Lee E Pyne

Lee Edward Pyne MOUNT VERNON, Washington - Lee Edward Pyne, 94, died peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 17, 2002 in Mount Vernon, WA with his wife Anita at his side. Formerly of Ashford, he moved to Mount Vernon with Anita in 1997. He was born October 30, 1908 in Lynn, Massachusetts, son of Okes and Nellie Pyne. He attended Boston University and graduated with a B.A. and an M.A in history (1931,34). He started his 37 year public school career as a high school teacher, sports coach and boy scout leader in Canaan, CT. Three years later he moved to Windham High School in Willimantic, continuing his career as a teacher, then guidance counselor and finally director of guidance and testing for the town. Anyone traveling to Connecticut with Lee well knew the likelihood that a former student would be met along the way. Mr. Pyne was remembered. During the World War II years 1942-45 he served in the U.S. Army, where he earned a professional certificate in abnormal psychology from Purdue University. During his tour, he helped develop a vocational high school training program for men who wished training after discharge and taught basic reading and writing skills to soldiers unable to read or write. Following retirement in 1971, he expanded on his lifelong hobbies of collecting antiques, stamps, paper weights, fire badges and coins. He opened a just for fun company called "Riverside Antiques", specializing in glassware and for the next 20+ years traveled the area meeting old friends and making new ones. During his professional and retirement years, Lee maintained a commitment to community service. At various times he was chairman, president, committee member, or board member of the Board of Tax Review, Inlands Wetland Committee, School Building Committee, Babcock Library Advisory Committee, Ashford Republican Town Committee, Ashford Senior Citizens, Multiple Teacher and Retired Teacher Organizations, Connecticut Coalition on Aging, AARP-NRTA Legislative Committee, Connecticut Commission on Aging and Medicare Assignment, Ashford Housing Authority, American Red Cross, Willimantic Chapter, responding frequently to local emergencies as the local response member and many others. He was at one time a town Selectman and also a Justice of the Peace. Lee was listed in the 1966 Who's Who in the East, was a member of the American Legion, the Masonic Order and the Golden Fleece Lodge in Lynn, MA. He was delighted to have married into a ready made family in 1986 which include kids, grandkids, dogs, cabins and love. Always the optimist, he saw the good side of life and reveled in telling stories from his past. You soon learned in his presence that the question "Did I ever tell you about..." was rhetorical, so just sit back and listen. We have been retelling these stories lately and wished we had listened just a little closer. Lee was preceded in death by his wife, Doris K. Pyne and his aunt, Dorothy Bishop. He is survived by his wife, Anita; stepdaughter, Deb and son-in-law, Virg Parker; stepson, Pete McGraw and Susan Forbes; stepson, Jon McGraw; step-grandchildren, Beth and Keith Tacker and Laurie Fox; nieces, Doris Roberts, Joan Kearns, Barbara Scott and husband, Robert, Judy Robinson and husband, Joseph; nephews, Scott Kearns and wife, Sheila, Richard Kearns and wife, Joyce, as well as numerous grand nieces and nephews. The family wishes to express its heartfelt gratitude for the gentle, professional and compassionate care provided by the special people of Skagit Hospice. Also, especially appreciated by Lee and his family was the loving care and treatment provided by Dr. Paul Creelman and his staff of Burlington, WA. Memorial donations may be made to the local Hospice organization or to a charity of the donors choice. His funeral services will be held on January 13, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. at the Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rte. 195), Willimantic. Burial will follow in the Westford Hill Cemetery, Ashford. There are no calling. He was never afraid to take a journey. We bid Pop adieu on the greatest one of his life. Gods' speed.