David G. Lee
1941-2000

Our Executive Secretary David Garth Lee of Reston, Virginia died at INOVA Fairfax Hospital on Monday, July 10, 2000.  He was born July 13, 1941.

David Lee graduated from the University of Virginia in 1963 with a Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering degree.  He spend his entire 36 year professional career at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Carderock, Maryland where, among his other accomplishments, he invented and patented the Thrust Deflector and Force Augmentor.  He retired from civil service in October, 1999.

In addition to serving as Executive Secretary of the United States Stamp Society at the time of his death, he was co-founder of the Northern Virginia Sports Card Club and a longtime member of the Aryhill Stamp Club.

Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Patricia, two sons, William and Kevin, and a sister, Rose Lee.

David joined the Bureau Issues Association in June of 1982 as member #10320.  He became an active member and in March, 1985 introduced and coordinated the Q & A (Questions and Answers) Corner column for The United States Specialist.  Dave's column covered a plethora of subjects from handling and storing philatelic materials to U.S. Sperati fakes.  The popular column ran until mid-1992, when Dave assumed the responsibilities of Secretary to the Board of Governors.

In 1990 Dave served as Chairman of the BIA's 60th Anniversary celebration and banquet, held at NAPEX '90 at the Sheraton National Hotel, Arlington, Virginia.

In 1992, he took it upon himself to make sure that the BIA had a successor to Bill Dunn's Presidency.  Jay Stotts recalls, "He diligently pursued me for that office over a period of several months, and when I told him that I didn't think I had enough experience yet with the society to serve in such a capacity, he offered to support me by serving as the Vice-President, a strong example of his commitment to the BIA."

Since 1997 Dave carried out the operating responsibilities of the Society serving as our Executive Secretary.  As a member of the NAPEX 2000 board, Dave made our recent 70th Anniversary a very special event.  His planning and implementing of the tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and our banquet at the National Postal Museum highlighted the weekend of exhibitions and meetings.

David regularly managed the BIA/USSS booth at our annual meetings, and when we faced a major task in manning the booth at PACIFIC '97, he committed to being at the show and at the booth all 10 days.  He stepped in to take up the major task of serving as Executive Secretary when George Godin passed away.  He intended that to be a primary activity after his retirement.

David was relentless as a low profile worker on behalf of the BIA.  In handling a task or working out a problem, he would think it through, apply his experience, plan and execute.  His knowledge and experience was invaluable to the Board of Governors and he will be greatly missed.

One thing that must be mentioned in any tribute to David is the great food he arranged for the BIA/USSS at the traditional members' get-together dinner at BIA/USSS meetings.  His efforts frequently resulted in unique and enjoyable family-style banquets in private rooms at the finest Chinese restaurants.

David was very likeable and jovial.  He loved to engage in conversation, and no topic was out of bounds.  He would always be willing to argue a point, if only to get you to think of someone else's view.  He was always promoting stamp collecting and his local club.  He would offer advice freely and was not averse to telling of his mistakes so that all could learn from them, or repeat them with full knowledge of the consequences.

David Lee was a gentleman and a leader in the best sense.  He served the BIA/USSS ably as its Executive Secretary.  David had the knack of making all feel that their contributions to the Society were important.  His encouragement led all to try all the more to succeed.  David will be sorely missed by all!