Robert "BJ" Lee

“I’m a Pickle Rick!”

On July 8, 2018 Robert “BJ” Lee lost his long hard-fought battle with PTSD, depression and anxiety. The demons may think they have won but he has the last laugh for he is now resting easy with all of the loving angels who have gone before us.

BJ was born on April 4, 1982 to John and Lynn Lee in Grand Forks, ND. He attended Winship Elementary and graduated from Central High School in 2000. Immediately upon graduating, BJ joined the Air Force and after completing Security Forces training at Lackland AFB was stationed at Malmstrom AFB, MT where he worked security at the missile sites. BJ married his high school sweetheart, Pamela Northey on March 17, 2003. Pam and BJ welcomed their beautiful daughter, Alyssia, into their home in June of 2003. In July 2003 BJ received orders for Ramstein AFB, Germany. While stationed in Germany, BJ was deployed several times to Iraq, Kuwait, Qatar, and Africa with the Security Forces. While in Germany BJ, Pam and Alyssia had the opportunity to visit several countries and historical sites, his favorite being the castles in Ireland. He loved anything and everything associated with history, exploring the world, taking pictures of sunsets and nature, and taking long walks playing fetch in the dog park and going to get treats with his faithful companion, Bella his miniature Australian Shepherd who expected a treat afterward.  BJ was honorably discharged in 2007 and the family moved to Fargo, ND where BJ held various jobs before moving to Grand Forks in 2014. BJ and Pam welcomed Alyssia’s beautiful sister, Trysta into their lives in 2015. He worked for the Grand Forks Post Office until his passing. He was loved very much and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

Loved ones left behind to mourn his passing and celebrate his life are BJ’s parents, John and Lynn, former wife Pamela, daughters, Alyssia and Trysta, brothers Christopher (Jodie) Lee of Grand Forks, ND, Chad (Collette) Lee of Grand Forks, ND, Doron (Marisel) Kleppen of Hialeah, FL, a sister, Devin Narron of Warrensburg, MO, grandmother Patricia Cloutier of Mekinock, ND, six nieces, five nephews, two great neices, several aunts, uncles and cousins, his loyal and loving companion Bella, his best friend since childhood, Andrew Stenehjem, his military family, and several friends.

BJ was preceded in death by paternal grandfather, Floyd Gooch, paternal grandmother, Marilyn Gooch, his maternal grandfather, William Hicks, maternal step grandfather, Frenchy Cloutier, maternal step grandmother, Lori Hicks, Aunt Linda Roberts, and sister-in-law, Melissa Kleppen.

BJ requested that we celebrate his life by wearing colorful attire, his favorite being tie-dyed.

Visitation will be 5-6:30 pm, Celebration of Life at 6:30pm, and military honors at 7:00 on Saturday, July 14, 2018 at Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 South 42^nd Street, Grand Forks, ND. A reception will follow the Celebration of Life. The location will be announced at the service.

BJ’s family asks:

“That you spend time with your children, take a walk on the beach with your loved ones, enjoy life and make a toast to enduring friendships lifelong and beyond. That is what BJ would wish for you.”