Leroy Ernest 'Lee' Hedlund

Leroy Ernest “Lee” Hedlund passed on to our Lord on Dec. 17, 2009.

Born to Ivar and Elen Hedlund in Haxtun, Colo., on May 26, 1924, the family relocated to Sandpoint, Idaho during his youth.

He served in the U.S. Navy and was a veteran of World War II. Upon discharge in January 1946, he returned to Sandpoint and began logging.

He and his first wife Lily purchased the Balch Lumber Company in 1955. He owned and operated Hedlund Lumber Company until its sale in 1970.

With his second wife, Helen, Lee relocated to Gardnerville, Nev., and purchased Lakeside Lumber Company, which he ran successfully until he sold the mill in 1977.

Lee was respected and admired in the lumber industry and very much appreciated for his fairness and friendship by the many employees that worked for his operations through the years.

After a brief career in real estate in the 1980s, Lee retired and he and Helen made their home in Yuma, Ariz.

Lee most enjoyed fishing and hunting with his family, skiing and horseback riding. He was preceded in death by his wife Helen.

He is survived by daughters, Eileen Bourassa of McMinnville, Ore., Susan Vrbas of Lynwood, Wash., and Sarah Hedlund-Melcher of Post Falls, Idaho; sons, Rock Hedlund of Acampo, Calif., and Roger Hedlund of Casper, Wyo.; stepsons, Tony Roget of Post Falls, Ron Roget of Sandpoint, and Randy Roget of Valley Springs, Calif.; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Lee was a member and active in the construction of Gloria De Cristo Lutheran Church in Yuma. 

Per Lee and Helen’s request, memorials can be made in their name directly to the church at 11273 E. 40th Street, Yuma AZ 85367