News Item: Daniel Patrick Lee called Home to the Lord
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 -- Add News
I am very sorry to tell you that Patrick was in a farming accident a few weeks ago after being attacked by a swarm of bees while raking a hay field. He slipped when he bailed off the tractor after hitting the kill switch and got pinned under the tractor back tire. He was flown out by helicopter to University Medical Center in Tucson, AZ where an army of doctors, nurses and specialists worked on him in one of the best trauma units in one the top 10 hospitals and also the #1 ICU unit in the country. After several hours of not responding favorably to treatment, the Lord called him home. He was 32 yrs of age. We held the funeral on Tuesday, Sept. 5th in the Safford, AZ Stake Center and he was laid to rest in the Safford City Cemetery.
I know this is a shock as it certainly was for me, our families and everyone who knew him. However, I now know it was his time and have received that confirmation through prayer. The last three weeks has been the most spiritually uplifting time of my life. I am continually being blessed by the Lord and all of the prayers and well wishes of so many people that were touched by Patrick and the exemplary life he led. He loved serving others and was such a great example of Christ-like love for his fellow-man. He overcame so many obstacles in his short life and was continually an inspiration to me because whatever trial was thrown his way, he plowed right through like it didn’t bother him and even more, he did it with a smile and always kept a positive attitude.
Patrick was kept extremely busy with church service and his hay harvesting business (Brier-Lee Custom Hay) which we purchased June 2004. This was his dream job and I am very grateful to the Lord that he was able to go doing what he loved best. Patrick had many opportunities for missionary work after his mission. He served in three different Bishoprics, the first at age 26. Earlier this year he was called to serve on the High Council, a calling he truly loved. I loved to hear him speak. People responded to the spirit he brought with him when he taught the gospel, whether from the pulpit or in casual conversation.
He loved serving his mission in Norway and spoke of it often as well as writing about it in his mission journals which I have been reading the last few weeks. He was a convert to the church and I am always fascinated and awed by the strength of his testimony in comparison to myself who was raised with gospel principles from infancy.
Patrick and I were sealed for time and all eternity May 5, 1995 in the Mesa, Arizona temple. I know we will be together again but until then, we both have a lot of work to do. I know that he is now busier than ever doing missionary work on the other side. Patrick was the only member of his family that joined the church so he has an entire family to teach and I have the great privilege and responsibility of starting his family genealogy work. I know the Lord will bless us as we tackle this challenge together.
I am asking any mission companions who served with him or anyone who remembers him to please send me any memories you have so that I can add it to the journal I am compiling of his life. I would like to read it to help me get through this separation until we can get together again. If anyone would like anymore information I will be happy to share, but thought I should try to keep it brief here. With heartfelt gratitude, Danielle K. Lee (Patrick’s wife).
|
| |
|
|
|
List All | Add News
|
