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Lee DeVries Obituary

Lee Bryan DeVries, 31, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, April 6, 2003. Lee was born in Huntsville, Alabama, January 31, 1972, one of two children. Lee graduated from Canyon del Oro High School in Tucson, Arizona in 1990, and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Organization Communication from Arizona State University in 1995. An accomplished athlete with an outstanding work ethic, Lee received numerous awards and accolades. Although sports were a big part of Lee's life, his true passion was spending time and enjoying social activities with his friends and family. Everyone who knew Lee considered him the life of the party. He had a unique talent to make everyone he met feel like his friend. Lee was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Lyle DeVries. He is survived by his Mother, Theresa of Chandler, Arizona; his brother Russell, sister-in-law Amy and nephew Reese of Richmond, Virginia; and his Aunt Jean DeVries of Bigfork, Minnesota. He is also survived by hundreds of friends that he would consider very close. A memorial Mass will be held Friday, April 11, 2003 at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 3450 West Ray road, Chandler, Arizona, 85226-2300. Reception will begin at 9:30am followed immediately by services at 10:00am. If friends so desire, donations may be made to DeVries Family, 1900 W Chandler Blvd #15-295, Chandler, AZ 85224.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Apr. 10, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
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April 12, 2003

"Dont be dismayed at goodbyes.

A farewell is necessary before you can meet again.

And meeting again after moments or lifetimes is

certain for those who are friends." - Richard B

Autumn

April 12, 2003

I didn't get to know Lee, but he will be in my thoughts often. And his family is in my prayers.

Karen Doltz

April 11, 2003

For the year that I worked with Lee, he was the best part of my day. If I was in a bad mood, he'd be the boost I needed, if I was in a happy mood, he'd be the one to push it further.



The world was truly a better place because of Lee DeVries.



Thank you for being you, Lee.

Rick Pickering

April 11, 2003

Goodbye my friend, may God rap his arms around you.

Kameron Hoffs

April 11, 2003

Lee will be sorely missed. I'm deeply sorry to hear of his passing and our thoughts and prayers go with his family.

Ben Rosky

April 11, 2003

It was an honor to have known Lee for the last 6 years or so. Many of those years were especially important to me, because of the love he was able to share with my sister. Although relationships often change over time, it is during those peak moments of irreplacible and unforgettable happiness that we value the most. Lee was able to give us enough of those moments to last for a lifetime, but always left us wanting more. I will miss him.

Rich Rosky

April 11, 2003

Although I did not have the opportunity to spend a great deal of time with Lee he left a tremendous impression on me.I knew from the first time I met him that he was a good man and a true friend to people around him.I knew enough about Lee to develope a real respect and admiration for him.I am thankfull that I had the opportunity to know him.

Mary Reynolds

April 11, 2003

Everyone knew when Lee was at work because you could hear me laughing for miles away. He brought tremendous joy and pure friendship to all the lives he touched. He was open and generous, letting everyone in and I am so thankful to have known him and remember him. I will always remember the way he made me laugh and the love and loyalty he brought to his frienships and family. Thank you Lee... I love you and I miss you.

Mark Ioli

April 11, 2003

I was fortunate enough to have worked with Lee, and was one of so many people who were touched by his humor and kind heartedness. Such genuinely good people are so rare, I wish we could have had him just a little longer. Thank you Lee, for so many laughs...

Peyton Thomas

April 11, 2003

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Lee for a short period of time; it was a shock to know he is not going to be here with us anymore. He was inspiring and I know his team, his family and all of those who were blessed to be in his life will miss him. He and I had a lot in common, and it is unreal " The Lee " will no longer be here. His time with us was precious and he knows how much he is loved and missed. From all of us at IBM and American Express. Lee will be in our thoughts and in our hearts. A good man will be missed

Donna and Ken Pogue

April 11, 2003

My son went to high school with Lee in Tucson and that group of friends were very special. I have wonderful memories of their friendship. That friendship has continued into the workplace where he and Chris worked together. Although I haven't seen Lee in quite a few years, I know that Chris is devestated over the loss of his dear friend.

Lee and his family will be in our thoughts and prayers. He will be missed by so many.

