The North Star of Lee Turpin’s life was Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior. That is the first thing, the most important thing he would want to say. He would add with how good and faithful, trustworthy, and deserving of praise our God is, and that none of life’s circumstances could ever change that.

After a sudden health setback, Lee went Home to enjoy life in Heaven with the One for whom he had lived, the God he loved.

Lee was born in St. Louis, Mo., 61 years ago, the firstborn, and a good and loving son to his parents. He was a kind and steadfast older brother.

Growing up, Lee was an industrious and helpful boy and young man, and he channeled that through Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout with Vigil Honor in the Order of the Arrow.

From an early age, Lee was proud to be an American and wanted to serve his country. He served as an artillery officer in the Army.

Lee completed a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, and worked as an engineer at several companies over his career. For the last seven years, he owned his own engineering consulting firm.

Lee traveled the world in his occupation and enjoyed international recognition as an expert in his field. He was awarded the NPRA Lifetime Service Award, an acknowledgement by fellow colleagues in his profession. More important for Lee than the professional recognition by his colleagues, was his notable reputation in the way he lived out his life and conducted his business with character and integrity.

Lee’s priorities in life were: God, wife, children, grandchildren – in that order. Lee was married to the love of his life and best friend, Georgia. Over decades of marriage, they remained completely in love with each other and had a marriage that was unique in its devotion and closeness. Lee was a wonderful dad to his son, James, and to his daughter, Rachel. He was the kind of grandpa (aka “PawPaw”) to Silas and Isabelle that one reads about in storybooks. For his family, he was leader, protector, provider, and anchor. How blessed was, and is, his family because of him and his legacy of faith and love.

Areas of service for which Lee volunteered over his life included Habitat for Humanity projects in California, Washington state, Appalachia, and Americus, Georgia. He traveled with his church group to the Gulf Coast to assist people with repairing their homes damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Lee enjoyed working with his fellow “woodcutters” from his church, cutting and splitting wood for folks in need. He served in various church projects, and was a Sunday school teacher in earlier years. Throughout his life, he also supported and volunteered with the Boy Scouts and was a member of the local Kiwanis club. Lee was always ready to help people out when they needed it.

Lee’s other interests were fishing, reading, hunting, shooting trap “with the guys” at the local gun range, canoeing, hiking, backpacking, rafting, and just about anything out in The Creation.

Lee is survived by his wife Georgia; children James Turpin and Rachel Turpin; daughter-in-law Jen; grandchildren Silas and Isabelle; sister Kay Turpin Bandy; brother David Turpin; mother-in-law Betty Heikes; sister-in-law Sandra Allen; brothers-in-law Joe and Tim Heikes and their families; and nieces and nephews.

Lee was a giant in his family and well-loved. He was brave, unselfish, always good natured, and strong yet tender.

A memorial service in celebration of Lee’s life will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 17 at the Langley Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, Sixth and Cascade, Langley. The service will be led and officiated by the family.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to donate are invited to check out the Samaritan’s Purse Web site to consider supporting the work they are doing. Lee was especially supportive of their Operation Christmas Child program; the Web site is http://www.samaritanspurse.org/.

In addition, Lee would have encouraged folks to always say “yes” to the Boy Scouts when they approach you for their various fundraisers.