Robert E Lee “graduated with honors” after a long and courageous battle with cancer on July 10, 2024. His wife, Karen Lee, daughter’s Laurie Cameron, Debbie Davis, and son, Greg Lee, were by his side in his final moments surrounded by much love and many memories.

Robert was born in Ogden, Utah on November 8, 1943. However, most of his childhood and teenage years were spent in Cedar City, Utah with his parents, Raymond Lee and Lenore Baumgardner and his older surviving brother, Jerry.

Robert was active in little league baseball, ran track, was a high school and college yell leader, cruised Main Street and was a typical teenager of that time creating only a minimal amount of trouble. He met his wife, Karen, while in a production of “Barretts of Wimpole Street” at Southern Utah University. Their first kiss was on stage and would be the first of many. Married on July 20, 1963, they were just 10 days short of 61 years of marriage when he passed away. He was her biggest advocate and fiercely loves her.

They began their family journey in San Francisco. He was an electrician and worked on many of the high rises in the city. In 1978, the family moved to Nampa, Idaho where he worked for almost 10 years as an independent electrical contractor. In 1988, Karen and Robert moved back to California. Robert was able to land his favorite job with Sacramento State University as a technician supporting the student dorms. He retired in 2005.

Robert was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved serving in many capacities. He was a Bishop of the Sacramento 5th Ward and later a Bishop of the Hurley Ward. Together with his wife they served two service missions in the Sacramento area. Later they would both serve in the Sacramento Temple where Robert loved his work as a temple recorder. He was a devoted choir participant even though he was not always on key.

Robert was the cornerstone of our “fami-i-lee,” the definition of the best dad and grandpa one could ever ask for. He made us all feel important by checking in on us and questioning everything we were involved in. He was quick to befriend everyone he met. His children, their spouses, 11 grandchildren and spouses, as well as his 8 great-grandchildren will miss his “I have 2 questions” routine after any trip or activity. He was simply the best.  Price Funeral Chapel (916-725-2109), directors.