Art Lee, WF6P SK

wb0131340-2_20161214-jpgx    Arthur R. Lee WF6P  SK


Nov. 19, 1928 – Dec. 12, 2016
Resident of Santa Cruz
Arthur R. Lee, age 88 of Santa Cruz, CA passed away on December 12, 2016. Arthur was born in San Diego, California on November 19th 1928. He attended schools in Hawaii and high school at Hayward High and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from San Jose State University. As a 13 year old Navy dependent at West Loch, Hawaii, he and his family witnessed the bombing of Pearl Harbor and took refuge when his home was strafed by Japanese aircraft. Like his father LT Harry C. Lee, he joined the Navy in 1946 at 17 years old and served his country with honor and distinction for 30 years, retiring as a Commander in 1976. His military service included ship tours aboard the aircraft carriers Oriskany and Ranger. He served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars and was awarded the Purple Heart along with numerous other commendations for his courage and leadership. 


Following his naval career, he was a teacher and mentor, teaching aviation maintenance management at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University; Aeronautics, Amateur Radio and Magazine Article Writing at Cabrillo College. He enjoyed many years sailing a wide variety of vessels in Hawaii, Vietnam, Guam, Japan, San Diego and Santa Cruz. He also enjoyed Amateur Radio and was active in that community for many years, helping to track sailing vessels during countless transpacific journeys. He was a prolific writer. His work appeared in a wide variety of publications including the Wall Street Journal, Naval Institute Proceedings, Popular Electronics, Yachting, Smithsonian and many more. He especially enjoyed sharing his love of writing with other writers.
Arthur was a master storyteller. He entertained many with his humorous and poignant stories about the sea, military life, Masonic service, and the many people he met throughout his exciting life. He loved music of the golden era and enjoyed playing the piano with fellow musicians. He was a lifelong tennis player, Mason and sailor and kept active in many clubs throughout his entire life. 

Arthur married Donna Vermette on March 7, 1952 and enjoyed a wonderful 64 years of marriage. (Arthur freely admits they started their family 9 months and 1 day after they were married). Arthur is predeceased by his brother (Stanley). Arthur is survived by his wife Donna, brother (Clinton), sisters (Barbara and Sylvia), two daughters (Joyce and Elaine), two sons (Bruce “Steve” and Randal), seven grandchildren (Cheri, Eric, Beckett, Shannon, Justin, Benjamin and Samuel, five great-grandchildren (Brooklyn, Preston, Theodore, Madelyn and Chelsea). Arthur was deeply loved by family and friends and will be long remembered and greatly missed by all who knew him. 

Interment, with military honors, will be held at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California.
To express your condolences or share a remembrance with Arthur’s family, please visitwww.pacificgardenschapel.com.