Lee LaVern Hager

I was sad to hear that Lee passed away. My thoughts and prayers to his Wife, Ann, his Children, Grandchildren and Friends. Lee was a true leader, educator and had a great love of his family. I appreciated his help in understanding issues we faced on the Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) School Board where I served for many years. He exemplified patience, kindness and support for our students and educators. Thank you, Lee, for being a beacon for our students. In reading his memorial, I have an understanding of his wisdom. He lived a wonderful life, had an amazing family and lived to the fullest. I am honored to have known him and grateful for his support of my time on the FUSD School Board and his service to our community. God Bless Hager Family.

I am saddened to come upon this news. In my first job out of Arizona State journalism school, I covered the Flagstaff Unified School District for the local paper. I was young and dumb, and I once mentioned that the school board "shot down" on a 3-2 vote whatever it is they were voting on. Then an assistant superintendent, Dr. Hager didn't take kindly to the hyperbolic language, and I don't blame him. Thank you, Lee, for letting me make my errors of judgment at your expense. You were a good man who always took time to explain issues for me in my coverage. For whatever reason, I Googled you today. I have learned that you died just a few weeks ago. Peace to you and your family. I shall light a candle in your memory. I appreciate your tiny role in my life.

(From Earl) In the late 1970s I was teaching a class of all boys many of whom had been adjudicated at Greenway Jr. High. My boys were active and tended to have anger issues so I decided I would work on their fighting skills after school with heavily weighted boxing gloves. One afternoon, I was paid a visit by the new assistant principal who I hadn't yet met and he informed me that boxing was not allowed in public school. The boxing gloves that I had ordered would be returned to the sender. I then informed this new assistant principal that it might be wise for him not to visit my classroom after 3pm. And I never saw this new administrator, Dr. Lee Hager, from there on until we became fast friends. Lee, Ann, Cheryl & I have spent the last 40 some years spending New Year's Eve together no matter where they lived. I have too many memories to list here. Rest in peace, my friend.