Capt. Roy Edward Lee

Capt. Roy Edward Lee, well-known in the Elko community for his dedicated career with the Elko Fire Department peacefully passed away at home on Monday, April 8, 2013. He was 86. Roy served the City of Elko for his entire firefighting career and also owned Lee's Fire Extinguishers after retiring from the department.

Roy was born in Lovelock, NV on January 18, 1927 to Frank and Gladys Lee. After moving from Lovelock, Roy's family relocated to Lamoille, NV where he learned to fire fight at the young age of 11. At age 18, he joined the Navy where he served in the Yellow Sea and the Pacific.

Roy began his firefighting career with the Elko Fire Department in 1960, a move that led him to become the first Fire Captain for the City of Elko. A dedicated and accomplished firefighter, he consistently pushed for safety and the protection of the public. After retiring from the department in 1983, the volunteer arm of the Elko Fire Department was named Lee Engine Company, to honor Roy and to commemorate his commitments made to the community.

Though much of Roy's service was publicly known later in his career, a turning point for him happened while working early in his life at Purity Dairy in Elko. Through his work, he met Alice "Jane" Lee at Peoples Market, and the two instantly connected. Through their life together, they would exemplify devotion and love as each other's soul mate, best friend and confidante. The two were married in Elko on August 22, 1953. The union between the two raised six children; three boys and three girls.

In retirement, Roy loved to cook, play rummy, spend time on his farm, fish, hunt, and can garden goods with his wife. He also loved to spend time with his family, host backyard barbeques and celebrations for even the smallest of occasions. No event was too small to celebrate at the Lee household. Family was at the core of everything Roy did in life, his family meant the world to him.

Roy is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Gladys Lee; brothers Robert Lee, Raymond and Oscar Roberson; sister Leotie Shobar; grandchildren Chad Zunino, Clay Wadkins and Cayla Jo Bixler.

Roy is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jane Lee; sister Myrtle Orbe; children Roy "Gene" Lee, Patricia Sanchez, Charles (Teresa) Lee, Dawna Zunino, Alice (Jeff) Baker and Henry (Caroline) Lee; grandchildren Melissa (Daniel) Canaday, David Lee, Candice (John-Henry) Roderick, Jennifer (J.J.) Jackson, Rebecca (Lee) Larsen, Tiffany (Isaac) Stranz, Stephanie (Jason) Bogue, Whitney (Jacob Seifman) Lee; ten great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and family friend Heidi Lee.

A viewing is scheduled for Thursday, April 18 from 6 to 7 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home at 895 Fairground Road in Elko. The funeral service is planned to celebrate the life of Roy Edward Lee at 1:00 p.m., Friday, April 19 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 777 Sage Street, followed by a burial at the Elko City Cemetery. Guests of the service are also invited to attend a celebration of life for Roy at Biltoki, located at 405 Silver Street immediately following the events.

The family would also like to express their gratitude and thanks to Reed Leavitt for his exceptional care of Roy, along with the Genesis nurses.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made to the City of Elko Fire Department and/or Lee Engine Company. ?