Christopher Ahern Lee

1943 - 2025

Christopher Ahern Lee

May 19, 1943 - January 17, 2025

Walnut Grove, California - Chris passed away at 81 after a courageous battle from a stroke.

Chris was born in Palo Alto, California and raised in Long Beach where he attended St. Anthony and St. Barnabas Grammar Schools, and served as an altar boy. He graduated St. Anthony High School in 1961 where he sang in the Glee Club and was editor of the high school newspaper. As an Explorer Scout, Chris was a member of the Tribe of Tahquitz and an awarded Native American five hoop dancer in full Native dress. During the summer after his senior year of high school, Chris rode his bicycle from California to Massachusetts. Chris attended Long Beach City College for one year until he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1962. He attained the rank of Corpsman and sailed in the Northeastern Pacific on the Dexter. After his service in the Coast Guard, Chris spent a summer at the University of Uppsala in Sweden. Upon returning home, Chris received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Long Beach State University where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity, a Student Senator, a columnist for the college newspaper, and President of the Young Republican Club. After college, Chris received his law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1968 where he was editor of the Law School newspaper. He became licensed as California attorney and practiced law for 55 years until he retired in 2024.

After law school, Chris moved to Northern California and took a job with the California Legislature. In 1970 he went to work as Deputy District Attorney for Sacramento County through 1974. Chris then joined the law firm of Mull and Mull where a case took him to Walnut Grove. While there he fell in love with the Delta and opened a general trial practice in 1975. He simultaneously maintained an office in Sacramento, and at times in San Diego to represent the Teamsters Union. In his career Chris tried over 240 jury trials and hundreds of court trials. Jan Kuykendall served as Chris' long-term legal assistant.

Having represented farmers for years, Chris and his wife Phyllis started an orchard of pears and cherries from open ground, becoming one of the first growers of cherries in the Delta. Chris and Phyllis enjoyed tending to their rose garden, boasting of their 'Lucille Ball' roses, and entertaining in their 1906 Queen Anne home. With his love of talk radio, Chris hosted a legal talk show and was instrumental in steering Rush Limbaugh towards KFBK. Chris and Phyllis enjoyed traveling with Rush to several countries and on many cruises.

As a devout Catholic, Chris served as an Usher and Lector for over 40 years at St. Anthony Church, and a Lector at St. Joseph Church. He developed a lasting friendship with Father Dan Madigan which included traveling abroad together. Chris served on the Sacramento County Farm Bureau, Reclamation District 556, and the Walnut Grove Fire Protection District.

Chris is survived by his stepsons, Kenneth Hubbard (Richter Elser) and Brad Hubbard (Katie), step-grandchildren McKenna and Delaney Hubbard; his siblings, Deborah Dignan (Jack), Susan Hoffman (late Robert), Prudence Lee (John Ahl), Jennifer Lee and Jonathan Lee (Christene); his nieces and nephews, Martin Boutot (Beng), Molly Hervey (Ryan), Casey Dignan (Debbie), Kelly Dignan (Angie), Brennan Dignan (Lindsey), Sean Dignan (Carol Novosel), James Dignan (Simona), Erin Dignan, Jack Dignan Jr., Jon Hoffman (Christy), Kyle Hoffman (Cheri), Regan Wilda (Jake), Elizabeth Lee (Chris Dang), and Michael Lee. Chris is also survived by Megan Lee. Chris was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis Fox Lee, his parents, Elinor and Harry Lee, and his nephew, Patrick Lee.

The family would like to thank his loyal caregivers at Later Years Senior Home.

Chris was an avid supporter of Friends of Vinh Son Orphanages and St. Anthony Catholic Church.

Arrangements are being handled by Evergreen Memorial. A Rosary will be held on January 24, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Clarksburg, California. A Funeral Mass will be held on January 25, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church in Walnut Grove, California or Friends of Vinh Son Orphanages.