Gilbert Lee Obituary

M.D., Gilbert Prentiss Lee, 92 10/10/1917 06/19/2010 Gilbert Prentiss Lee was born Oct. 10, 1917, to Joseph Roscoe Lee and Myrtle Emily Guttersen-Lee in Richland. He grew up in Eastern Oregon with his three brothers and graduated from Baker City High School in 1935. He attended Pasadena Junior College and earned his Bachelor of Arts from Reed College in 1939. He took time off from formal studies to cycle through Europe as Hitler's army was preparing for the invasion into Poland. Upon his return to the U.S. he attended Tuft's Medical School for two years and then transferred to the University of Oregon Medical School, graduating in 1943. He did his internship training at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Seattle and then entered World War II as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy. He served from 1944 through 1946, stationed in the South Pacific as a medical officer. Following the war, he did three years of surgical residency training at the Portland Veteran's Administration Hospital and then an additional two years at the Fort Harrison VA Hospital in Helena, Mont. He then was accredited by the American College of Surgeons and became a diplomat to the American Board of Surgery. He married Patricia Alison Brownell July 9, 1949. Their son Gilbert was born in 1950, followed by Gary in 1952, and Granville in 1953. Prentiss and Patty relocated from Montana to Portland in 1952 to their house that they have lived in ever since. Dr. Lee joined the Valley Medical Clinic and was on the medical staff at Good Samaritan Hospital and Providence St. Vincent Medical Center until his retirement in 1990. Dr. Lee was president of the Multnomah County Medical Society in 1963, active member of the Portland Surgical Society, and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He enjoyed taking his three boys mountain climbing, skiing, and hiking. When not working, he developed his home property into a park-like setting while retaining two acres of natural habitat. Prentiss passed away Saturday evening, June 19, 2010, of natural aging causes at the age of 92. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend. All who knew him will miss him dearly. Prentiss is survived by his wife, Patty; sons, Gilbert and Granville; daughters-in-law, Stephanie and Christi; grandchildren, Sean, Shannon, Alison, Lauren, Devin, and Jennifer; and great-grandchild, Addison. His son, Gary, died tragically in a mountain climbing accident in 2008. According to Prentiss' wishes there will be no memorial services.