Joseph G. Lee, at age 102, went to be with our Lord on July 21, 2016. He went peacefully at Birchview Memory Care in Sedro-Woolley.

He was born in Mount Vernon on October 7, 1913 to William and Vida Lee (Nokleby). He was raised in Conway and worked on the family farm there and shake mills in LaConner and Bow. He attended school in Conway and Mount Vernon.

In August, 1939 he married Phyllis Sweeton of LaConner and they raised their three children in Conway. In 1957 they moved to Mount Vernon.

Joe was a welder my trade and worked in the shipyards during the war. He worked many years at Skagit Steel/Bendix and retired from there in 1978.

Joe enjoyed boating and restored an older 32' Chirst-Craft which he kept moored in Anacortes. They would cruise around the San Juan Islands and Canada. Also got into RV'ing. He and Phyllis enjoyed snowbirding to California and Arizona for the winter.

Joe enjoyed working on cars. He would buy them, fix them up and sell or trade them. He painted many cars for family and friends. He would always say "It doesn't look like much buts it's a good runner"

He was very proud of his Irish heritage and enjoyed listening to Irish music and singers.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Phyllis Lee. His two brothers Sam and Robert Lee. Grandson Dan Martin and niece Diane Chichester. He is survived by his three children, sons Patrick Lee (Caroline) of Sedro-Woolly, Gary Lee (Donna) of Camano Island and his daughter Sharon Rasmussen (Donn) of Mt. Vernon. Cousin William Nokleby of Mt. Vernon. His seven grandchildren Angel Dye, Melissa Lee, Desiree Lee, Kim Knapp, Keith Martin, Jennifer Lee and Jason Lee. Nieces Judy Hatcher, Joyce Lee, Barbara Cartwright, Kathleen DeWitt. Nephews Fred Lee and Robert Lee. Seventeen great grandchildren and six great-great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff of Birchview Memory Care that took such great care of Joe while under their care. Also would like to thank Hospice for all of their support.

Graveside service and reception will be held Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at 1:00pm at Hawthorne Funeral Home 1825 E. College Way, Mount Vernon. Reception to follow.