Warren Lee Hayes was born Aug. 22, 1928, and passed away the morning of Dec. 6, 2008, after caring for his beloved wife of 57 years. He was born in Mt. Etna, Iowa, to Bernice Mary Margaret Gourley and George Howard Hayes. Lee was the second oldest of 17 children.

The family originally lived in a one-bedroom house until they moved to a farm in Prescott, Iowa, in 1932. In Lee’s words, “We had many good times in this house.” Lee remembered every car he or his family owned through the years, including their first car, a 1929 Dodge touring car with side curtains. The family had a coal stove, pumped water from an outside well and rode horses to school or to town. They were happy.

Lee worked hard in the fields from age 11 until he joined the Navy. There wasn’t any extra money for allowances or luxuries. In 1948, the family moved to a larger farm. Lee didn’t like the area, so in February 1948 he joined the U.S. Navy and went to boot camp in San Diego. From there he traveled to Kodiak, Alaska. Lee made a friend who helped him become a meteorologist. He made friendships that endured a lifetime.

Lee arrived at Whidbey Island after a 30-day leave where he met Dolores, the love of his life. They married at Seattle City Hall in a union that lasted 57 years. They were poor, but very happy. They had five children: Judith Lee, Linda Jean, Warren Lee, Michael Eugene and Le-Anne Marie.

Lee retired from the Navy as a chief in 1968 and the family settled in Oak Harbor. Lee continued working with the cars he always loved. He owned a gas station (Marketown Shell), an automotive shop, and worked as a mechanic. His family grew as his children married and had grandchildren: Todd Pritchett, Kim Pritchett, Kim Quistorf, Elizabeth Quistorf, Michelle Quistorf, Warren Lee Hayes III, Ben Chavez, Maison Chavez and Amanda Henry, Cody Henry, Danielle Henry, Allyson Henry, and Julia Henry. Lee loved being a grandfather and was adored by all of his grandchildren. He was thrilled to have six great- grandchildren. Lee was the loving patriarch of a large family. His family meant the world to him and he will be remembered by all for his kindness, intelligence and wise counsel. His spirit will live on with the love that he gave to his family.

Visitation for Lee will be held at Burley Funeral Chapel on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. His funeral service will be at Burley’s at 2 p.m. followed by interment at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel. Visit the guest book at www.burleyfuneralchapel.com.