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Irwin Lee Obituary
July 19, 1927 - March 13, 2021
San Diego
Irwin Lee passed away in his home in Rancho Bernardo, San Diego, on March 13 at age 93. Irwin was born in New York City. His ancestors came to the US from Lodz, Minsk, and Hungary. He was born Irwin Herbert Lipschitz, son of Florence Faeder and Julius "Julie" Lipschitz. Julie soon changed the family name to Lee. Irwin grew up in Washington Heights, and was in the very first class of students to attend Bronx High School of Science. Irwin began college at the New York University, then enlisted in the US Army at the end of WW2 and was stationed on Long Island. After discharge he joined his parents in Texas where they had moved, and obtained his BA at University of Houston, and his JD from the University of Texas. He moved to Southern California where he practiced worker's compensation law as an attorney for California's State Compensation Insurance Fund in San Diego until his retirement.Irwin enjoyed reading, cooking, tennis, golf, sailing, fishing, and finding "rescued treasures" in flea markets. His many travels included Mexico, South America, Western and Eastern Europe, Russia, China, Australia, Israel, Egypt, Turkey, and Indonesia. Irwin lived six full years beyond his diagnosis of myelodisplasia. He is survived by his wife Marie Lee, his sister Marcia Kirshner, his children Steve Lee, Juliet Lee, and Jon Lee, and his grandchildren Steven Lee, Sean Lee, Jesse Lee, Jarret Lee, and Jacob Naisuler Lee, as well as his nieces.
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Memories and Condolences
for Irwin Lee
5 Entries
Mary Minore
March 15, 2022
At this one-year anniversary of Irwin's passing, this is what I remember most about him:
He was so full of life and had a wonderful sense of humor.
He was interested in people, and was a good mentor to those younger and starting out.
He loved his wife.
When I think of him now, I think of a man who understood that life should be enjoy to the fullest! I will remember this most about him.
Sending a big hug to his family on this one-year anniversary!
Warmly,
Mary Minore
Mary Minore
March 30, 2021
Hello Marie: I worked with Irwin at State Fund many years ago (just over 40 years now!). Though, it was many years ago, he did make an impression on me. He was funny and full of life, and was a mentor to some of the younger people there. He was a character and I know he loved you very much!
I was very young then (19 yo) and just starting to work in the sales dept at SF. It was a good time to be there as the San Diego office was small, about 50 people at the Mission Valley office. I have very fond memories of everyone there and I still keep in touch with some.
I moved away from SD for many years and recently moved back - really enjoying it!
My sincere condolences to you and your family for you loss. I know how difficult it is to lose a spouse, since I lost mine 16 years ago.
Will there be a service? I know it's difficult during these times.
With fondest regards,
Mary Minore
Jeff Jones
March 26, 2021
I first met Irwin about 40 years ago working at the insurance co. where he was a staff counsel and I was going to law school. He was smart, friendly and a colorful person, a great story teller, full of life and adventure. He was also my first mentor in law. We developed a friendship while working at the co. though I haven' seen him in many years. I was saddened to read of his death but also happy he lived a long life. I have very fond (and some humorous) memories of him and wish to extend my condolences to Marie and the rest of the family.
Roberta Mikles
March 21, 2021
I knew Irwin for over twenty years. He had a wonderful heart of good which many did not know. He gave to people many of their needed items, never asking for a thank you
A side of him, again, many didn't know. Always telling me to live each day to the fullest. I'll miss you my friend
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Marlene Morrow
March 21, 2021
Have such fond memories of our San Diego Texas Exes Alumni group events. Irwin was such a great supporter
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