Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
About
KENT LEE Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Charlie Jones
August 12, 2025
As an OOD on ENTERPRISE in 1969, when Kent was CO, he required frequent GQ training events, including actual training sessions on the bridge, which I led. During a lecture by me on the "firemain system," Kent asked me if it was OK for him to keep the handout diagram I provided of the firemain loop. I said he could keep anything he wanted, being the CO. It struck me that he was, indeed, a humble guy. - I went on to bigger things under his leadership. Google "Technidigm" ...
CHARLES D FULLER. CWO3 SC USN RETIRED
August 12, 2023
THE BEST SKIPPER I EVER SERVED WITH IN MY 22YRS
Lt Donald Haroz Cville, Va.
April 25, 2023
I was a Lt on the USS Enterprise in1968-1969my age was24 . I´m now 80 and have yet to meet a man equal to Admiral Lees kindness, character and thoughtfulness. He was one of a kind. L
Jim Jeisel, MM1 (nuke) USS Enterprise '66 - '70.
August 12, 2022
RIP Capt. (ADM) Lee. I'll never forget you, your leadership, and your concern for your ship and crew.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Zen Petersen
February 4, 2021
Kent lee was a great friend to my mom's parents and got to meet Gen Roddenberry when he was in Command of the USS Enterprise
July 8, 2018
My husband, Lawrence Alan Kriigel served on the Enterprise from June, 1968 to March, 1969. He was in Supply, S-1 Division. He passed away earlier this year (2018) on February 13.
Jimmie Green
October 2, 2017
The best Skipper I ever went to sea with I will miss him very very much. I will surely miss our phone calles. Smooth sailing and hope we miss again.
Lash Hansborough
September 4, 2017
Admiral Lee will always be Captain Kent Lee of the Enterprise to me. Through the Pueblo Incident in January 1968, the attack in Tonkin Gulf by two MiGs in May 1968, the horrible flight deck fire in January 1969, and the EC-121 shot down off Korea in April 1969, Captain Lee was our shepherd. During my time on the Big E as a bachelor, junior officer in the Reactor Department, I had little social contact with Captain Lee, but his presence was always with me as an example of what a naval officer should be. After the flight deck fire, I would have followed him anywhere.
I have little to add to what has already been said about Captain Lee, but I can tell a story I heard that I believe is true. Captain Lee was walking across the flight deck when he saw a plane handler wearing an utterly filthy ball cap. When Captain Lee approached, the man came to attention and saluted. The salute returned, Captain Lee said your ball cap (cost at the ship's store: about $3) is a disgrace to the Navy, plucked it off his head, and flung it over the side.
The plane handler then reached up, grabbed Captain Lee's combination cover with scrambled eggs on the brim (cost: about $65), and flung it over the side!
It was reported that blood could be seen rising in Captain Lee's neck and then receded. Once calm, Captain Lee said you are right, I should not have done what I did. On the other hand, you should not have done what you did. Therefore, we are going to resolve the situation in a reasonable way: I am going to buy you a new hat. And you are going to buy me a new hat
We have lost a wonderful human being in Captain Lee. Godspeed, fair winds and following seas to you, and may you rest in peace in the loving arms of our Lord.
Lash Hansborough, Captain USNR (ret.)
CDR Thomas L Cochran
August 29, 2017
Mimi and family
My sympathy goes out to you with passing of Adm Lee. It was a great privilege to serve under his command in 1967-69 as assistant Navigator. He taught me how to be good Naval Officer And family man at time. His leadership during the Fire in 69 brought the Big E into port safely.
Vernon Luce
August 23, 2017
Was my Skipper aboard the USS Alamo. Great Sailor
Diane Martineau
August 22, 2017
My husband, ABH-1 James P. Martineau, served under Captain Lee from 1968 to 1969 when he lost his life during the horrific fire. My prayers are with you during this most difficult time . The Captain was an extraordinary man who was admired not only by my husband but by the entire USS ENTERPRISE crew. May he rest in peace.
