Lee Moore died Monday, November 14, 2016 from heart failure, a complication of knee surgery. Lee was born to Roy and Ella Moore on May 2, 1927 at Wilcox Womens Hospital in Portland. He was the first generation born in Portland and has been followed by three generations, all born at the same hospital.

Lee grew up in the Fulton Neighborhood, along the Willamette River. He attended Terwilliger Elementary School and spent his childhood riding bikes across the Sellwood Bridge for a picnic at Oaks Park or to see a movie for just a nickel. Although these were the years of The Great Depression his family lived well. Roy worked as a butcher, bringing home meat for every meal and he grew a garden the size of a full city block. Lee’s talent for gardening began early with his father.

Upon graduation from Lincoln High School Lee at the age of eighteen, was drafted into the Army. World War II soon officially ended and he was sent to Tokyo for two years, as a part of the recovery effort. While in Japan Lee took full advantage of seeing Japan and has regaled his family with great stories throughout his life. A favorite explained his only war injury as a monkey bite in Manila.

Upon returning to the United States Lee met his future bride Marjorie Sue Chisler. He attended Oregon State University on the GI Bill and graduated in 1952 with a degree in education/science. Lee and Marjorie married June 16, 1950 in downtown Portlands First Christian Church. Soon three daughters completed the family.

Lee’s teaching career began as a classroom teacher at Couch School. Throughout his 32 years with Portland Public Schools he was a classroom teacher, a gifted child coordinator, an instructional consultant, the assistant supervisor of science, a computer science program director, and he then served as principal. He was known for improving the quality of science education and was instrumental in developing the Outdoor School Program, which began in 1963 and continues to educate Portlands sixth graders with experiential education today. His most challenging and rewarding principalship was at Martin Luther King Elementary School from 1972 – 1980. He was proud to bring the school and community together providing excellence in education. Lee completed his career in 1983, exiting from Meriwether Lewis Elementary School with an impressive science curriculum and greenhouse program.

Early retirement allowed Lee to pursue his other life passions. Every winter was spent with Marjorie hosting family in Palm Springs, California. The beach house they built in 1960 was a favorite place to enjoy a blustery storm or Oregons perfect summer weather. Lee and Marjorie traveled the world including a trip to Yugoslavia with his sister and brother-in-law to meet family in the small town where his father was born.

Lee was known for encouraging life long learning. His three daughters all graduated from OSU and became elementary education teachers. As grandchildren joined the family and grew into adulthood, they knew Grandpa would always support them and never criticize their life choices. Lee was exceptionally proud to be the father of college graduates and grandfather of six grandchildren whom also graduated from college and found their way into successful careers. At the time of his death four great-grandchildren had joined the family; Lee was delighted to know each one of them as their Papa.

Following the death of his wife Marjorie, Lee developed a loving companionship with his neighbor Bobbie O’Brian. They began sharing the warm winters of Palm Springs and toured the world cruising.

Lee is survived by daughter, Christina Lundeberg and husband Duane; their children, Megan and Matthew; daughter, Teresa Pechette, her children Rebecca, Tyler, daughter-in-law, Christine, and great-grandchildren Lincoln, and Amelia; daughter Denise White, her husband Steve, and grandchildren Joe, Laura Yengich, son-in-law Sean, and great-grandchildren Nicholas, and Samantha.

A memorial will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, December 11, 2016 at the Highlands Club House, 12930 S.W. Peachvale St., Tigard, OR 97224.