SEPTEMBER 24, 2021, KEIZERTIMES, PAGE A5
“It's because he loved all the kids. If you retire from. But I told him that it was time
aren't advocating for every single child, to make a change, and take that heartfelt
for their success and health, then there is passion into a new venture,” Krina said.
no way you can be inclusive or equitable,”
The vision for CTEC is to prepare high
Krina Lee said.
school students for high-skill, high-wage
“He was all about diversity, equity and and high-demand careers while devel-
inclusion,” Herrera added. “He always oping the professional skills, technical
knowledge, academic foundation and real-
wanted to hear other points of view.”
According to his
wife, Lee's passion for
education stemmed
Chuck was a visionary who
from the genuine love
and care he had for
was able to think big and
his students.
“Being around the
possessed the unique ability
kids was his favorite.
He still remembers
to deliver results. His ideas
the names of nearly
became reality.
every kid he met in
the 16 years he
was at Blanchet,”
Krina Lee said.
“He wanted to be
Owner, SALEM-KEIZER VOLCANOES
involved in your
life.”
In 2009, Lee
received an award
from the National Catholic Association for world experience to assure their success
outstanding leadership and service and in upon graduation.
The school, which opened in 2015,
2013, he and Krina were honored with the
Service to Education Award at the Keizer was created thanks to an innovative pub-
lic-private partnership between Salem-
First Citizen banquet in 2013.
Lee initially anticipated spending the Keizer Public Schools and Mountain West
rest of his career at Blanchet. However, Investment Corporation — Lee was hired by
when he got an opportunity to play a cru- Mountain West Investment Corporation to
cial role in the creation of CTEC, he knew guide the private side of the partnership.
he couldn't pass it up.
“We are committed to growing
“He anguished over leaving Blanchet. Oregon’s economic vitality. With this
He thought that was where he was going to strategic investment and innovative
— JERRY WALKER
public-private partnership, our region
can develop a workforce that is so highly
skilled and trained that our state becomes
a magnet for new business and strength-
ens existing industry,” Lee said about the
mission of CTEC.
Lee's passion for education and service
was second only to the love he had for his
family and the unique bond he created
with his 11 grandchildren.
Every summer, Lee hosted “Camp
Poppa” where he would take all of his
grandkids on a trip, often consisting of
museums, college visits, the Great Wolf
Lodge and a lot of pizza.
“It was so important for him to have a
relationship with his grandkids. He would
take them to do something fun. It was
always an adventure,” Krina Lee said.
One of his grandkids, Sam Fulwiler,
became the lead singer of a rock band
called The Macks, and their debut album
was called Camp Poppa. The band is still
well known for wearing caps and t-shirts
that say Camp Poppa.
Making the people in his life a priority
is one of the things Krina Lee will remem-
ber most about her husband.
“He put people first. Relationships were
the most important to him. At the end of
the day, that is what his legacy entails,” she
said.
A celebration of life will be held for Lee
will be held at Blanchet on Sunday, Sept.
26 (4373 Market St. NE, Salem) beginning
with a Rosary at 1 p.m., followed by Mass at
2 p.m. A “tailgate” reception will follow the
service. The service is open to the public.
brainfood
In 2009, Lee was one of seven recipients of the National Catholic Education Association's
Catholic Secondary Education Award. FILE PHOTO, Keizertimes
crossword
answers pg B10