August 21, 2017
I am sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with you during your time of mourning. Isaiah 61:1,2 ; Matthew 5:4
as explosions lit off Big E's Fly 3, Capt Lee calmly ordered Left standard re=udder , maintain 10 Knots, taking acrid smoke and fire aft of Big E
Dave McKay
August 19, 2017
Captain Lee wit president Johnson and CNO Adm Moorer asnd sed def McNamara on Big E Nov10 67
Dave McKay
August 19, 2017
August 19, 2017
Skipper you are missed by so many who served under your command. I was the power crew and tractor PO on the flight deck. one day my crew and I were cleaning one of the deck power stations when you walked up handed me your coat to hold, you jumped into the station and began chipping paint, all the time talking and joking with us. I have never forgoten tht day. thank you so much. ABH-3 Fred Lindell V-1 div aboard 1965 - jan - 14 1969
August 19, 2017
FOREVER OUR CAPTAIN
A LIFE WELL LIVED IN SERVICE TO OUR NATION! TOM NIMSIC AME5, VF 96; USS ENTERPRISE, CVAN65, 1967 TO JAN. 14, 1969. "ALL HANDS MAN YOUR BATTLE STATIONS, THIS IS NOT A DRILL!"
Charles Bosley
August 19, 2017
Thoughts and prayers go with you and your family served under him 67-69
Cliff Leach
August 19, 2017
Skipper....you will be missed by many. Loved having you as out Captain. The fire tested us all. You trained us well. The crew of USS Enterprise is in debt to you for your courage under fire!
Job well done, your watch is over RIP
Cliff Leach, OC Divison
Dave McKay
August 19, 2017
I wish to send my condolences to Admiral Kent Lee's family and friends and to all of those who served with him. As a humble author of the history of Enterprise, I became very interested in and read a lot about Skipper Lee and his association with Enterprise as CAG, and as Skipper. His oral histories were always enlightening transparent, honest and very humble and human. I only wish I had met him. I was in attendance at the inactivation in December 2012, and heard that Adm. Lee could not attend in part due to his loss of vision. This seemd ironic and sad as this man had visionas a leader and as has been said was instrumental in saving Enterprise and many many shipmates during the fire in '69. May you rest in Peace "Skipper" Lee, "Fair winds and Following seas"...Dr Dave McKay.
August 19, 2017
My husband, Kurt Thiele 5/8/47-9/29/14 served on the "E" and so adored this man. His love and respect for this the Admiral was huge. I remember early in our lives together, Kurt speaking of the Admiral. His memories were so vivid and so fond. I loved hearing the stories. And then one day I think 2008, I had the priviledge of meeting this man. A few from the late 60's USS Enterprise (Big E) gathered in Charlottesville , VA and we met up with Kent and his beautiful and adoring wife Mimi. Kent and Mimi Graciously invited all of us into their home for an afternoon of "Memory Lane Stories" and a scrumptious lunch. I only met this man once and it was only for a few hours..... In those few hours I came to know the Strength and Pillar of this man. He was not just the Admiral of the USS Enterprise to these men. He was a Mentor, a Father, a Brother, a Uncle. He was also their Friend. "How do you put all that in a box"? Over many years, I have sat for hours and listened to "his" mens stories and how much they Praise him. And after spending those few hours with Kent Lee............, I certainly understand the passion and respect his men have for him. Admiral, you are one of the most remarkable human beings I have shared company with. I Salute you. My Heartfelt sadness to Mimi and Family and your "Family Friends". I know this is very difficult for all of you. Prayers and Thoughts are with you. ~ Becky Thiele
Robert McLean
August 18, 2017
I served aboard the USS Enterprise '68-69
and fought the fire on 14 Jan 1969. My sincere condolences to Captain Lees family.
