Lee Webster Van Ormer

Lee Webster Van Ormer
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our loving husband, father, brother, stepfather, grandfather, and dear friend to many, Lee Webster Van Ormer.
Lee passed peacefully on the evening of February 13th, 2023, at Algonquin Grace Hospice in Huntsville, ON. Despite his rapid decline, we know that he was grateful to have been
surrounded by some of the people he cherished the most in his final days.
Lee was the first of three children born to Catherine and William K Van Ormer. Born August 1st 1948 in Niagara Falls, NY, Lee’s unique magnetism was already evident when his baby photo, submitted by his aunt Jane, won a local contest. Lee’s treasured maternal grandparents, Francis T Findlay and Mary L Findlay, initially fell in love with the rustic beauty of Lake of Bays on a visit to Bigwin Inn. They were among the first cottagers in the region when they purchased a beautiful family property directly across from Bigwin Island in 1923. This inspired Lee’s life long love of the Muskoka area, and eventual permanent residency there. Some of Lee’s earliest, and favourite memories there included glorious sunsets and many memorable moments with family and friends, until the final segment of the property was sold in 2020.
Rarely seen without a baseball cap, Lee wore many hats (literally and figuratively) throughout his interesting and varied lifetime. An exceptionally bright and inquisitive mind paired with quick
wit made him a keen part of the debate team at Lewiston Porter High School. His athleticism coupled with his almost instant ability to bond with those around him meant he excelled at
football as well, until a significant shoulder injury took him off the field. Lee later attended Hobart College in Geneva, NY.
Coming of age during The Age of Aquarius, Lee continued to uphold the best values of the time with his exceedingly generous and compassionate nature until the end of his days.
Lee was proud of the time he spent in NYC with his first wife, Barbara, and mother of his son, William Tate. Bill and wife Izabela in turn blessed him with a beautiful granddaughter, Sophia, in
2019.
An adept business man, shrewd investor, caretaker, devoted humanitarian, and “idea person”, Lee had many twist and turns in life, yet remained undaunted, and unfailingly insightful and
hopeful. As with the brave, fortune often followed him, amplified by his happy go lucky, stoic, loyal and artistic nature.
Lee had a special fondness for Blues music, and was an avid sled head—he would often jokingly lament that the only thing he really disliked was the signature shade of a popular
snowmobile brand, which he coined ‘Arctic Cat Green”. Lee was exceptionally well-read and up to speed with current events, and enjoyed watching baseball and football. In later years, he
developed a love of golfing, and working alongside his current wife Greta in their organic garden.
In 2002, Lee committed himself to a life of sobriety. In his journey, he helped and mentored many others on their own paths of recovery.

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