Harold “Harry” Dean Lees passed away February 15, 2024 at the age of 85 in Dallas, Texas. He was born October 26, 1938 in Versailles, Missouri to William Wray Lees and Matilda Pickett.
Harry grew up in West Henrietta, New York where he graduated from high school. After high school, Harry worked during the day and attended college at night. While pursuing his degree in Electrical Engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology, Harry married Ann, the love of his life, on August 3, 1963. A few years later, they adopted their son, Doug, and soon to follow were two daughters Marybeth and Kathy.
Harry spent the majority of his engineering career working for Xerox in New York, Texas, and California. While at Xerox, Harry invented the technology that would later be used in the early Kindle screens. The patent can be found framed and hanging in his garage. He also designed ergonomic keyboards at Xerox even though his family knew Harry wasn’t the most proficient typist. Harry was the smartest man many knew. He could fix anything. He was the one phone call to make if something was broken.
Harry was proud of his work at Xerox, but his most important achievement was his family. He was a loving husband – a romantic at heart. He saved the menu from the restaurant where he and Ann ate on their wedding night. After many years of marriage, when Ann’s wedding ring was uncomfortable on her finger, he turned it into a heart necklace that included her engagement diamond. He would give her flowers on St. Patrick’s Day because that is the day they met.
Harry also made sure his kids knew he loved and valued them. He was involved in their sports and activities. He took his family fishing, bowling, to play mini golf, watch movies, and attend sporting events. Harry’s family has many fun memories of camping in the pop-up camper and road trips where they stopped at many tourist attractions – like the largest peanut in the world or smallest violin in existence.
Harry’s biggest joy came from his 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Hearing about their lives and spending time with them was a highlight of his life. He printed so many photos of his family that there is no more room on the refrigerator.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Lees of Plano, Texas; son, Doug Lees and wife, Karen of Frisco, Texas; daughter, Marybeth Cleveland and husband, Lee of Derwood, Maryland; daughter, Kathy Zinecker and husband, Steve of Flower Mound, Texas; grandchildren, Allison, Angela, Jesika, Emm, Cassie, Sam, and Grace; great grandchildren, Ella and Mason and numerous other loving family and friends.
Harry spent many years volunteering his time and talent for the Grey Matters Brain Tumor Support Group after his son, Doug, was diagnosed with a brain tumor. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Grey Matters North Texas Brain Tumor Support Group or Head for the Cure.
A memorial service for Harry will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 11, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton 2700 West Spring Creek Parkway, Plano, Texas 75023. Please join us after the service for a lunch reception at the church.