Harold Francis "Pete" Lee, a lifelong educator and community leader, died on January 26, at the age of 99 at home with family at his side. Pete was born in Boulder, Colorado on January 11, 1923 to Francis "Bud" Lee and Hazel Bixler Lee.

Growing up in Boulder, Pete enjoyed all the iconic activities including skiing at the Chautauqua Mountain, sledding down Ninth Street and tubing on Boulder Creek. After graduation from Boulder High School, Pete began metal working and welding. He began his post-secondary schooling at the University of Colorado. In response to the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Pete enlisted in the Navy and was stationed in Hilo, Hawaii, where he repaired fighter planes and the future Corsair fighters. Following his honorable discharge in 1946, Pete returned to Boulder and worked for a short time in construction with his life-long friend astronaut Scott Carpenter. The young men helped build new dormitories at the University of Colorado. This type of work led Pete to re-enroll at CU under the GI Bill where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fine Arts. While at CU completing his undergraduate studies, Pete met his future life partner, Phyllis Jackson, and they were married on August 28, 1949. Pete returned to CU a few years later and completed his Master's Degree in Education and Administration. During his time in college at CU, Pete joined the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and assisted with the training of the gymnastics team. Pete remained an active member of the CU Alumni Association with a particular involvement in the scholarship program.

Pete moved to Fort Morgan in 1949 to teach art at Fort Morgan High School. He continued with his interest in aviation by building a small aircraft, and volunteering with the Civil Air Patrol achieving the rank of Commander at the local airport. In addition to his interest in aeronautics Pete was an avid boating enthusiast. He and Phyllis were among the founding members of the Empire Reservoir waterskiing group and the Lee family enjoyed many years of water sports at the lake. Pete became interested in counseling youth while teaching at the high school level and sought a path to do so as a school counselor. Pete completed the equivalent of a Master's degree in Counseling at the University of Denver and became the Chair of the guidance department at FMHS. Mentoring youth was a passion for Pete. He sponsored the Student Council, the gymnastics team, the Aerospace Club, and the Foreign Exchange Program at FMSH. Pete retired from the Fort Morgan School District in May 1987 after 39 years of exceptional educational service.

Pete received multiple recognitions for his service to youth including the MADD (Mother Against Drunk Driving) award by Colorado Governor Roy Romer. Pete's active involvement in the local Lions Club included serving as the liaison to FMHS and taking charge of the student-of-the-month recognition. Pete was presented the Melvin Jones Fellowship for his continued dedication to education and humanitarian service by the Lions Club International Foundation in 2007.

Pete and Phyllis taught dance lessons locally. They were fortunate to make many friends while sharing their love of dance through these lessons. They were active in the planning committee for the Fort Morgan Glenn Miller Festival for many years. Pete always looked forward to the opportunity to dance the "Big Band" music from that era. Pete was an active member of the St Charles Episcopal Church, taking on many roles over the years. Pete will be missed deeply by family, friends and the Fort Morgan Community.

Pete is survived by his wife of 72 years, Phyllis; three children, Deborah Yeats and her husband Michael of Superior, Michael Lee and his wife Debra of Fort Morgan, and Cynthia Bruntz of Fort Morgan; six grandchildren, Megan Yeats Maguire and her husband Brian, Kathleen Yeats Maguire and her husband Daniel, Clayton Bruntz and his wife Angela, Jessica Bruntz, Scott Lee and Eric Lee; and six great grandchildren, Caleb Maguire, Charlotte Maguire, Claire Maguire, William Maguire, Connor Maguire, and Reagan Bruntz.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday February 8, 2022 at 11:00 AM at St Charles Episcopal Church in Fort Morgan.

Friends who wish to make a memorial gift may do so to the Rocky Mountain Eye Institute.