Gary Lyman Lee, age 89, of Traverse City, passed away on October 21, 2026. He was a devoted husband and loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a man of faith and member of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Gary attended Arthur Hill High School, graduating in 1956, and was an outstanding athlete. He played three years of varsity football and basketball for the Lumberjacks, but it was on the hard-court where he truly excelled. Gary was first team All-Saginaw Valley League and earned All-State honors his Junior and Senior years. He went on to Central Michigan, where he earned a degree in education and later his Masters, and was the Chippewas’ leading scorer for three years (1958-60). He became Central’s first three-time MVP and broke the school’s scoring record his senior year. Gary was named all-NAIA for three years before playing for the Holland Oilers of the Midwest Professional Basketball League. He went on to teach and coach basketball at Marysville High School from 1962-68 and was named Michigan Coach of the Year in 1966. He continued his teaching and coaching career at Arthur Hill. Gary was inducted to both Central Michigan and Saginaw County Hall of Fames. Though his family highlights his incredible basketball career, Gary remained humble, always being grateful for the talent the Lord had given him.

Gary also had a passion for running, biking, and swimming. He competed in over 100 triathlons, the last one at age 81, and represented Team USA in the Chicago ITU World Triathlon Series with his daughter Cindy. His other hobbies included cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Gary is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carla Lee; children, Chris Lee, Mike Lee, and Cindy Duby (John); grandchildren, Stephanie Shomin (Mathew), Danielle Black (Ryan), Jared Meylan (Cindy); great grandchildren, Walker Black, Brady Meylan, Chase Meylan; and sister, Beverly Abbott.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Dorothy (Marsh) Lee; brother, Fred Lee, and son-in-law, Paul Kujala.

A private family service was held in honor of Gary. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.