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Brian A. Lee
Date of Death: July 21, 2017
Date of Birth: November 8, 1932
Biography:
OBITUARY
Brian Anthony Lee
Brian Anthony Lee of Augusta passed away peacefully at the Augusta Maine Veterans' Home, on July 21, 2017. The son of Leo and Mary Lee, he was born in Van Buren, Maine on November 8, 1932.
Brian served in the United States Air Force from 1952 through 1959, which included a tour of duty in South Korea. While in the service he worked as a photographer.
After his discharge, Brian entered the University of Maine at Orono where he majored in Education and graduated in 1962. Following his graduation, he taught school for two years in Calais and then moved to Augusta, where he was employed by the State of Maine as a social worker. From 1970 until his retirement Brian worked as an employment counselor with the Manpower, WIN and CEDA programs.
In the 1970s Brian joined the Slavophile Society and played the balalaika in the Slavophile Society Orchestra. Later, he was a member of the Berioska Balalaika Orchestra and then the Maine Balalaikas. From 1990 to 2002, he performed with the Liberty Balalaika Ensemble, as he had with the other balalaika groups, in concerts and at festivals, weddings, bar mitzvahs, and funerals.
On occasion at gatherings, Brian would sing Irish songs in his mellow tenor voice.
In recent years, he enjoyed attending parties and picnics with his friends from the Maine Balalaikas and the Liberty Balalaika Ensemble. He also appreciated their visits to see him at the Maine Veterans Home and especially enjoyed playing his beloved balalaika with his friends in an impromptu performance for the other residents.
In addition to his parents, Brian was predeceased by a sister Barbara Skivington and brothers Frances Lee and Gregory Lee. He is survived by his loving friends who will miss him and will continue making music in his memory.
A graveside ceremony will be held at noon on Monday, August 28, 2017 at the Maine Veterans' Cemetery in Augusta. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives 198 Western Ave Augusta, ME www.funeralalternatives.net