Lee Jesse Wexler was born on April 7, 1925. He passed from this life on June 6, 2010 at the age of 85.

A significant date, as he served in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II from 1943 to 1946. He was an accomplished and honorable man who lived a noble life. Everyone who knew him responded to his humor and his kind and gentle ways. He was a modest person who would never tell you that his paintings, sculpture and graphic designs are all over the United States in public and private collections. His works are his legacy.

He was a past president of the National Water Color Society as well as a life member. He was also a member of the Northwest Water Color Society and served on its board. He was a professor emeritus of California State University at Los Angeles (CSULA). He graduated from UCLA in 1951 and received an master’s of fine arts degree from USC in 1953. He taught at Manual Arts High School and then at CSULA for 28 years. He had his own design business in Pasadena, Calif. in the 1960s and then became art director for the architectural firm Albert C. Martin and Associates in the 1970s.

Business Week attributes the term “Super Graphics” to Lee Wexler when they interviewed him about his large wall murals at the Sunkist headquarters and International Paper Co. in Los Angeles. His murals at World Vision led to many portrait commissions. Callaway commissioned him to paint large watercolors for his winery in Temecula, Calif. He later became Callaway’s chief graphic designer as he launched his new golf clubs.

Of more than 400 entries, 12 paintings were selected for the AARP 2009 Calendar, and Lee’s watercolor “Venice Remembered” was among those chosen. This year in the October issue of Artist Magazine, Lee Wexler’s work will be featured. The Wing Luke Asian Museum of Seattle has Lee’s series of paintings of the Japanese Internment Camp at Manzanar in their permanent collection. A sculpture of flying birds atop a skyscraper adorns the skyline of San Diego. He was a talented and creative mind that continually flowed with new ideas.

He loved Whidbey Island, the people and the land where he lived for the last 18 years of his life. He volunteered his time to design the Langley Historical Museum and served many years on the Whidbey Island Arts Council. Most recently, he gave his time and attention to the Clinton Progressive Club near his home.

His devotion to his wife Fara of nearly 59 years and to his son Mark and his family and many friends was paramount in his life. He mentored and advised many young people and who remained close to him through the years. His physical presence will be missed, but his spirit lives in the Japanese garden and teahouse that he built along with the many trees that he planted. The poem written to him by his niece Patti Monsoor when he was ill best describes the imprint he left on other’s lives.

My Gentle Giant

His presence is tall, like his lean handsome frame. His eyes are so blue, like that in a flame. His laugh has comforted me and his hugs go beyond. His voice always calm, his commitment ever strong.

He showed me early what a REAL MAN does in his love for Auntie and role model for my cuz. “Lee Jesse” they say with such fervor and glee! A real brother to my mother, and forever my Uncle Lee.

Artistic, oh yes, and without restraint. A true creative spirit even in his pain. And so, my gentle giant perhaps you’ve slowed down, but only in your body, never showing a frown.

I love you Uncle for the man you are, for the love you’ve always shown even though we are afar. Mother’s Day chopsticks, and Mark at the piano. My memories are rich and sweet like marshmallow.

There will be no memorial or service for this loving man; only a donation in Lee Wexler’s name to ENSO House for those of you that may wish to do so (ENSO House, 6339 Wahl Road, Freeland, WA 98249).