Forrest Lee Brissey Sr. 1920 ~ 2012

This extraordinary, amazing, thoughtful man passed away quietly at his home with family and friends on February 14, 2012 at age 91 in Anacortes, Washington.

He was born on August 5, 1920 in Oakland, California to Forrest L. and Edith W. Brissey and he had one brother, Gordon.

Lee grew up in California and lived his adult life throughout the Pacific Northwest including Montana, Oregon, and British Columbia, Canada. For the last 35 years Lee resided in Anacortes, Washington.

He served in the Army Air Force as a B24 bomber pilot in WWII. At the age of 23, Lee was the youngest aviator in the Air Force to be promoted to full Colonel and in 1944 he assumed command of the 380th Bomb Group based in Darwin, Australia. He was a decorated war hero and received the Legion of Merit and Distinguished Flying Cross among many other awards.

Lee received his education at the University of California, Berkley, the University of Montana, Missoula, and received his PhD at the University of Iowa, Iowa City.

This resulted in tenured teaching positions at the University of Montana, University of Oregon, and the University of British Columbia.
Lee’s immediate family included his wife Lucille, deceased; two sons and one daughter; wife Louise; eight grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

He will be remembered as an exemplary family man for his quiet sense of humor and humility, and the fact that he always had a keen interest in learning about the activities and achievements of his extended family and friends. Lee was a teacher, philosopher and mentor.

He had many skills and hobbies but he most enjoyed the out-of-doors as an avid fisherman and boater. As a skilled craftsman Lee built three houses and one boat. He also loved and appreciated photography.

With a twinkle in his eye he always maintained that his favorite song was Peggy Lee’s, “Is That All There Is?”

Arrangements are in process for a gathering of family and friends in the Anacortes area to celebrate Lee’s life. Remembrances may be made in Lee’s name to a charity of your choice.

His family extends a special appreciation and love to everyone who has been blessed to be his friend or acquaintance during his long wonderful life.

Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and the San Juan Islands.

To share memories of Lee, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.