In Everlasting Memory of Leland “Lee” Draper
In everlasting memory………….
Leland “Lee” David Draper
December 1, 1950-September 9, 2009
Great Friend, Amazing Father, Incredible Husband.
Lee found his way Home on 09/09/09 at 3 – 2 – 1 am. Lee is survived by his sisters’ Sue Shirley and Deni Silberstein, his wife and best friend Sue ‘Susie’, his extraordinary children Matt, Kelsey, Jeremy and Mandy, and his most adored grand children Kadelyn and Jameson.
Lee and Sue made Scotts Valley their home in 1976, where they raised their 2 children, Matt and Kelsey and where they shared a thriving a Real Estate career. Lee was diagnosed with a GIST tumor in 2002, and although terminal, and despite all the heartache that it presented, he continued to live his life to the fullest surrounded by family and friends in his community.
In Dec 2007, Lee was diagnosed with Leukemia. With his wife in tow, he embarked on a 20 month journey of hospitalizations, treatments, remissions, and relapses that could have weakened the most devoted man’s constitution. But Lee was a rock. Our tenacious supporters saw Lee through two miraculous remissions. In June 2009, we were all deeply saddened to learn that his Leukemia had returned.
Lee spent his remaining days with his Susie at their cabin in the Scotts Valley Mountains. Basking in the fruits of his labor he enjoyed all the beauty that life has to offer– sunny days, the babbling creek, glorious open spaces and the warm smiles of all his children. Lee philosophized “if the substance of a man’s life is measured by the people that loved him, he will die a very rich man”. And so he did. His contagious laughter and ‘can do’ spirit will be felt remembered by all.
Lee intended to share his gratitude with our community, in his last days he planned an event for Saturday, September 26, in Scotts Valley. To attend, please contact: kelseybelles@sbcglobal.net or call (831) 440-9218 to get details and location. For all those loving souls wishing to send flowers, the family hopes you’ll consider donating blood or platelets at amandac@meadegroup.biz or the Red Cross.
We take great comfort in knowing, “Where we go One, We go All”~
We lovingly share our journey with you.
Living in the Here and Now can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9IFYlFRN9A
Photos from Lee and Sue Draper
Music by Darryl Worley, “Living in the Here and Now”
Susie — this is Anita Little (Swanson) who bought your home on Hacienda. I send you a huge hug. I was shocked to hear from the neighbors Ron and Marianne about Lee dieing. Although I only met him once, he always remained in my memory as a lovely man. I think of both of you often in this house, wondering how you planned things, set things, fun memories you undoubtedly created. I love the home you made here and work hard trying to keep it as nice as you both did. Lee would be proud to see that Buzz (my new husband and boyfriend of many years!) is doing the same. My late husband died about 20 years ago, it’s always too soon, but I agree with Lee’s sentiment, they live on, alongside us. My prayers of comfort for you and your family. If you are ever in the neighborhood and want to drop in to see the old digs, please, anytime. With a loving heart, Anita
anaswans
September 22, 2009 at 2:55 pm