January 19, 1925 - January 30, 2017
Lee John Sahlin Obituary (Age 92) Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Lee Sahlin passed into eternal rest on January 30, 2017. Lees father, John H. Sahlin came to Spokane from Ragunda, Sweden, in 1904 and began a life here in the Scandinavian community with an insurance business. He married Hattie Olivia Nelson also of Swedish ancestry in 1922. Lee, their only child, was born January 19, 1925, in Spokane. Lee grew up near Manito Park and attended Hutton and Wilson primary schools and Lewis and Clark High School. He spoke of his childhood roaming Manito Park with his friends as one of the happiest times of his life. He said, I knew every inch of that park. He had one semester at Washington State College before he was inducted into the Navy in 1943. After boot camp at Farragut, Idaho, he entered the V-12 program and had further schooling at Ohio Wesleyan University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York State. The war over, he went back to WSC for a degree in Economics and a 5th year degree in Education. While there, he and Jody met and were married in 1949. Their children are John and daughter-in-law Jeri of Coeur dAlene, daughter Janet of Spokane, son Eric of Valleyford and granddaughter Jordan of Olympia. Lee taught math and science at Rosalia High School for three years and returned to Spokane to serve as director of Junior Achievement. In 1956 he began his career with Murphey Favre, a local investment company incorporated in 1888, and retired as president after it was sold. While at Murphey Favre he helped organize and was president of the Composite Group of Funds and other related securities. He served two terms on the Board of Investment Bankers of America Northwest, one term on the Board of the National Association of Securities Dealers, District 1, and several terms at other investment advisory institutions. Lee often expressed his fondness for many dear friends in the office and the business world. His profession was important to him and he sought always to give his best to the community. He was an active leader in civic organizations. Among them were the Eastern Washington State Historical Society, the Spokane Society of the Archeological Institute of America, the Inland Empire Council of the Boy Scouts of America, YWCA, YMCA, Junior Achievement, the Spokane Symphony Society, as well as the Jundt Art Museum at Gonzaga University. He helped structure the Washington State University Foundation and established a teaching awards program there in l983. The family wishes to thank Hospice of Spokane for their exemplary care and kindness and attention to our needs. We will never forget you. As Lee gave his best to his community, so he gave his best to his family with devotion and love. We honor him for that and give him our undying gratitude and love. There will be a celebration of his life at a later date. If desired, contributions in his memory may be made to the WSU Foundation, PO Box 641925, Pullman, WA 99164-1925, (foundation@wsu.edu); the Friends of Manito, 4 W. 21st Ave, Spokane, WA 99203; or a charity of your choice. � To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Lee, please visit our Tree Store. Read more Events JAN 30
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