Gordon C. Lee

Lee, Gordon C. (Gordy),

78 years old, of North Tustin, passed away at St. Joseph's Hospital after a long battle with multiple health issues, which he battled valiantly to the end. He was preceded in death by this loving wife of 55 years, Gail. Born in Randolph, Massachusetts on May 22,1933, Gordy was the ninth child of ten, and entered the work force at sixteen.

The Lee's relocated to California in 1964. In 1966, Gordy co-founded VANS Tennis Shoes with two of his childhood friends. During this period Gordy was strongly involved in many Catholic organizations. Belonging to Saint Barbara's Parish, he was on the Parish Council, Knights of Columbus, a member of The Legion of Mary and served as a Eucharistic Minister. He was very proud of his involvement in organizing the beginning of Orange County's Cursillo movement and served as their President. He also enjoyed fundraising for the Boy Scouts and was La Quinta High School Booster Club President.

After 25 years in business, with Gordy at the helm as Company President, he and his

partners sold VANS. Along with his family, he relocated to North Tustin and although retired, became more active in charitable activities. Their belief and hearts led them to many catholic philanthropic endeavors. He also ran a very successful fundraiser, Casa Teresa Golf Tournament. He and his family donated to the construction of Santa Margarita Catholic High School, the Rosary High School gym, and donating to both, Connelly and Servite High Schools. His belief in Catholic education continued and an opportunity arose in funding the building of The Gordon and Gail Lee Family Chapel on the new Mater Dei High School campus. Not only did he give financially, but also with his business success, as a leader in his parish, and growth of Cursillo he was asked to become a member of the Bishops Finance Counsel for the Diocese of Orange.The Lee's are also benefactors for Saint Joseph's hospital in Orange. After many years of philanthropic activities, Gordy and Gail were honored as the 2nd King and Queen of Catholic Charities Mardi Gras Ball. In 2010, Gordy was inducted into the Mater Dei Ring of Honor.

Gordon loved to travel and has seen many parts of the world with his family. He loved golf and was a member at both, Santa Ana Country Club and Tustin Ranch Golf Club. Nothing was more important to him than family. Survived by his five children, Debbie (Don) Hughes, Cindy Carty, Gordon(Lisa)Lee,Jr., Geoff (Leah)Lee, Jessica (John)Whitley; grandchildren, Donny (Julie) Hughes, Erin (Chip) Monaco, Mike (Jillian) Hughes, Lizzie (Darren) Boyle, Caitlin and Abigail Carty, Brianna and Ryan Lee, Alex and Christopher Lee and Emma, Grace and Kate Whitley; Great-Grandchildren, Sophia and Colin Monaco, Aidan and Brendan Hughes, Mia, Jacob, and Dallan Hughes, and Madelyn and Ella Boyle. The entire family continues to live close in North Tustin and nothing made Gordy happier than keeping up with his family. During his last bout of illness, his faith in God and love of family warmed everyone's heart.

On the east coast Gordy is also survived by his brother Arnold (Lucy), and his sister-in-law, Helen (Bob) Chisholm along with countless nieces and nephews.

The family will be forever grateful to our "extended family" of caregivers, Luz and Abner.

Rosary and Vigil will be held Tuesday, April 3rd. Viewing is from 6-7 with a vigil at 7:00pm at Mater Dei High School, Gordon and Gail Lee Family Chapel. Funeral Mass on Wednesday, April 4th, 10 a.m. at La Purisima Catholic Church, Orange. Burial to follow, Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, Orange. Brown Colonial Mortuary