Max Kay Lee, 97, passed away on May 9, 2024, at his home in Idaho Falls.

Max was born on May 7, 1927, in Rigby (Grant), Idaho to John Wilburn (Web) Lee and Mabel Christensen Lee.  Max was the third son born to Web and Mabel and spent his youth working on their farm alongside his brothers, Nolan and Cloyd. A sister, Naida, was later added to the family.

He played the clarinet in the Midway High School band in Lewisville.  He graduated from Midway High School on a Friday, turned 18 the following Sunday, and went off to the Navy the following day, May 8, 1945, which became known as V-E Day or Victory in Europe Day. He was sent to a special electronics school for radar and sonar.   Max served in the Navy, for just a year, until his services were no longer needed, and was honorably discharged on July 6, 1946.

Max then attended Utah State University and graduated in three years with a B.S. in Commerce/Business Administration.  While at Utah State he was active in the fraternity Phi Kappa Alpha and helped to edit the newspaper.  While at Utah State he met Jack Fry, who became one of his best friends for the 70-plus years.

After graduating he returned to Eastern Idaho and began selling pianos and decided that this type of career was not for him.  He bought a Hammond organ and returned to Logan, Utah to entertain at Logan's Cactus Club.  He then played at the Silver Horseshoe in American Falls, Idaho, and finally ended up in St. Anthony, Idaho to entertain in a Club there.  Max began working for the Fry family at Economy Chevrolet.  When the bookkeeper resigned, he eventually took over that job. During this time, he also had a radio show for KRXK in Rexburg, six days a week, and continued to entertain in the club. While in St. Anthony, he joined the National Guard and served as a captain in the Medical Service Corps.  He was honorably discharged in November 1959.

In August of 1956, he began his 32-year career with General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC), living in New York City and finally in Detroit, Michigan.  He was elected comptroller of GMAC in 1981.

After retirement and traveling the world and the U.S., he finally settled on making Rome, Georgia, his home.   This is where he met his future companion, Mirtica (Tica) Berry.  They moved to Idaho Falls in 2009.  She passed in 2019.

Max is survived by his sister, Naida Christensen of Eagle, Idaho.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Web and Mabel Lee; and his brothers: Nolan Lee and Cloyd Lee.

A big thank you to everyone who made it possible for Max to stay in his home, Eden Hospice, his housekeeper Maria Portillo, and his neighbor and best friend Jack Fry.

A private graveside service will be held to honor Max. Cremation is under the care of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls.