​Lee was an ordinary man who did incredible things and lived the life of his dreams, which was to build his home and learn to live sustainably. In his later years, he was a craftsman, gardener, and toolmaker. At the time of his diagnosis (July 2021) with grade 4 brain cancer, Lee had two projects underway that made significant contributions to the hummingbird conservation efforts of the Hummingbird Monitoring Network and Hummingbird Conservation Networks. Lee invented and manufactured many precision tools for hummingbird researchers around the globe. Additionally, he developed gardens and identified plant species that would supply hummingbirds with a continuous source of nectar.


In addition to downhill skiing, scuba diving, backpacking, and river running, he loved photography, bird watching and cooking. His family and friends, whom he leaves behind, remember him for his kind and gentle nature, his hearty laughter, sense of humor, and his ability to listen with his whole heart. 

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Do you have a memory you'd like to share?

You are welcome to share any pictures of Lee that are memorable. We encourage you to send them to [email protected].

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In August of 2021, a group of students and friends from Latin America organized to send love and good wishes to Lee for his birthday. They remembered good times and some of Lee´s perks that got them the most. 

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Butterflies in southeastern Arizona in Late Summer 2021

The 2021 monsoon season produced an abundance of flowering plants providing nectar for pollinators. The butterfly response was awe-inspiring. Lee and his friend, Michele Lanan, walk through clouds of butterflies.

Seeds From Our Gardens to yours

A hummingbird is foraging at Penstemon barbatus flowers in Lee’s gardens. Penstemon barbatus is native nectar whose range extends from the southwestern USA to southern Mexico. We offered seeds from Lee’s garden to community members attending the opening meeting for HCNs’ first field training techniques workshop in La Bajada and El Cuarenteño, Nayarit, Mexico.

Legacy Giving

Lee was undertaking two projects that were significant contributions to the Hummingbird Monitoring Network and the Hummingbird Conservation Network at the time of his death. Hummingbird researchers all over the world have relied on Lee's precision tools for their research. Additionally, he developed gardens and identified plant species that provided hummingbirds with a steady supply of nectar. As members of the hummingbird conservation community, his legacy is important to all of us. Throughout the Americas, hummingbirds are important pollinators, and these small birds rely almost exclusively on plants that produce nectar for their energy supply. Please consider supporting the cause of Lee's legacy on conservation of hummingbirds. 
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Working together, the Hummingbird Conservation Networks and their partners monitor hummingbird populations, restore nectar corridors, and improve habitats for hummingbirds. You can help support our endeavors by making a Legacy donation today.