Lee Roy Chabot Malmberg's Obituary
Lee Roy Chabot Malmberg, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded in love and prayer with his family, on Tuesday morning, March 26th, 2024. Lee was born January 30, 1945 in Seattle, Washington, the son of loving parents LeRoy Ohlsson Malmberg and Lorna Annette Chabot Malmberg. Lee was the oldest of three siblings, his brother Todd and his sister Tammy.
Lee grew up in Seattle, Washington where he attended Highland Park Elementary School, Denny Junior High, and graduated from Chief Sealth High School. He attended early morning seminary with other ward member friends at a member’s home. He attended Highline Community College to complete an Associate of Science Degree and later graduated from Weber State College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology in 1975. He would even go on to attend some evening classes at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Throughout the entirety of his life, Lee was drawn to learning about and experiencing countless interests, hobbies, skills, and talents.
Prior to attending college, Lee worked for nine months at the Bethlehem Steel Plant in West Seattle to save money to serve a full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was called to serve in Finland for a little over 2 ½ years serving from 1965 to 1967.
After his mission, Lee worked as an occasional dock worker in Seattle and began flight training to become certified for his private pilot license. Lee went on to receive his 1st Class Private Pilot License and Float Plane Certification.
During the Vietnam War, Lee was drafted, but later was approached by a Navy recruiter where he joined the U.S. Navy stationed in Boston, Massachusetts. He attended Boot Camp in San Diego, California, and began dental training to become a dental technician for the Navy. On weekends, Lee would take advantage of scuba diving classes to obtain his diving certification. Lee also would take up a love for sailboats and ultimately teach himself to sail.
Lee enjoyed and learned skills in woodworking, auto body repair, electrical, plumbing, and any do-it-yourself activity. He had a unique gift to be able to repair and restore broken items. He was able to assemble complex clocks and mechanical equipment. Lee enjoyed skiing, fishing, riding dirt-bikes, camping, traveling, photography, and learning new skills. Throughout his life, Lee had a passion for gardening as he devoted time toward his vegetable gardens and maintaining his yard.
Lee was married and sealed to his eternal companion and wife of nearly 50-years, Merleen LaRue Stevens, in December of 1976 in the Idaho Falls Temple. Merleen grew up in the same Seattle neighborhood and ward as Lee. Lee and Merleen lived in Brigham City and Tremonton, Utah for over ten years where they were blessed with two sons, Eric and David. Lee’s family returned to a Seattle suburb of Newcastle, Washington to build a new home and be closer to family. Lee and Merleen were blessed with a third son, Nathan, while living in their Newcastle home for 23-years.
Lee worked in the health and medical field as a State Surveyor and Hospital Inspector for the Washington State Department of Health. Lee retired in 2012 and he and his family returned to Utah to be close to grandchildren and enjoy a calmer atmosphere. Lee and Merleen finished their final home in Farmington, Utah in 2013.
As an active member of the Church, Lee faithfully served his church callings. He served as a ward Finance Clerk, Sunday School Teacher, Young-Men & Boy Scout Leader, and as a dedicated Home Teacher and Minister. Lee has always been a humble servant and disciple of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Lee leaves an earthly legacy of three grandchildren, whom he dearly loves as they have been a great joy to his life. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, especially his wife, three sons, daughter-in-law, and his siblings and their spouses.
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