Lee Morris Transue slipped the confines of this earth and was welcomed home by his Lord on Dec. 23, 2016, due to complications from cancer.

He was born Oct. 12, 1952 in Denver, Colo. and welcomed by his parents Alvin Transue and Rose Collins — one of three rough-and-tumble boys growing up in Idaho and Washington.

Growing up under a wide open western sky, Lee wrangled livestock in his early days and rode the rodeo circuit as a saddle bronc rider. He earned a couple belt buckles and lots of bruises and aches, all earned honestly. He loved the cowboy image of loyalty and strength, and country-western music was in his blood all his life.

He honorably served America as an Army helicopter mechanic during the Vietnam era.

Relishing his independence, Lee owned his own construction company. He spent many years working in construction and loved building things with his own hands — a pleasure that continued throughout his life with woodworking, carving and wood burning.

Lee earned his associates degree in 1986 and worked for Artistic Fence Company, The Hobby Farm Realty and A&C Appraisal.

His greatest joy was when he met and married Theresa (Aus) Transue in Oak Harbor at St. Augustine Catholic Church on Feb. 16, 1980. For 36 years together, they created a wonderful family of strong, loving character that touches everyone they meet. Lee was a strong father figure, not only to his own children, but to an extended family that knew his firm guidance and his committed, loving heart.

Never a stranger to the outdoors he grew up in, Lee enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking and camping all his life. He was an avid reader, finishing several books every week, and loved mind-challenging puzzles, cryptograms and crosswords — the harder the better.

He also took pleasure in collecting and cataloging coins, stamps and cards. He had an amazing sense of humor, boundless intellect and a sharp wit. Ornery as heck, Lee loved to tease and play jokes, as his extended family can attest. He will be remembered for his love of family and his giving spirit.

Lee is survived by his wife Theresa Transue; brother Michael Transue; children Toni Transue, Jason (Christine) Transue, Jonathan Transue, Matthew (Melanie Rogers) Transue, Marcus (Erin) Transue and Veronica Transue; grandchildren Bobby Transue, Dusty Transue, Cheyenne Boggs, Sativa Transue, Caleb Transue, Ethen Transue and Mia Transue; great-grandchildren Skylar Osborne, Malakai Osborne, Junipar Osborne, Jaylen Transue, Keegan Transue and Bobby Transue Jr.

He was preceded to the Lord by his father Alvin Transue, his mother Rose Transue and his brother David Transue.

With appreciation, donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Fred Hutch Cancer Research at fredhutch.org and/or Wounded Warrior Project at woundedwarriorproject.org

You were loved by many, Lee, and while you will be dearly missed, your legacy of strength and integrity will shine on through all those you touched.