It can be said that Al lived the life of his choosing with the love of ranching, the community of Forsyth, his friends, his advocations, and, of course, his family. With his passing on February 16th (Age 94 plus one day), he left a great legacy for us to hold and carry for the benefit of family and the well-being of others. Al was born February 15, 1930, to A. G. Lee Sr. and AlfredaTips in Sweetwater, Texas where he grew through boyhood and high school. These were the The Great Depression years and leading through World War II which brought influence. The life in Texas was town-living while the family did cotton and wheat farming nearby. His father then was also a postmaster, and a merchant of farm machinery. Like his father, Al was a good storyteller,and ability to describe in color something of substance, or so called “take-away for thought”.
At the age of 14, Al earned Eagle Scout in 1944. Al came to Montana in 1948 after completing high school in 1947 (student council 1946 and 1947) and a year of college his freshman year at Texas Tech, Lubbock, TX, and when the family acquired Lee Ranch (in partnership with the Armor family, a.k.a. Porcupine Ranch). Upon transferring college to Montana State College (MSU) at Bozeman, Al worked intermittently at the ranch. Ranching then was open country before pasture fences for livestock kept cowboys gathering cattle from large spansions. It’s been said, Al and brother Toppy were the last to do open range roundups. After a couple years at MSC, Al enlisted in the Air Force in 1950 with the onset of the Korean War. Al would say the physical requirements of the Army or Marines would have killed him if he was drafted otherwise.
Al was an electronic instructor for armaments on B-36 Stratofortress aircraft. One antidote to his military service, because Al was an Eagle Scout, the Air Force selected him as a barracks chief (leadership) which jumped him to a corporal (never was a private). The Air Force returned him to college where he then met Sharon Elliott (a social gathering of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and Alpha Omicron Pi sorority). Al still needed to complete about six months with the Air Force for full term. Al and Sharon corresponded during this time. It was said that Al told Sharon to “date” during his continued stint because he was sure going to “date” as well while away. Al was released from the Air Force three months early from full obligation. He returned to MSC where Sharon also completed her bachelor degree, they engaged, and married on October 31, 1954.
Al and Sharon began a life of ranching and operating steer yearlings. He and Sharon lived for a year at the Colstrip ranch and then shortly moved to Forsyth where they rented an upstairs apartment at 390 N. 12th Ave. Son, Brian was born in 1955. They moved again within a half block to rent a house owned by Dr. Hayward at 1211 Park Street. Robert (Bob) was born in. It was settled that Al and Sharon enjoyed the amenities of living in town, and close proximity of friends and schools to raise a family. They had a modular style (kit house) built in 1960 to which they continued to live today. Travis was born 1963.
In the early 1960’s, Al was a director, secretary/treasurer for the Montana Cattlemens Association. During the late 1950’s and early 1960’s, Al and Sharon practiced archery and competed at area field shoots with recurve bows. Al was a charter member of the local Pronghorn Bowhunters. He was also most proud to be a scoutmaster for about ten years in the 1960’s and forward. In addition to many hiking/camping trips, and summer camps, Al achieved a bunch of Eagle Scouts. During the Vietnam War, Al was chairman of the local draft board. As a long time hunter and target shooter, Al was a long-time director within the Forsyth Rifle and Pistol Club. Al received citations from the Montana Fish Wildlife Parks for 55 years being a Hunters Safety instructor. In addition to making several muzzle-loaded rifles, Al was a crack-shot with these rifles and in the 1980’s he conducted muzzleloader competition for the Big Sky State Games, Al was an avid reloader for all his ammunition of rifles and pistols. In this endeavor, “seriousness, concentration, and safety” were strictly adhered to. In 1990, a movie called Quigley Down Under was seen by Al and one of his friends, Ernie Cornett which brought about the idea of collecting members of the Forsyth Rifle & Pistol Club for a local match using these large caliber, single shot buffalo rifles. Each year, it kept growing, and today around 600 shooters around the U.S. and some internationally come to Forsyth over Father’s Day weekend. At the beginning of each annual rifle match, Al had a distinction of presenting the “shooter information”. He always began by exclaiming, “Thar ain’t any rules! (and then more subtly saying) But we do have a few procedures.”. First and foremost, everyone is a gun safety range officer. Imagine that coming from a guy who was a hunters safety instructor for 55 years! Al was a director of this rifle match for 19 years.
