Rep. Lee’s life celebrated New Year’s Day

Retired state legislator George C. Hasay looks over a collection of photos of former Speaker of the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives Kenneth B. Lee. TIMES-SHAMROCK PHOTO/ERIC HRIN

BY ERIC HRIN

Times-Shamrock Writer

A large crowd of people spent their New Year’s Day in Eagles Mere Saturday remembering former Speaker of the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives Kenneth B. Lee.

The state Republican leader and civic leader, died Dec. 23 at home of melanoma following a brief illness.

At the Eagles Mere Country Club, a “celebration” of Lee’s life with special remembrances from speakers was held Saturday afternoon.

Lee’s daughter, Laura Lee, estimated that about 200 people – at least — showed up at the country club, where memorial programs were handed out showing a bespectacled Kenneth Lee, his face resting in his hand, in a photograph on the cover. The chatter of the crowd inside the building was loud as people talked to one another.

 “My dad loved this part of the world, he loved Sullivan County and all the surrounding area in Pennsylvania, and I think people loved him for that,” she said. She added that he represented the area for a long time and gave a lot back to the community.

She said he raised five “really great” kids, and was very civic minded, giving back to the citizens in Sullivan County. She noted that he was a charter member of the Bow Hunters Festival.

Inside the memorial program, black and white photos of Kenneth Lee  – standing in front of the state Capitol building, playing golf and basketball, posing with family, looking dapper in his military uniform — were accompanied by quotations attesting to his character.

In one room of the country club, retired state legislator George C. Hasay from Shickshinny took a moment to peruse a stand-up display loaded with photographs from Kenneth Lee’s life. The display was taller than Hasay, who formerly served the 117th District.

When asked for comment, he recalled his time serving with Kenneth Lee in the House in the early 1970s.

“I was one of the votes that got him elected Speaker,” he said.

He remembered his former colleague as a “very smart guy with a lot of good old country common sense.”

“We need more of those kind,” he said.

Hasay said Kenneth Lee had a big heart and did well in his former role as Speaker. He remembered Kenneth Lee’s other accomplishments, in addition to serving as Speaker.

“He is the one that brought the money for (Route) 220,” Hasay noted.

Also, he said, Kenneth Lee helped with the development of Lake Jean, Ricketts Glen State Park, and Worlds End State Park.

State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23), who also attended, said Kenneth Lee was a “very big help” to him in his own election back in 2008.

“He talked to me about the integrity of government, and how important that was, and how important it was to stay in contact with your constituents,” Yaw said.

And still others lauded the former Speaker. There was no shortage of compliments.

Newton Pendleton of Eagles Mere said Kenneth Lee had integrity, dedication, commitment and personality – plus a “wonderful dry wit.”

“He had numerous major accomplishments,” he said. “His leadership in the House was his major accomplishment as a man, again with integrity – that’s the key.”