In most fraternal organizations there are members, men, brothers and Compatriots. If an organization is fortunate there are those who epitomize the very meaning of each of those labels.
They are the special individuals that make and keep the organization alive by their actions and contributions of ideas and time. They are the people that give each organization not only a sense of pride but also a sense of meaning to their mission and to the history of the group itself.
For not only the Iowa Society but also the National organization Bill Lees is that type. Bill last served as the Iowa Society President from 1981-1985. He has held nearly every state or chapter office as well as serving as a Trustee.
Compatriot Lees is one of only 2 Iowa members to have ever been awarded (Class of 1992) the National SAR Minuteman Award.
Bill is a veteran of WWII and at age 96 years of age continues to inspire those of us who try to follow in his footsteps.
On March 12, 2017 “A celebration of Life and Love” was held in honor of Bill and Inez Lees who were in their 75th year of marriage. On this day friends family members of several generations as well as those of the DAR and IASSAR compatriots made a pilgrimage to Boone, Iowa to express their love and thanks for this wonderful couple.
It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of Inez on Sunday March 5, 2017.
Respectfully,
Mike Rowley
President, Central Iowa Chapter, Iowa SAR
Iowa SAR 