Richard Ellis Lee

DENMARK and BANGOR — Richard Ellis Lee, 70, died Oct. 7, 2013, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with Agent Orange disease. He was born April 15, 1943, in Bangor, son of Ransford Donald and Olive Mae (Pye) Lee.

Richard was a U.S. Marine combat veteran, serving in Vietnam.  He was a gypsy at heart and enjoyed traveling and spending the majority of his life driving trucks. Richard was an avid outdoorsman, appreciating bird hunting and fishing. He was also a lover of “Big Boy” toys and owned them all.

Richard is survived by his loving companion, Cynthia “Cindy” Lee of Denmark; two sons, Ricky Stephen Lee and his wife Ann of Dunnellon, Fla., and Dwayne Eddy “Reggie” Lee of Fort McCoy, Fla.; one granddaughter, Renée Lee; two sisters, Linda J. Veilleux and her husband Joseph of Eddington, and Judy A. Lee of Brewer; two brothers, Edward E. “Bob” Lee and his wife Joyce of Bangor, Ransford D. “Sonny” Lee Jr. and his wife Barbara of Glenburn; a cousin Harry Pye of Seal Harbor, who was like a brother to Richard; and nieces and nephews. Richard will also be dearly missed by his stepson, Tad Russell of Wilbraham, Mass., stepdaughter Karen Rydell of Glenburn and their families; and a very special friend, Vance Tripp of Green Lake.

In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by two brothers-in-law, Robert Boober of Brewer and Donald Mills of Denmark.

In keeping with Richard’s wishes, only a small family gathering will be held. Those who wish to remember Richard in a special way may make gifts in his memory to Jen’s Friends Cancer Foundation, PO Box 1842, North Conway, NH 03860, or to Hospice of Eastern Maine, 885 Union Street, Suite 220, Bangor, ME 04401. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com