Lee George Stoddard

Lee George Stoddard (84) of Salt Lake City, Utah, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 28, 2023 surrounded by his three daughters who loved him tremendously.

Lee was born August 13, 1938 in South Gate, California to Ethel and George Stoddard.

After graduating from Eash High School in 1956, Lee went on to study at the University of Utah while joining the 130^th Utah Air National Guard and continued his life of service when he joined the SLC Fire Department in 1960.

Lee met and fell in love with Claudia Kay Hansen of Salt Lake City, they were married in the Zion Lutheran Church on April 23, 1962. Lee and Claudia were a good-looking couple, they were active in sports and shared a love for the outdoors. They loved to snow and water ski, they had many friends and joined a bowling league and Lee loved ping pong. Lee was an avid fisherman and hunter, he loved skeet shooting, crafting his own ammunition and repaired fly rods. They shared this love of nature with their three daughters; Leslie, Sheri and Lori who grew up boating, fishing and hunting. Together they spent countless weeks at their family cabin on the Strawberry Reservoir and numerous summer vacations on Arches National Park.

Lee and Claudia later divorces; Lee never re-married.

Lee dedicated his life to his heroic career of being a fire fighter, it was a Stoddard tradition, Lee’s father and brother were fire fighters and Lee was proud knowing his great-nephew will be carrying on with family tradition. Lee was honored to be a fire fighter and served diligently and courageously, he retired as a Lieutenant from the Salt Lake City Fire Department and served 30 years in the Air National Guard and retired as Sr. Master Sergeant.

Lee is preceded in death by his parents; George and Ethel (Brown) Stoddard and his Stepmother, Ferris (Bates) Stoddard.

Lee is survived by his brother Gary (Sydney) Stoddard of Cottonwood Heights, sister Debbie (Dee) Draney of Lehi, Daughters; Leslie (Trent) Strayhorn of Willard, Sheri (Mark) Maes of Layton and Lori Stoddard of North Ogden, 7 Grandchildren, 7 Great-Grandchildren and one on the way, several nieces and nephews and Great nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the angels of Bristol’s Hospice who provided loving care for Dad.

An intimate memorial service for the family will be held at the Lindquist’s Mortuary in Layton.

Go dad, enjoy the view, cast a line with Grandpa, enjoy beer and a good chat with Joel and bowl a strike or two.