In 2002, Al received National Rifle Association”s (NRA) annual Public Service Award for many years of advocating gun safety, shooting sports, and hunting. In 2017, Senator Steve Daines awarded Al with Montanan of the Week, a recognition presented on the Congressional Senate floor.
Al was a firm and steadfast believer in the US Constitution and the Bill of Rights, and that he meant every word without apology or waiver. One time, he was interviewed by a journalist which appeared to be a foreign publication. Al was asked about some stance on “gun control”. His unequivocal reply was, “Mister, a man with a gun is a citizen, a man without a gun is a subject”.
Al was a proud and worthy Mason of the local Hiram Lodge #52 to which he served as Master in 1962 and again 2002 (40 years apart). He loved this fraternity of upstanding, good men, and as it still is today.
Al grew up with two siblings, Eleanor (Marion) Harris of Texas and Toppy (Mariellen) Lee of Forsyth MT. His nephews and nieces: Tom (Anna Kay) Harris and Tim (Becky) Harris with their families of Texas. Laura (Robert Vermandel) Lee, Bruce Lee, Ellen Coker and their families. Grandchildren: Britta Shirtliff, Jack (Danielle) Lee, Lisa Lee along with great grandchildren, Owen, Colin, Henry, Evelyn, and Eleanor. Grandchildren: Scott Lee and Kristina Lee. Grandchild: Edan Lee
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 17th, 2:00pm, at Stevenson & Sons, Forsyth, MT to honor Al and Sharon.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 PM
Friday May 17, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT 59327
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
2:00 PM
Friday May 17, 2024
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Forsyth, MT 59327
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Mr.and Mrs Ron Burman says
Al,you and your wonderful Family are always in our Prayers.Thank-you for being a good friend and neighbor.Keep an eye on those strays up there okay?We,will miss your stories down at the Senior Center.
Mark Peterson says
Brian and Bob,
Sorry to hear of your loss. Tough when both of your parents go so close together. I know you have many fond memories of your dad.
Kurt Seward says
Brian, Bob, and Travis I’m very sad for the loss of AL. I have very fond memories of your dad. Al was my hunter safety instructor so I feel like he has been a part of most of my life. Your mother was my cub scout den mother also. My thoughts are with all of you. We will all miss Al.
Diana Potts Robinette says
Sending my condolences to the Lee family, Al you are going to be missed, my family have known you for years when we moved here in 1962 to work on the Lee Ranch north of Forsyth. There are many great memories.
Laura & Cliff Monasmith says
our heartfelt condolences and prayers for the entire Lee family.
Debra Fadhl Nolan says
Sending my condolences to the entire Lee family.
Bob Miars says
So sorry for your loss, both your parents were outstanding community members and will be greatly missed.
Jennifer Ferguson Johnson says
He was a very wonderful man and will be missed. Sending lots of prayers, hugs and love to all his family and friends.
Kathi Rooney Pfeifle says
Mr Lee was one of my customers when I worked at First Interstate Bank in Miles City in the 80’s. He was always such a nice man. I loved to listen to him talk. I am so sorry for the loss of Mr. Lee. He will be missed.
Debra Thiesen Melle says
I am sending condolences from the Thiesen family. Our two families spent many fun days together. Our dads hunted and fished together and we as children enjoyed evenings in the neighborhood when our parents played bridge. May your memories of your dad bring smiles to your hearts!
George Logan says
Bob and Brian
So sad to hear of Al’s passing.
Such a pillar of the community for decades. His spiderweb of connections, his influence and his leadership will genuinely be missed. My condolences to all of you.
Dee & Shelly Batey says
Sending my condolences to the Lee family. Al was my Hunters Safely Instructor at the old Cartersville Elementary School north of Rosebud.
Jessie Leidholt says
Words can not express how sorry Jim and I am for the loss of your father. And so soon after your mother, it is such a heavy sorrow for you. Sure wish there was something besides words f
or your comfort.
Kay and Rocky Berdahl says
Condolences to Al’s family, he was a great guy to visit with.
Darwin Feakes says
My sympathy goes out to the family. I have many great memories of scouting out north to include a camporee. Al was always willing to do what he could to help out our troup.