Robert McLean/Yeoman Deck Department
August 18, 2017
I am sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with you during your time of mourning. Isaiah 61:1,2 ; Matthew 5:4
Walter Van Tilburg
August 18, 2017
I served on the Enterprise January 1968 to August 1970. My duties in the Operations Electronics Division brought me into his presents several times. He was always kind and had a smile, except when he ran down the passageway on the 03 level to get to the crypto radio's during the Pueblo crisis. His Marine orderly had to run to keep up. Condolences to his family and all who served with him. Bye for now Captain.
Ess Enterprise CVAN 65
Ross Helco
August 18, 2017
thank you Admiral Lee for the turning point in my life after the Big E Fire January 14th, 1969 - I will never forget what you did for me - you help change my life forever - God Bless You Forever!
Carl Deaville
August 18, 2017
My Wife of 50 Years, Susan and I offer our thoughts and prayers for the Admiral and Mimi's family and friends at this sad time. I served under Captain Lee from August 1967 until he was relieved as the Commanding Officer of the USS Enterprise CVAN-65 in July 1969. He was an awesome CO and will be missed by many. V/R MMCM Carl Deaville USN Ret.
Jim Jeisel
August 18, 2017
My heartfelt condolences to the Lee family. I served aboard Enterprise from 11-66 thru 6-70 as a nuke Machinist's Mate. Those of us who were aboard during the fire know a special camaraderie because of that event and are forever grateful to then Captain Lee for his concern for his crew and his ship. He may rest in peace knowing he has our respect and affection.
Woody Peet
August 18, 2017
Mr. Lee was the "skipper" of the Big E when I was aboard. He was an exceptional captain saving the Big E from that bad fire/explosion. My condolence.
Don Trembley
August 18, 2017
I want to express my deepest condolences and sorrow at Adm. Lee's passing. He will always be Capt Lee to me. I was a crewman on the Enterprise from 1967-1969, and served with him for 2 cruises. Between Korea (2 times) and Viet Nam, I have many fond memories of his leadership and strength.
Carlton McLeod
August 18, 2017
Was my CO in Enterprise 67-69 when I was Senior Dental Officer. He was an outstanding skipper and a wonderful gentleman and friend. Condolences to the lovely Mimi and family.
RADM Carlton "Mac"" McLeod, DC USN, Ret.
James Hannah
August 18, 2017
I served under Admiral Lee on board the USS Enterprise, CV(A)N65 '67-'69. Admiral, move on to your new duty station, we have the watch here. COndolences to the family. He was a grat man.
Charles D Fuller
August 18, 2017
WAS MY CO ON THE USS ENTERPRISE 1967-1969, WE HAVE THE WATCH SKIPPER.IN ARE PRAYERS,MYGOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF SORROW. CWO3 CHARLES FULLER,SC, USN RETIRED
August 18, 2017
James H. Harris Served under Captain Lee aboard USS Enterprise 1967-1969
Charlie and Ginny Jones
August 18, 2017
Fond memories and sincere sympathy to Mimi and for all who knew and loved Admiral Lee. We recall fondly our USS Enterprise days, when we as a young couple reported aboard to our first ship's family. Kent and Mimi guided us through two difficult deployments and provided us with a wonderful example of what it means to be a Navy family.
Fair winds and following seas, Admiral Lee.
Mike Neville
August 18, 2017
To Mimi and the rest of the Lee family:
Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. Please know that you all are in my prayers at this difficult time in your lives.
As a recent boot camp graduate I was assigned to the USS Enterprise as a member of the air wing in late 1968 and was aboard for the entirety of the 1969 deployment, including the disastrous fire of 14 January. Captain Lee's performance throughout the deployment, but most especially during that deadly event showed me early on the value of a good skipper.
Decades later Admiral Lee honored us fire veterans and families with his attendance and comments at the plaque dedication at the US Navy Memorial in October, 2006.
Anyone who has had the good fortune to have known Admiral Lee in any capacity will remember him as a dedicated naval officer, a gentleman and a truly great human being.
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
Make a Donation
in KENT LEE's name
How to support KENT's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor KENT LEE's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
