September 4, 1936 - January 19, 2023
After a mercifully short battle with cancer, and in the loving care of her husband and family, and in her own bed, Lee Hay-Roe left this world on January 19, 2023.
Lee was born in Toronto to Syd & Marg Bowden, where she lived her first 40 years, moving to Vancouver to marry Ross Hay-Roe in 1977. In 1981 Lee and Ross started their own business together, a monthly economic analysis of the forest products industry, known as PaperTree Letter. For the next 30 years they published these monthly reports, to a paid circulation in over 40 countries. Initially working out of downtown Vancouver, Lee and Ross moved to Sechelt in 1999.
It was Lee’s previous experience as office manager for a large U.S. oil company, and her outstanding organizational skills, combined with Ross’s knowledge and passion for the forest products industry, which made PaperTree the success that it was and the perfect way for Lee and Ross to be able to spend the best part of each day together - just how they wanted it! This work allowed the couple to travel widely together, including a one-year round-the-world sabbatical trip in mid-career.
Lee’s effusive, outgoing personality and penchant for entertaining led the Hay-Roes to often host family and friends for summer BBQs, Boxing Day lunches, dinner parties, the annual Handel’s Messiah party, or G&Ts on the patio. Her attention to detail, her compassion for people needing help, and her gift for making others feel welcome ensured that these occasions will continue to be fondly remembered.
Lee leaves behind her heartbroken husband and partner Ross, her children Jane and Jeff (Jacquie), 11 grandchildren (and spouses) and four great-grandchildren, all in B.C.; and beloved family in Texas, Arizona, Florida, Hawaii, Colorado, Oregon and Washington.
For years Lee has been committed to Plan International in supporting disadvantaged young women in Latin America. If you are inclined to send money or flowers, you would honor Lee’s memory by instead making a donation to Plan International, for the support of Marilin–Mireira in El Salvador (child ID: SC-0328068265) www.plancanada.ca
