"Dear Yvonne and family, I was sorry to hear of the loss of Tim your beloved husband, father and grandfather. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of remembrance, celebrating his life and mourning his passing. May he rest in peace. Sincerely, Jane and Phil Milkie"
In loving memory of
TIM EUGENE LEE
July 27, 1949 - September 7, 2021
On September 7, 2021 Tim Eugene Lee was called home at the age of 72. His family & friends have lost a great man who was loving, kind, and generous.
Tim was born in Marshall, Michigan to CM Sgt James Eugene Lee & Donna Lee Beitler. His Dad was stationed throughout the USA & abroad. One of his posts was in Japan; he was proud of Timmy as he was a Japanese All Star baseball player. Tim was always in it to win it. He got his wandering spirit from his Dad; throughout his life he was an enthusiastic traveler. He spent time in 49 of the 50 states and had several international assignments.
Tim began working in the hospitality industry at the age of 17; he went on to become an award winning Resort Operator & Developer. He opened the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City, MI where he met his wife Yvonne. After their marriage, Tim went on to manage The Radisson Oasis in Cairo, Egypt; Arrowwood, A Radisson Resort in Alexandria, MN; Xanadu Hotel & Resort in Freeport, Grand Bahama; Ciboney Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Big Cedar Lodge in Branson, MO. He was a professional consultant for the Park Inn by Radisson in Aberdeen, Scotland; Dolly Parton & Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN; Herschend Family Entertainment in Branson, MO.
Post retirement Tim worked with Griffin Beverage in Marquette, MI; he so enjoyed selling wine & beer to local owners & operators. He was very community centered. If you asked Tim his greatest accomplishment, it wasn't his career, it was being a father & family man. He was eager to listen, advise, and guide. The light he brought to the world will remain in the hearts of many.
Tim is survived by wife, Yvonne; his brother Rex (Jane) Lee; sister-in-law Barbara Lee; daughters Amanda & Jennifer (Doug) Lee; sons Benjamin (Sarah); Michael (Nicole); granddaughters Delaney, Rylee, Avery, Lydia, Lucia & Marcella; niece, Tara Lee (Jeff) McCartney; nephew, Benjamin Lee, two great nephews, Sean & Kyle & the Lee, Katz & Russo families. He was preceded in death by his parents James & Donna and his brother Lt Col Russell Lee.
Visitation will be at Canale Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Marquette, MI on Friday, September 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. where a parish prayer service will be recited at 6:15 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, September 18 at 10 a.m. in St. Peter Cathedral with the Rev. Msgr. Michael Steber officiating. Inurnment will take place following the Mass at the Holy Cross Cemetery. A luncheon will be served at the funeral home beginning at 12 Noon on Saturday.
Honorary pallbearers are sons, Benjamin & Michael, Rex & Ben Lee, John Nerone and Scott Larmour.
The family wishes to thank their prayer partners, Unity Hospice, the St. Vincent Cancer Center & Mayo Clinic; many angels were put in our path during Tim's journey. God is great!
Tim's obituary can also be viewed at canalefuneral.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.
Tributes
"My heart is hurting for you all, Tim will truly be missed . I am so glad we saw him on the Fourth of July at camp and also at Tommy Russo?s banquet. Tim always had the best stories ! He was so proud of his family . He?ll never be forgotten. Your in my prayers, love Patti "
"Dear Yvonne and family, your memories of your life together are special and forever. I treasure the memories of our travels to San Francisco to see some awesome bands. He loved music! He had an even bigger passion for his family, hospitality, wine and travel. He remained true to himself for his whole life and was a good friend. We share your tears."
"Yvonne and family my condolences. Super happy I was able to visit and listen to Tim at our class of 67 reunion? I just loved Tim and heard sooo much about his lovely wife Yvonne and I grew to like her ? Tim you will be missed ??????"
"Yvonne and family, My heart is heavy upon hearing of Tim?s passing. He was a bright light, even back in high school, and was always a positive presence in any crowd. He will be missed. "
"Tim was a great person in all ways. Our family will surely miss him. Nancy"