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Lee Cline Obituary
A celebration of life will be at 4 p.m. Saturday at Lee's shop in the Buffalo Mine area.
Lee was born Feb. 18, 1947, in Spokane, Wash., to Dick and Arlene Cline. There he was a journeyman machinist after attending Spokane Community College.
Lee then ventured to Alaska with his wife, Betsy, and son, Travis, in 1983 and built their home in Eagle River. In Alaska, he was the proud owner of Ram Construction, where he was a meticulous, finish woodworking craftsman -- it was Lee's way or no way.
Lee was an avid hunter, trapper and fisherman and shared many stories of his Alaska adventures and accomplishments with all. His infectious sense of humor made every situation around Lee something to be treasured. One of his biggest attributes was helping others and sharing the knowledge he had attained throughout his life while he was engaged in various careers and hobbies. His generosity and hard-working demeanor was something to be cherished and will never be forgotten.
Lee is survived by his dearly loved wife of 35 years, Betsy Cline, of Palmer; son, Travis Cline and his wife Janelle and their daughters, Bailey and Macy, of Eagle River; and his family in Spokane: mother, Arlene Cline; brother, Dale Cline and his wife, Marilyn; brother, Craig Cline and his wife, Georgia; brother, Carl Cline and his wife, Candy; brother, Lyle Cline; and numerous nephews and nieces.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lee Cline
John Steiner
May 19, 2010
I just heard about Lee's passing and want to share my heart-felt sympathies with all his family. Lee was a dedicated member of the Chugiak, Birchwood, Eagle River Rural Road Service Area board representing the Eagle River Valley Community Council for many years while I served as president of that community council. We have already been missing him for years. I just came across the following poem that I wrote for him in 2006 when he moved out to Palmer:
Ode to Lee Cline
His eye was sharp, his aim was true
He bagged what he went after.
His words could move a stop sign
Or melt a crowd with laughter.
He called things like he saw them
He never pulled his punches.
His service on the Road Board
Saved money by the bunches.
He helped us RAP our dusty roads
To hold down costly grading,
Defended CBERRRSA funds
From greedy downtown raiding.
He got our streets plowed faster
Than streets where folks pay more
For service that's not half as good--
And that's why we're so sore.
We're sore that he has left us
From OUR Valley to Mat-Su
He packed his mustache wax and moved
But hey, what can we do?
All we can do is thank him
For his service through the years
Wishing Lee a fond farewell
As he chokes back the tears.
I hate to make a grown man cry
The last, Lee, I will say:
May your roads be free of pot holes
And no snow berms block your way.
Well, Lee, are the roads where you are now really paved in gold?
Mike&Lynne Sullivan
May 18, 2010
Our condolences go out to all The Cline family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. When we all met in Calif. there were no better times and will always be tresured.
Kevin Sams
May 17, 2010
I never knew Lee but from what i hear he was a good man. People say i look like him but i dont think so. I am so sorry for his wife and his children. I'm sure he was a very good husband and a good father. He sounds like the kind of man i strive to be. My condolences go out to his family.
May 15, 2010
All our thoughts are with the Cline Family, Lee was such a talented man and so kind. He built our beautiful stair way and stair rail in our home years ago. It was very time consuming he didn't care he was a craftsman who took such pride in his work. It took patience and he had that for sure. We look at it today and think about him.
The Mke Buza Family
Randy Pedersen/Bell
May 15, 2010
My deepest condolences to the Cline family. Growing up, Lee was my best friends big brother. I'm truly sorry for your loss. My prayers will be with you all.
Candy Cline
May 15, 2010
Betsy Travis Janelle Bailey and Macey
Lee fought hard and was so strong. We miss him dearly.
All of you are in our hearts and thoughts 24 7. We love you and miss you so much!
Love Candy Carly and Danica
Paul Badalich
May 15, 2010
Miss You Lee
May 15, 2010
Travis: We are so sorry to hear about your Dad. We didn't know him but by all accounts he was a wonderful man - proof of that alone is in the son he and your mother raised. Please know that you, Janelle, your girls and your mom are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Lynn and Bill McCrory
Cindy Ewing (Bell)
May 15, 2010
I was neighbors with the Cline family kids in Spokane. Lee was the handsome big brother. My condolences to the family, and with deepest sympathy for the loss of your father, son and brother. Gods Blessings.
May 15, 2010
Lee will be missed by all-the STEVENS FAMILY
Walter Eunice
May 14, 2010
I really am without the proper condolences for the man himself. What I think he would like to hear ain't much. What I will say is he was totally "respected,loved,caring,meticulous,dependable and professional". He would call a spade a spade.He was definitly a mans Man. He will truely be missed and was well loved.
I pray that God will comfort his loved ones in their time of need.
Walter A. Eunice Family (Eagle River)
Kaye & Harvey Pullen
May 14, 2010
Betsy and Travis:
We are sorry to read of Lee's passing. Lee was a good and honorable man. We are sorry to lose him so soon. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Kaye and Harvey
May 14, 2010
sorry to hear about lee he was my bud love your cousin bette lu
Dennis Falldorf
May 14, 2010
Well I only met Lee once and that was briefly; however, I have spent a bit of time with Travis and through Travis, I got a pretty fair picture of Lee. And I'll tell you this: Lee was a guy I would have been proud of to call "Dad". Our thoughts are with Betsy, Travis and Janelle.
I'll close with an appropriate quote from Walt Whitman: "I bequeath myself to the dirt, to grow from the grass I love. If you want me again, look for me under your boot soles."
May 14, 2010
Travis and Janelle,
I first met Lee when he grilled me at Eagle River Community Council meetings. He was a very smart guy who looked out for the interests of the whole community, not just his part of it. I found him intimidating until I saw the twinkle in his eye. I enjoyed his brand of humor. Peace and comfort to you and your family.
Therese Stokes
Valerie Bullock
May 14, 2010
Truly my condolences to the Cline family. Truly he will be missed by many. He had been around a long time and the last I spoke with him, we remmonised of how long he'd been there and he never knew me from Adam or Eve. But we remembered how he was so kind to people from all walks of the world, especially those who traveled thru Anchorage asking for directions. My prayers are with you always.
Lori Kimball
May 14, 2010
I am so saddened to hear about Lee's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you Betsy and family at this time.
Angela White-Riley
May 14, 2010
My condolences to the Cline family. I never met Lee (I worked with Betsy), but am keeping his friends and family in my closest thoughts!
Cousin Ed and Jannie Bowers
May 14, 2010
I remember the very first time I met Lee and I could not quit staring at him. He to me always looked and sounded like my Favorite Actor Sam Elliott..and each time he came to visit from Alaska he never let me forget it..Why would I think he would. All the Cline's are part of our extended family and this loss is felt deep in our hearts. Our love to all of you and hugs for Betsy,Travis and Family.
Cousin Eddie and Jannie
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