Thomas Lee

Obituary for
Thomas Wilford Lee

Thomas Wilford Lee
1926-2016
Professor Tom Lee passed away due to natural causes on January 1, 2016 at the age of 89. He was born July 2, 1926 in Pocatello, Idaho to the home of educators Wilford D. Lee and Lorine Elizabeth Stender Hutchinson. He was the oldest, followed by brothers John, David and Richard. His parents moved from Idaho to Utah in his early youth. He was raised in Provo where his father taught at BYU and his mother taught in the public schools. Tom spent the summers exploring the wonders of Mt. Timpanogos where his parents taught BYU summer school.

Tom graduated from BY High and continued his studies at BYU and graduate school at U of U and again back at BYU for his doctoral studies in Physics and Astronomy. He was introduced to the musically talented and beautiful Carolyn Thompson in 1951 and proposed to her on the spot. He knew a good thing when he saw it. They married in the LDS Salt Lake Temple on September 21, 1951. Together they raised a family of science-minded musicians.

Tom and Carolyn moved around the country several times with Tom’s job assignments. They treated each move as a mini-mission, lending priesthood and musical leadership wherever they went. In 1980 they returned to Provo where up until his 89th birthday he taught Astronomy at UVU. He retired from teaching full-time just six months ago.

Tom was a faithful member of the LDS church. He served his mission in Argentina. He served as bishop twice: First in the Groveton Ward in Alexandria, Virginia and the second time in the Provo 9th Ward, Provo East Stake. He was a trusted friend, a beloved father and grandfather and has been anxiously waiting to be reunited with “his Carolyn.” We love you, Dad!

Children: Bob (Penny), Becky (deceased), Betsy (Ellis) Bailey, Ben (Becky), Barbara (David) Acheson, Bill (Elena), and Bonnie. He has 24 grandchildren and 44 great-grandchildren and more to come. He was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn, his parents, daughter Becky, and his brothers.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 8, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the Nelson Family Mortuary 4780 North University Avenue in Provo. Friends are invited to the viewing from 9:30 am -10:45 am prior to services.
Interment will be in the Provo City Cemetery immediately following.
To express condolences visit www.NelsonMortuary.com