Talmage Noble Lee

Talmage Lee

Utah/Montana

Our beloved and ornery father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Talmage Noble Lee , 81, passed away, Tuesday, September 1, 2015 at 4PM in Salt Lake City, UT, surrounded by his four loving children, due to complications from a fall he suffered in January of this year. He was a strong, tough, grumpy ol’e man right up to the end. His life was full of hunting and fishing, even if it wasn’t in season.

Talmage was born July 3, 1934 to Noble Talmage and Zona Rhesa Madsen Lee, at his beloved and treasured "Ma" and "Pa" Madsen’s home in Monroe, UT, where he spent most of his early years. He met his sweetheart, Rae Nielson, when he was 15 years old. They married right out of high school, on July 25, 1953, and then he joined the US Air Force. They divorced in 1980.

Dad was a flight crew chief and was a "lifer" – spending 20 years in the service of our country which included a tour in Vietnam (1970 – 1971). While in the service of his country, he spent many "TDYs" (temporary duties) to many foreign countries, giving service there and bringing home many colorful stories, photos, and fun gifts to his family. One of the bases we were stationed at was Malmstrom, AFB in Great Falls, Montana. He started a love affair with the Big Sky State which lasted the rest of his life.

Dad and Mom’s children were born in Utah, Washington and two in England. We children grew up with a love for our country that was inspired by our dad. Some of our favorite family activities were his BBQs, spotting for deer, hill climbing, watching slide shows, drive-in movies, sledding, shooting, fishing and visiting grandparents in Richfield and Monroe, UT.

Dad retired in 1973 with an honorable discharge as a Tech/Sargeant. He retired to Malmstorm, MT. For the next 30+ years he enjoyed the outdoors as much as he could. He hunted, fished, did reloading, photography, jack-of-all-trades, retail, feed store, and slaughterhouse worker. He drove a propane truck, snow plowed for the county, drove combines for farmers, and was a friend of the Hutterrites. He had a generous heart and would help friend and stranger whenever he could. Longtime resident of Choteau, MT, a place he loved and called home. He has many friends there who will be missing him, especially at hunting camp – his home away from home up by the Canadian border. He’ll be sorely missed by his family and friends all over this great America and in many parts of this beautiful world.

The family wishes to thank Holladay Health Care and the VA Hospital, 2 ^nd floor – who took such good care of him.

Dad is survived by his children: Rachel Lee, Taylorsville, UT; Jeanette Johnson, Taylorsville, UT; Larry N. (Kali) Lee, Ogden, UT; Glenn T (Sharon) Lee, Taylorsville, UT; 22 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; sisters: Necia (Don) Sorenson, CA; Carol Wallace, Salt Lake City, UT.

Preceded in death by his parents.

Graveside services and interment will be held Saturday, September 5, 2015 at 2:30 p.m. in the Monroe City Cemetery with military rites by the Monroe American Legion Post #37 and Hill AFB Honor Guard. Friends may call Saturday at the Magleby Mortuary in Richfield, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.