Lee Daniel Yeingst

Lee Daniel Yeingst

Born on Sept 10, 1933, to Daisy (Haak) and Daniel Yeingst in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Lee lived a rich life that took him far from his central PA birthplace.

His childhood was spent surrounded by family and friends and he began taking music lessons – first violin and then viola – at the age of 7. This path eventually became his calling and his career and one that was diligently fostered by his parents. As one of four brothers, all preceding him in death: Jim, Bob, and John, Lee would fondly recall in his later years how the brotherly scrapes and hijinks they got into always ended with his mother exclaiming, “be careful of Lee’s hands!”

Lee attended grade school and high school in Lebanon, PA before attending the (Philadelphia) New School of Music, commuting into Philadelphia via train daily to attend classes and performances. He studied under Max Aronoff. Upon graduation from the New School of Music, Lee enlisted in the United States Air Force and became a member of the United States Air Force Strings, the official string ensemble of The United States Air Force. The Strings entertain audiences at high-level military and government events in a formation known as the “Strolling Strings,” providing a multi-dimensional experience where members surround the audience while performing from memory and without the aid of a conductor.

Lee served his basic training at Rome Air National Guard Base in Upstate New York before being assigned to the Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington D.C. Because the goal of the Air Force String Orchestra is to break down political barriers and encourage global cultural dialogue as international musical ambassadors, Lee traveled extensively to countries like Iceland and Denmark, and from coast to coast in the United States performing a wide range of music to honor, inspire, and connect communities worldwide.

In 1960, when his term of service concluded, Lee relocated to Denver, Colorado and joined the Denver Symphony Orchestra as principal violist at the age of 27. Later that year, he met his beloved wife, Doris, through mutual musical friends. Their first date entailed her sitting in the audience watching him play viola where she noted his mismatched socks while he was on stage. True love ensued and they married in June 1962. Daughter Lisa followed in 1963 and son Matt in 1968.

Lee served as principal viola for 36 years with the Denver Symphony Orchestra and later the Colorado Symphony. Following the Denver Symphony’s 1989 bankruptcy, Lee played an instrumental role (ha, ha, pun intended), alongside legendary rock promoter Barry Fey, in organizing his fellow musicians to form the Colorado Symphony and ultimately merge with the Denver Symphony Association, thus creating an innovative model ahead of its time: a full-time professional orchestra structured as a nonprofit, with musicians holding board seats and actively shaping decisions. Deeply committed to this vision, Lee worked tirelessly to bring the new symphony to life, going unpaid and traveling nationwide to raise awareness of the musicians’ plight, including appearances on programs such as MacNeil/Lehrer NewsHour.

In recognition of his role in pioneering this model of artistic excellence blended with meaningful musician governance, Lee is listed in perpetuity in all Colorado Symphony concert programs as an Emeritus Trustee. He is the only Emeritus Trustee to hold the distinction of being a retired Colorado Symphony musician.

In addition to performing in thousands of classical music concerts throughout his career, Lee was also a private music teacher for dozens of aspiring musicians and served on the faculty of the University of Denver. He also played with many famous musicians as part of their orchestral accompaniment including: John Denver, Blood, Sweat and Tears, and the Moody Blues. And after his retirement in 1996, he performed in a few final concerts - at his grandchildren’s pre-school and kindergarten show-and-tell events where Pop Goes the Weasel was a fan favorite and had everyone out of their seats. In addition to his starring roles as husband, father, grandfather, he had a truly outstanding and impactful career as a musician.

Lee was a man of varied tastes and many interests. In addition to his love of all types of music, he was a lifelong Phillies fan and horseracing afficionado. He enjoyed a dry vodka martini, especially with olives, or a Jameson whiskey neat-and-make-it-a-double. He never met a cookie he didn’t like and was particularly fond of coconut cream pie. He could converse on any topic and was a great listener, truly a lost art. He enjoyed his friendships with those at Danbury Park and Brookdale Meridian, as well as the Tuesday morning “coffee klatch.” He was a man of warmth and humor, respected by his friends, valued by his fellow musicians, and deeply loved by his family. To have his sincere regard and the twinkle-in-his-eye turned upon you during a conversation was truly an honor.

On April 15, 2026, Lee passed away peacefully in his sleep in his 93rd year. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers and his wife of 60 years, Doris. He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Greg Biggs, his son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Emily Yeingst, his granddaughters Amanda Biggs, Brittany Biggs, Madeleine Yeingst, and his grandson, Jameson Alexander Lee Yeingst.

Lee’s Celebration of Life is planned for Friday, July 17, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Wellshire Presbyterian Church, 2999 S. Colorado Boulevard, Denver, CO 80222. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Colorado Symphony (CSO) - Colorado Symphony or International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) - IASLC.

“The Lord will save me, and we will play our stringed instruments all the days of our lives in the temple of the Lord.” Isaiah 38:20