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Loren Bennett Lee, 66

Nov. 10, 1950 – Sept. 16, 2017

Loren was born in Breckenridge, Minn., and spent summers on the family farm at Milnor, N.D. He grew up in the Fargo/Moorhead area and graduated from Moorhead High School.

Loren enlisted in the U.S. Army, trained in North Carolina, and spent two years in infantry, artillery and special forces.

He graduated from the teacher education program at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks in May 1978. Loren moved to the Coeur d’Alene area in the summer of 1978. He taught special education classes for Kellogg School District for four years and for Post Falls School District for 23 years, retiring in 2007.

He then worked as a security guard at Farragut State Park for five years.

Family describe Loren as a devoted and loving father, a gentle and loving husband. No matter who you were, he embraced and loved all. He was a creative and energetic artist who loved building things out of wood and rock, as evidenced by his unique and beautiful gardens.

Friends describe Loren as kind, gentle, loving, funny, thoughtful, unselfish, giving, humble and generous. He was always willing to help anyone who needed help.

Co-workers describe Loren as a dedicated teacher and a strong advocate for his students. He worked hard to ensure they were successful. He was a quiet person with a heart of gold and students loved him. Loren worked diligently to provide real-life, hands-on vocational experiences for students. The best interest of students was always his priority.

Loren is survived by a stepson and stepdaughter, and three grandchildren in the Coeur d’Alene area; his mother and two brothers in North Dakota; and eight nieces and nephews.

Loren lived with brain cancer for eight months. He did not let the prognosis dampen his love for life and for people. He greatly appreciated all who came to visit him. He made the world a brighter, kinder place for all of us who knew him and he is sorely missed. Rest in peace.