LEE ROBERT WASHBURN

Lee Robert Washburn, 93, of Alpena passed peacefully at home on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017. Lee was born in Battle Creek on May 9, 1924, to the late Lee and Margaret (McDonald) Washburn and the late second father, Leo Schroder. On Feb. 25, 1943, he married his best friend, Mary Jean Baker; a love affair lasting almost 71 years. Being the frontrunner that Jean was, she peacefully transcended on Nov. 24, 2013, charting the map to their next journey. Lee’s love for the waters came at a very young age where he enjoyed trout fishing on the smallest of brooks to the Great Lakes and beyond. He was a life guard, served in the United States Navy, and raced Catboats on Thunder Bay. Some of his greatest adventures took place in the North Channel. He also had a passion for the woods and a love for bird hunting. Aside from being worldly in his travels, one of his favorite flights was at age 90 where he went sky diving over Harbor Springs. Despite all the amazing things he did with Jean, Lee felt that their greatest accomplishment was his family. Surviving are six of his seven children, Patrick (Rita) Washburn, Cathy (Dick) Spencer, Erin (Randy) Lutes, Timothy (Julie) Washburn, Coreen (Billy) Williams, Sean Washburn; 20 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and three great-great- grandchildren. In total they are responsible for 46 descendants and many more to come. Welcoming him to heaven is his son Kevin Washburn along with his parents, and beloved in-laws, Ray and Isabelle Baker, brother Leo Washburn and sister Jean Conley. Memorial visitation will take place at St. John the Baptist Church of All Saints Parish on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass of Christian Burial at 12 p.m. with Rev. James Fitzpatrick officiating. Arrangements are being handled by the Bannan Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Michigan.