Allyson K Forsberg says
Dear Brian, Bobby and Travis –
Your parents were a large part of my childhood. Their kind hearts and gentle spirits affected me greatly. I have received this untimely news with great sadness and am with you during this trying time.
Al befriended an uncle of mine, and they spent a great deal of time shooting … (Yup, on the North Side, in the Vintage Bronco with Millie the dog.) Uncle came back one time and said: Mark your calendar. Al Lee missed a shot. When I visited Forsyth after travelling a great deal, Al hugged me with tears in his eyes.
Shari inspired me to try out for Jeopardy. During the Moon Landing in 1969, we all were in Lee’s backyard looking at the moon through a telescope. Shari brought out her portable TV for us to gather round and watch that small step turn into a gigantic leap. I thought she was the coolest, most beautiful mom, ever! My only regret was that I never asked her to teach me to play dominoes.
Both Al and Shari, with their goodness and grace made a difference.
They made a difference to me.
Carolyn Huber says
Condolences
from the Old Timers of the Lower Yellowstone Plainsman of Glendive MT
Coy and Amy Brown says
So sorry to hear about Als death he will be greatly missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers .
Donna McCulloch says
To the Lee family,
My heartfelt condolences to you all, my dad, Ray Monasmith,worked on the Lee ranch, at Colstrip. I remember Al coming out and he and my dad shooting targets, they would tie little penicillin bottles and swing them to shoot at them. It was always a competition! May he rest in peace.
Ron VandenBrink says
To Brian, Bob and Travis,
The VandenBrink shooters send their heartfelt condolences to you, and want to express our gratitude to your Dad
for all the years of generosity extended to all of us BPCR shooters across Montana and the world. The Quigley match that he started was much more to us than just an old time rifle competition. It was an event that brought friends and relatives together from all corners of the country to meet each year and enjoy the sport we love and reconnect with each other once again. He was a credit to the sport of shooting and will be greatly missed by us all. Take care boys,
Ron
Dave, Debi and Aja Gullo says
Brian, Bob, Travis and the entire Lee family,
Our sympathy to all Family and friends. Al’s passing was hard to hear. His kindness, generosity, integrity and number one rule “To Have Fun” lives on through his legacy. So grateful to have met and shared time with him and his wife.
From all of us at Buffalo Arms Company
And
Dave, Debbi and Aja Gullo
Carla says
Our sincerest condolences on the passing of Al. He was a big influence in many ways and will be missed.
Joe and Carla (Monasmiith)Lind
Allen Caskey says
To the Lee family
So sorry for your loss Al was a very pleasant and generous man. I will miss not chatting with him at the Quigley.
Lee kerr says
My condolences to the entire lee family. Al inspired me, and I always considered him a mentor and father figure. We had many scouting adventures and shooting events that I remember fondly, including teaching me to shoot. He will be greatly missed by all who had the opportunity to know him.
Ned Dunn says
I shot in the Quigley match until 2016 and the highlight was visiting with Al and his family. There comes the day ya just can’t compete, because of medical issues. I miss the Quigley and the comaraderie. Everyone who knows Al will miss him greatly, they just made ya feel like family. May GOD bless Al and his family.
Cheryl Rankin says
My sincere condolences to the Lee family. Al was a wonderful man and an absolute joy to spend time with. JC and I first met Al at a local shooting match in Colstrip, MT in the 80’s. A friendship was forged on the shooting range that day that continued on for many years. JC and I would sometimes saddle up and help Al move cattle. Those days spent together on horseback are forever etched in my memory. Good times! I believe it was Travis that accompanied us on one of those rides. Even when we moved to the Sidney area, Al and JC kept in touch. Both Al and JC had birthdays in February, so sometimes Al, Shari,, JC and I would meet in Miles City and share a birthday dinner together. I have many fond memories of those times. Good food with good friends. On years we didn’t get together, Al would call JC on his birthday (Feb 6), and JC would call Al on his birthday. This went on for many years. JC preceded Al in death, although he was 20 years younger than Al. I lost JC suddenly on August 29, 2023. I’d like to think that JC was there to greet Al when he arrived at his eternal home, and that they are enjoying fellowship with one another once again.
Rick Newby says
Great man and mentor. Lots of fun at shoots. Take care my friend, RIP.
Cindy Schaak says
I was one of the first ones to help with the Quigley, very fun times. Al will be missed. RIP