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Richard E. Lee Remembered

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Richard Lee

Richard E. Lee Remembered is a memorial site in honor of the gifted professor, poet, and artist—the late Richard Lee. Richard was a friend to countless individuals, and he enlightened people, and touched and healed their lives.

During his lifetime, Richard had been a son, brother, World War II soldier, student and graduate of NYU for his three degrees, professor, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather—among everything else he had been through the pursuit of his many interests and hobbies. His intellectual and creative gifts allowed him to express his knowledge of life through writing, works of art, photography, music, healing, and the art of living.

In his quest to find himself and the truth, Richard kept an open and inquisitive mind that embraced many ideals, religions, and philosophies. He never stopped searching for meaning in this world, weaving threads of one concept into another, to form his own tapestry of life. As long as I had known him, he was ever learning, growing, and in the state of becoming.

Though Richard's loss has been a great one—and he has been sorely missed by many persons—this site celebrates his life instead of mourning his loss, for to the end of his days, Richard was a truly unique and brave individual; his soul ever vibrant as he searched for the essence of self, and of life.

"Cave: Easter Morning 1991" was a poem Richard wrote that tells of a discovery he made in his beloved hometown of Joshua Tree—where he lived after retiring from CSULB. This poem expresses the whimsical side of his character that can often be found in his works:

CAVE
Easter Morning 1991

It was not really a cave, not technically.
More like a bunch of boulders thrown one
atop another till they made a shelter.
When I crawled up and entered it, it
was mine, I owned it. I had discovered it.
No coyote here;
no bobcat, spray paint, or man.
I sang, chanted, hit rocks together.
I yelled my name, and no one heard.
But I heard. I was great all morning long.
There could have been beer cans, old shoes, con-
doms, newspapers, but there was nothing
there but me. I was protected, safe, and sound.
I was wearing my very own suit of stone.
Okay, okay there were rat droppings.
I noticed as I was leaving.
Kangaroo rat droppings.
Nature's candle drippings.
So to speak.

© 1991 Richard Lee

Richard E. Lee Remembered is comprised of a brief biography, excerpts from Richard's letters, cards, and e-mail messages, as well as some of his poetry, artwork, and photography. Also included are photos of Richard and his musical group Ceremonial Sounds, featuring his wife Savya Lee and their friend Manon Robertshaw Trent.

This site is located at
dragoon1st.tripod.com/relee/index.html