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Edward LEE Obituary
Edward Mitchell LEE Noted jazz trumpeter and music educator, Ed Lee, passed away on Friday, June 3rd after a long battle with cancer. Ed was born in Institute, WV and came to Seattle in the 60s as a member of the 21st U.S. Army Band at Ft. Lewis. He performed with the Joe Brazil Quintet in the '60s; traveled with road companies for the musicals 'Hair' and 'Bubbling Brown Sugar' and for performers such as Lou Rawls, the Temptations and the Four Tops. Before his death, he played with the big band Roadside Attraction and the funk band Carousel as well as his own jazz group. Ed appeared on award-winning CDs and loved performing at local club venues and jazz festivals. For over thirty years, 'Mr. Lee' was a music educator in the Seattle and Renton Public Schools as well as a private instructor. Ed was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Jerry. He is survived by his wife Marti, son Nathan, stepson Mitch Andrews, sisters Will Ella Jackson (Smyrna, DE) and Helen Randolph (Boston, MA) and sister-in-law Mildred Lee (Hyattsville, MD). Also surviving him are numerous nieces and nephews and many, many beloved friends and former students. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, June 11th at 11am at Bonney Watson Funeral Home, 1732 Broadway (on Capitol Hill) in Seattle. A celebration of his life will follow at the New Orleans Restaurant in Pioneer Square from 1-4pm. All who knew Ed are invited to share these times of remembrance and the music that he loved.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward LEE
Sonny Pickens
June 24, 2011
I was a childhood friend of Mitchell, boyscouts and learned basketball watching Mitchell. He went to Texas Southern College after High School and I appreciated Miles Davis, and Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers as a result of going to his home. I knew his sister, Henry Helen, brother, Jerry and his parents. He always did his thing-trumpet and music. He is missed even as far as California in my eyes and soul. He mattered to me. Hal 'Sonny' Pickens, Ph.D. Yreka, California
James Manning
June 22, 2011
To Marti & Family members:
Thank you for sharing the sad news of Ed's passing. As you are aware, I knew Ed and his family during my college days at West Virginia State. Ed was in high school and brother Jerry was a senior my freshman year. Their parents and my parents were school-mates at St Paul's College in Virginia. I wish that I could have been present at his memorial at The New Orleans. I am certain that he was somewhere looking in on those who have enjoyed his musical talents over the years. God's blessing be with you. Sincerely Jim & Jeanne
Craig Mabie
June 22, 2011
Marti:
We will always have such a great memory of Ed - the holiday performances at Tula's! How fun and thanks for that experience!
We wish you peace during this time.
Craig & Douglas
Richard Greiner
June 21, 2011
I have had the pleasure of knowing Ed for many years. I have never met a more gentle man. He loved life, his family, and his music. I will miss seeing Ed's smiling face. I am honored to call him my friend. I'll miss you big guy. All my best to Marti and his family. The world is in sorrow but that band in Heaven is rejoicing.
June 20, 2011
I just learned of Ed Lee's passing. He was one of my music teachers at Garfield High School in the 70's. I really admired Mr Lee and enjoyed playing music with him.
I would run into him from time to time and it was always good to see him. He will be missed.
Wanda J Young (Wooten) Class of 1971
John & Carla Dimitriou
June 11, 2011
We met Ed during the first years of opening Jazz Alley in the Univ. District. His beautiful kind soul was such a standout during those difficult times. He was a lovely lovely man and a breath of fresh sweet air. We are deeply sorry for your loss.
Linda Robbins
June 11, 2011
Marti, I'm so sorry to hear of Ed's passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Linda
Jerry Bradshaw
June 10, 2011
Marti, So very sorry to hear about Ed. Just know you are in my prayers and thoughts. May God bring the peace you need for this trial.
Mary Calkin
June 10, 2011
Marti, I am so saddened to read about Ed. I know you will miss him dearly.Will be thinking about you tomorrow.Wish I could have come for you.
Rosemary Jarrett
June 10, 2011
Marti....I am so, so sorry to hear about Ed. I know from experience what a difficult time this is for you, but concentrate on your good memories of him. God Bless You. Rosemary Jarrett
Douglas Q. Barnett
June 10, 2011
Hey Ed!
Your old buddy, Doug here. Hey man, I really enjoyed working with you years ago, and always enjoyed your company. But hey man,now you can be gigging with Diz, Miles, Trane, Louis, and Duke. Some pretty good company there. I look forward to seeing you on the other side, man.
Ciao!
Doug-
Roseanne Lorenzana
June 9, 2011
What a beautiful description of Ed's life. I so wish I could have convinced Albert to explore music with him. His smile and laugh will be missed.
Cordelia Hightower
June 9, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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