Richard "Dick" Beryl Lee

Richard "Dick" Beryl Lee, 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Ontario, Oregon, on July 13, 2026. Dick was born on August 10, 1937, to Beryl and Merle Lee. As the firstborn of five children, he was later joined by three brothers and a younger sister. Although many would have called him the oldest sibling, Dick preferred to say he was simply the "biggest"—a reflection of the playful sense of humor that stayed with him throughout his life. Dick loved the farm and began working alongside his family from an early age. After graduating from Ontario High School in 1956, he moved to Newport, where he worked at a local paper mill. While he enjoyed his years on the Oregon coast, the pull of home and the family farm never left him. He eventually returned to Ontario and later purchased the family homestead, where his love for the land continued to flourish. A man of many talents, Dick always had a project in the works. Whether he was building, repairing, inventing, or tackling his next adventure, he poured his heart into everything he did. Yet no accomplishment ever meant more to him than his family. His greatest love was his devoted wife, Linda. Together they built a beautiful home with their own hands and created a life centered on faith, hard work, and unconditional love. They raised five children—Jill, Jason, Justin, Sandy, and Kelly—who were the pride and joy of his life. It was rare to see Dick by himself. If he wasn't beside Linda, he usually had a few straggling kids following close behind. His quiet devotion to his family was evident to everyone who knew him. His children would tell you that he taught them the value of hard work, respect, patience, kindness, and a good sense of humor. More than anything else, however, he wanted them to know and love Jesus Christ. Dick had a knack for taking an idea or a newfound interest and turning it into a lasting legacy. In the 1970s, he discovered the sport of tractor pulling, and from that moment on, he was all in. Never one to do anything halfway, Dick immersed himself in every aspect of the sport. He built sleds, modified pullers, and became known for creating one of the most iconic machines in the region—the twin-engine tractor, "The General Lee." At every tractor pull, you could find Dick hustling from one end of the track to the other, switching between operating the sleds and preparing his own pullers for competition. Even in the busiest moments, he was easy to spot. His trademark sleeveless shirt, black-rimmed glasses, and determined stride became as recognizable as the roar of the engines. Those years were filled with excitement, friendly competition, and countless cherished memories. More importantly, they were a time when lifelong friendships were forged, and the legacy of "The General" first began. Dick's passions for farming, fabrication, and speed eventually came together in one remarkable creation—his custom-built beet harvester, "Bertha." But Bertha was no ordinary beet digger. She quickly became a legend during harvest season, turning heads wherever she went. With her massive size, bright red paint, and the unmistakable roar and rolling smoke of her Detroit diesel engine, Bertha was impossible to miss. It wasn't uncommon for people driving by to pull over along the road just to watch her in action as she loaded trucks at a pace nearly four times faster than a conventional harvester. Together, Dick and Linda spent countless harvest seasons custom digging beets for farmers throughout the area. While Dick expertly operated Bertha, Linda followed faithfully behind in her truck, affectionately known as "Blackie." Side by side, they worked long days—and often longer nights—through frost, rain, and even snow, helping neighboring farmers bring in their crops. Over the years, the people who worked alongside them became more than a crew—they became family. At the end of a long day, the tailgate of their well-worn red pickup was the place where everyone gathered to share a meal, laugh together, and tell stories from harvests gone by. For the Lee family, beet harvest was never just work; it was a way of life. Their children grew up in the beet fields, learning the value of hard work, perseverance, and family. In time, the grandchildren joined in, continuing a tradition that became one of Dick and Linda's greatest legacies. Dick was larger than life and never passed up an opportunity for adventure. Whatever the season, he found a way to make the most of it. He spent many winters snowmobiling through the mountains, and in later years, he and Linda logged thousands of miles exploring the backroads on their four-wheelers. Summers often found them at the 4-H Camp in Donnelly, where they volunteered their time cutting wood and lending a hand wherever it was needed. Whether he was farming, fabricating, exploring the outdoors, or simply enjoying time with family and friends, Dick embraced every endeavor with enthusiasm, determination, and a contagious sense of fun. Dick lived life at full throttle. He never did anything halfway, and those who knew him will forever remember his energy, laughter, and adventurous spirit. While he will be deeply missed here on earth, it's easy to imagine him already stirring things up in heaven—probably causing just a little chaos with his buddies, sharing a laugh, and keeping everyone on their toes. Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Beryl and Merle Lee; his brother, Burnell Lee; and a beloved nephew, Dennis. He is survived by his faithful and devoted wife, Linda, whose love and partnership were the foundation of their life together. He also leaves behind his children: Jill (Rob) Rollins, Jason (Maureen) Lee, Justin (Tonya) Lee, Sandy (DJ) Kendall, and Kelly Lee. Dick was a proud grandfather to Larissa, Alexis, and Alicia Rollins; Laurel (Brody) Keel and Annabel Lee; Camden and Colsen Lee; Madison, Rylee, and Kaden Kendall; and Kara and Samuel Biddinger. He was also blessed with three great-grandchildren, Lucy, Eloise, and William Keel. He is also survived by his brothers, Delos (Barbara) Lee and Ron (Linda) Lee; his sister, Karen (Hal) Covill; his sister-in-law, Connie Lee; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends, all of whom will miss his larger-than-life presence. At Dick’s request, there will be no public service.