Arthur Earl Lee Jr.

Art was born in Jonesboro, AR on January 29, 1949. He spent most of his formative years in St. Louis, Toronto, Paris and Heidelberg before moving to Boulder, CO to attend the University of Colorado. Becoming fluent in French and German by age 17 had an added benefit, as he became an expert in English grammar as well. His experiences overseas gave him a unique perspective on life and allowed him to find new friends in new locations with ease.

Art graduated from University of Colorado with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. During his time at CU (1967-1971),

Art made lifelong friends, most of whom were fellow members of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. The movie Animal House had nothing on these guys!

Art worked with various large and small companies, including Gates Rubber Co, before founding his own fire sprinkler company Quick Response Fire, in Dublin, CA. As a controller and small business owner, he always chose to do the right things and make the tough decisions.

That is why his second career as a wine consultant and connoisseur in the Napa Valley came with ease and a delight to him. Art was not only wine-knowledgeable, but a master story teller, offering both novice and pro, a way to savor both the wines and the experience.

As a volunteer at Kathryn Kennedy Vineyards in Saratoga, CA, it prepared him for an almost two decade run in the tasting rooms of varied Napa Valley wineries, ZD Wines, Schramsberg, Charles Krug and Cliff Lede Vineyards among them.

Art excelled as a wine host extraordinaire and master raconteur, having an ability to connect with a wide range of people. His knowledge of wine complemented his overall knowledge about many and various subjects from history to books to geography.

Art loved to read, travel, and savor Champagne, along with Lynne, his wife of 27 years. Their pleasure was taking frequent day trips and shorts jaunts, always with a picnic, a bottle of champagne and their dog, Bodie in tow.

Art is preceded in death by his parents, Jessie and Earl Lee. He is survived by his beloved wife Lynne, sisters Sandy Lee, Jacque Lee and brother Leslie Lee (leannette) and nephew, Blake Earl Lee.

A Celebration of Life will be held in his honor, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Art's name to Calistoga Cares Food Bank, Calistoga. CA or a charity of your choosing.