Lee Carver OBITUARY

Lee Carver OBITUARY

Lee Carver of La Jolla, CA, and Vail, CO, ed away at home on Sunday, March 2, 2025. His wife, the love of his life, Susan Cahill was by his side. He was 85.

Lee was born in Nebraska but spent most of his childhood and young adult life in Iowa, where he graduated from McKinley High School. After serving in the US Navy, he returned to school to complete his BA at Coe College and his master’s in mathematics at the University of Nebraska, after which he taught at Drake University.

In 1972, he moved his family to California where he used his computer expertise to work for IBM, National Advanced System, Hitachi, Disabled Programmers Inc. and other startup companies. In 1999, left the office to pursue his love of photography. He started a new chapter in wedding, portrait, and art photography. At 69, he added ski instructor to his resume!

He spent his retirement years skiing, photographing and traveling with Susan. Lee’s impact on others was felt first in his story telling, then by his example. He lived a life of tremendous ion, verve, and creativity. At the office, sailing the Pacific, skiing in Colorado,traveling the globe and photographing along the way, Lee was the epitome of a well- rounded, well-grounded individual. He cared for and connected deeply with the people around him.

There was a photography darkroom (that Lee built himself) in each of his homes. He continuously experimented, testing form and format across Leica, Rollex and Pentaflex cameras. His large format multi-photo collages won acclaim, being chosen by Vail Lionshead for the top of the gondola facility and for the Orange County Children’s Hospital Cancer Ward.

Lee is survived by his loving wife Susan, his son Lee and wife Mary, daughter Sarah and husband Mark, and son Nathan and wife Sarah; grandchildren Rob Teal and wife Shannon Katie Kruse, Samantha Teal, Lillian Carver, Henry Carver, and great-grandchildren Jaxson Kruse and Jacob Kruse,sister Joan, who never forgot how she destroyed his beloved Spike Jones record collection, but also will never forget the deep bond and loud laughter they shared, and brother Ray.

Susan and Lee were married 42 years, a relationship deepened and tested by multiple remodels of their various homes in Menlo Park, CA, Vail, CO, and La Jolla, CA. Together they were a part of every community they ed, serving on HOA boards, volunteering for charities, skiing, sailing, and playing bocce ball. Lee was quick to express the joy and gratitude he felt in sharing his life with Susan and his family and friends.

Lee would along his knowledge and his love to children and grandchildren. They know to never lose a winch handle overboard, they understand a flat-head from a Phillips-head screwdriver, and that the answer to a question you don’t know is, “yes!” He instilled in each of them a deep sense of pride, self-sufficiency, and curiosity. From regular family dinner conversations, son, Lee, learned the potential of computers, Sarah to successfully rebuild her car carburetor, and Nathan the wanderlust to live aboard a sailboat. And for each of his grandchildren, Lee continued his loving blend of the practical and adventurous. He made sure his granddaughters Katie and Samantha knew electrical work, drywall installation and laying floor tile. Rob is indebted to Lee’s love of great food and wine. Lillian and Henry flew their first airplane ride to be with their grandpa and learn his love of science and art, live performance, and good Mexican food.

Parkinson’s complicated his final years. If you wish to honor Lee, please consider donating to his local Parkinson’s group who were so critical to his care:

SDCSG PO BOX 82575, San Diego, CA 92138.

Or to: Michaeljfox.org This will help so many. And we thank you.

A Celebration of life will be held on June 14 in La Jolla.