will be incredibly missed.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at Columbia Funeral Home on Monday March 11, 2024, from 12-4pm, with a private, graveside service the next day. A memorial service celebrating Howard’s life will be held at Japanese Presbyterian Church (1801 24th Ave S) on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at 3pm. In true Howard fashion, we invite guests to celebrate decked in their favorite sports gear!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests any remembrances be made to Operation Nightwatch, Recovery Café or Japanese Presbyterian Church Capital Campaign.