Lee Edward Lauritzen

Lee was born in Oakland, California on January 15th,1942 eight minutes after his identical twin Larry, who never let him forget that he was the oldest! His father Ben, & mother Athalie completed the family. Lee grew up in the city but was able to have life defining country adventures each summer.

Lee met, then married, his high school sweetheart and LOVE of his life, Dorothy (Dottie Kearns). They welcomed their daughter Michelle (Mitchell) in the spring of 1962.

Lee attended Humboldt State University and received his degree in forestry on the day his daughter Kathy (Katherine Tarbell) was born. The family moved to Medford, Oregon where Lee started his 30+ year career with BLM. (Bureau of Land Management)Their son Craig was born in the summer of 1968. Lee's career took him from fire lines and forestry basics up to management positions. The family moved to Springfield, Virginia for a short time then to Grand Junction, Colorado and finally to Eugene, Oregon where he was the Area Manager at retirement. Lee & Dorothy moved to Gresham, Oregon in 2007.

Lee's passion for nature was expressed in the murals and fine art paintings that he created. Lee was commissioned locally to create public murals in Gresham (On 3rd between Main & Roberts,) and in Sandy (on Hoffman Avenue). Lee spent each day in his art studio working, even after his Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Lee loved playing sports as a young man, fishing, hiking, cheering on the Ducks football and basketball, & Portland Trailblazers. He got the most joy being with his grandchildren and great grandchildren-Nancy Lauritzen, Chris Dunn, Eric Mitchell (sons: Alex & Ben Mitchell, Daughter Callie Mitchell) Geddy Tarbell (daughters: Montana, Pacific & Trillium Tarbell) Kastle Likens (Tarbell: daughters Araya & Malita Likens), Leeann Sheldon (Lauritzen: son Coltlee & daughter Kinlee Sheldon) and Tre Lauritzen.

Lee not only shared a birthdate with his twin brother but also left this earth on the same date as his twin Larry too. Although I am sure Lee will point out to Larry that he had 4 years on him, March 8, 2022.

A Celebration of Life gathering of family and friends is planned for Sunday, April 3, 2022 at Glen Otto Park in Troutdale, Oregon stop in anytime from 2:00-5:00 pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.batemancarrollfunerals.com for the LAURITZEN family.