Chad Schloss

April 11, 2003

In the nearly 3 years I've had the honor to know him; Lee has been to me a hardworking colleague, a true man of his word, a genuine friend and a trusted confidant that really came through for me when I lost my grandfather and father almost 2 years ago. I will miss Lee's humor, his songs, his laughter, but most of all his gift of presence to turn some less than pleasant moments into something so much better, lighter, and friendly. I thank God for the blessing Lee's life has been for me. God bless the DeVries family, especially now in this time of great loss.

John Palthen

April 11, 2003

Lee,

Everyone will miss you. Even though we didn't always call one another to go out, somehow we always ended up at the same place and everyone knew you were there. I am sure you are smiling down on us right now. God Bless you Buddy!

Dodie (Jones) Ortloff

April 11, 2003

I will always have the wonderful memories of us together at Jr. High and out on the track field. Lee was a very special friend to me and will be missed, but never forgotten. He was always happy and kind to all.

Rodger Besley

April 10, 2003

I did not know him long but I liked him.

Roni Taylor

April 10, 2003

We are all deeply saddened by the loss of such a wonderful person. He was a pleasure to know and work with. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the DeVrie Family.

Eric Pettinato

April 10, 2003

The world has lost a truly unique and inspiring person in Lee Devries and I am a better person to have known and worked with him. Lee's passion and charm left a mark on everyone he knows. His distinct laugh brings a smile to my face while sorrow fills my heart with this tragic news. Lee you are sadly missed but you will not soon be forgotten. To the Devries family, all of my thoughts and prayers.

Perry Mercer

April 10, 2003

Lee was one of a kind. He was very social and well liked by everyone at work. I'm very sadden that he is no longer with us. I wish his family the best in their time of loss. Lee will be missed by all.

Laila Bonilla

April 10, 2003

Eveytime that you were around I was sure to have a good time. That smile told it all. You will be greatly missed!!!!

Stephanie Harmon

April 10, 2003

Lee always had a knack for making people smile when he was around. He always was excited to see all his old school friends and you knew you were important to him. I will never forget all the fun, happy times. Lee was a very unique and special person and will be truly missed by many! My thoughts and prayers are with the DeVries family in this difficult and very sad time.

Alicia R. Russell

April 10, 2003

I attended High School with Lee in Tucson. We kept in touch over the years and occasionally I would see him out in Scottsdale- always with a big group of friends and a a big smile on his face! He was funny, kind and smart and everyone loved him. I have many special memories of Lee and I will remember him always. My prayers and thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.

Karen Walden

April 10, 2003

I had the opportunity to work with Lee for all too brief a time. His hard work and great sense of humor will be deeply missed by the close team of colleagues he leaves behind.

Rod Merrill

April 10, 2003

Lee would always make me laugh...I used to love how he could put his name in any song he sang when we worked together, cracked me up. I am deeply hurt & very sad, I'll miss you Lee. My condolences to the family.

Rod

Erin Burgess

April 10, 2003

Lee is definately one of the most funniest & loving people I have ever had the pleasure meeting. I love you Lee and you are forever in my heart & memories........

Susan Dorinski

April 10, 2003

I'll miss u Lee

Ray Milyard

April 10, 2003

Lee will be missed. He was a GREAT guy and I enjoyed working with him.

Jason Wharton

April 10, 2003

Lee is a wonderful person and we will all miss him dearly. My prayers go out to all his family and friends.

Michelle and Doug Kusmider-Dexter

April 10, 2003

Lee's smile and positive attitude will be remembered by all who knew him. He was a great person and will be missed. His family is in our prayers at this time.

christina jones (C.J)

April 10, 2003

Lee always had a smile on his face and his arms were always open for a hug. He always made us laugh and was without a doubt a true gentleman. Lee will always be in my heart and in my memories...

Donna Cervantez(Martin)

April 10, 2003

My son David Martin & Lee went to school together in Tucson. Lee & David were very close and over the years I have thought of Lee often. Our family is deeply sadden by the lost of Lee. In the holiday season our family and his would trade tamales for egg rolls.

David & Michele Martin

April 10, 2003

He is great friend and will be very missed.

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