Lee Bartlett Woodbury was born on September 22, 1945, to LeGrande and Lydia Woodbury in Burley, Idaho. He died surrounded by his family on January 6, 2023, at the age of 77.
Lee was one of seven children and grew up farming in Idaho and cattle ranching in Montana. He spoke fondly of growing up in a rural setting and his love of horses. In particular, his first and favorite horse, “Mister Nobody” and his second, “Mister’s Sister.” He then moved on to The University of Idaho. It was as a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity, that he met his wife, Arlene Arbuckle of Lewiston ID, while being a hasher at the Alpha Phi sorority house. Lee and Arlene were married in May of 1970.
After college graduation, Lee joined the United States Marine Corps attaining the rank of Captain. He continued his service in the Marine Corp Reserves once they moved to Littleton, Colorado in 1973. He then began his career working in finance for Merrill Lynch and later became a Credit Union Examiner for the Colorado Division of Banking, retiring as the Manager of Applications and Complaints in 2002, after 25 years with the division.
In 1974, Lee and Arlene were blessed with a son, Troy, who was born on Lee’s birthday. In 1979, they were blessed again with the arrival of their daughter, Ashley (who would later change her name to Ashlee out of fondness for her father). Lee’s pride and joy grew with the arrival of each granddaughter – Catrin, Riley, and (little) Lee. He cherished his role as “Grandpa with the fuzzy white hair” and was faithful in his attendance of swim meets, theater productions, birthday parties, and school events. He took time to be present with his granddaughters, whether it be offering advice, reading them endless stories or twirling them in the air, always higher than anyone else would.
Lee had an ability to amuse both himself and friends with his use of expressions. When asked how he was, he’d respond, “I’m finer than frog’s hair,” or “If I were any better I’d explode.” On the topic of money, he’d quip, “Green goes with everything.” Or when taking on a project, he’d start with, “We’ll do something, even if it’s wrong.” Upon completion it was, “That’s a thing of beauty and a joy to behold.”
Lee had an adventurous spirit, from traveling to Antarctica, to heli-skiing in Canada, or his annual multi-week camping trips on horseback in the Sierra Nevadas with one or more of his brothers. He was an avid skier and volunteered at Winter Park Ski Resort for many seasons. Lee enjoyed going to estate sales and auctions, especially when searching for pieces to add to his expansive collection of antiques, western art, and Native American rugs.
Lee was a dependable friend and enjoyed serving others. If he thought he could help, without question, he would. He freely gave the gift of his time and talents and had a spirit of volunteerism. He was treasurer for the Platte Canyon Sertoma Club for several years and served on the board of Columbine Knolls Homeowner’s Association for over a decade. He was a person you could count on, as a husband, father, sibling, friend, and neighbor.
Lee’s quiet kindness and gentle spirit will be missed dearly by his family and friends.
Lee was preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister, Leann Simnitt. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Arlene; his brothers, Lynn, Larry, Lyle, and Loren, and sister, Judy; his children and their spouses, Troy (Lynn) and Ashlee (Graham); and his three granddaughters, Catrin (16), Riley (12), and Lee (9).
The memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2023, at the Chapel at Ellis Family Services (13436 W Arbor Pl, Littleton, CO 80127) at 11:00 AM.
A reception for family and friends following the service will be at Mission Hills Church (620 Southpark Dr, Littleton, CO 80120). Use the Administrative Entrance on the northwest corner of the building.
Military burial at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area B (3698 S. Sheridan Blvd., Denver, CO 80235) will take place on Friday, January 20, 2023, at 10:15 AM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Lee’s memory be made to the Navajo Water Project.
To plant a tree in memory of Lee Bartlett Woodbury, visit the Tribute Store.
19
Jan
13436 West Arbor Place
Littleton, CO 80127
Services conclude at the chapel.
19
Jan
620 Southpark Drive
Littleton, CO 80120
Please use the Administrative Entrance on the northwest corner of the building.
20
Jan
3698 South Sheridan Boulevard
Denver, CO 80235
Please meet at 10:15 AM at Staging Area "B" for procession to Shelter B.
3698 South Sheridan Boulevard
Denver, CO 80235
