Patrick Charles “Caveman” Lee, age 57, of St. Ignace, Michigan, died on Thursday, December 12, 2024, peacefully among family. He was born on November 27, 1967, in St. Ignace. He was the fourth of eight children born to the late Jerome Lee and Alice (Moore) Howe. He was a dedicated father of two, son, Jeremiey Lee and daughter, Jacquelynn Lee.
Patrick grew up in St. Ignace and graduated from LaSalle High School with the Class of 1986. On September 10, 1986, he married Lois St. Andrew, and together they moved to Texas after graduation. In 1987, they moved to Coldwater, Texas, and had their son in 1988. In 1994 they moved back to St. Ignace, had their daughter, and lived on Point Labarbe for 25 years, where he worked as a lineman, carpenter, and father.
He was most fond of his football days and was always willing to talk about the glory days. He led the Saints to a 1983 State Championship, and they were the 1985 State Runner-Up. In 2010 he was inducted into the LaSalle High School Hall of Fame. His individual records include the Detroit Free Press 1980’s All Decade Team as a Defensive Lineman; Unanimous All-State First Team; 1983 First Team All-U.P.; 1984 and 1985 All-U.P. Dream Team; and Three Time First Team All-Michigan Huron Shores Conference. If he started talking gridiron, it always gave him a chance to talk about his favorite coach and the man who pushed him and showed him how tough he could be, Barry Pierson. He frequently quoted Rocky, one of his favorites being, “It ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.”
When he wasn’t talking about football, he enjoyed learning about history and unusual worldly facts. He enjoyed gardening and had quite a green thumb. He loved to spend time on the water fishing among friends and family. He was always the first to suggest going to the theater to watch a film and grab a big bag of popcorn. He had a sweet tooth that couldn’t be satisfied. He was a true “foodie” and liked trying new recipes. He looked forward to evenings with his family and children, especially the families annual pumpkin carving party.
Patrick is survived by his children, Jeremiey (Jessica) Lee, and Jacquelynn Lee, of St. Ignace; siblings, Jerome (Sheri) Lee, of Hessel, Michigan, Bob Lee, Ron Lee, and Tammy Lee, all of St. Ignace, and Timothy (Diana) Lee, of Carp Lake, Michigan; the mother of his children, Lois Lee; along with several nephews, nieces, cousins, and beloved family.
Patrick was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome Lee, and Alice Howe; siblings, Michael Lee and Angela Lee- Litzner; niece, Trisha Litzner; and parents-in-law, Jane and Floyd St. Andrew.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
