Lee Glenn

Lee Glenn, 78, of Erie, CO, passed away on Dec. 18, of acute myeloid leukemia, with his wife, Karen, at his side. Known simply as “Mr. Glenn” by hundreds of students over 40 years, Lee taught band and orchestra at Niver Creek Middle School (formerly Pecos Jr. High) in Adams Co. District 12 in suburban Denver for 24 years, in addition to teaching at schools in Washington and California. After retiring he was often approached in the community by former students who remembered him as a favorite teacher.

Lee was born in Payette, Idaho, the 4th in a family of 5. One of his memories was of having to get up at 4:00 AM to milk cows when they lived on a ranch. In later years, when life became a little difficult, he said nothing could be as hard as having to get up at 4:00 AM in the cold to milk cows. Lee excelled in music and played french horn in the school band. After graduating from Payette HS he enrolled as a music student at Central Washington State College (now CWU) in Ellensburg, Washington, 400 miles away. He became a member of the men’s fraternity, Elwood Manor, played in the concert band, and sang in the nationally recognized Central Singers, of which he was elected president in his sophomore year. He also worked at Tuckers Super Duper in Ellensburg to help pay his expenses.  While a student he met his wife, Karen, whom he married in 1963.

After graduating in 1964 Lee taught band and orchestra in south Seattle and Reedley, California before settling in Denver in 1976. He also gave private lessons, primarily at Universal Music in Thornton. His last 4 years of teaching were at Jefferson Middle School in Oceanside, CA, just half a mile from the beach. He finally retired in 2005.

Lee enjoyed family life with his wife, Karen, and his son, Robert. He ran in the Bolder Boulder 3 consecutive years and also enjoyed bicycling. He sang bass in Episcopal church choirs in Thornton and San Diego, CA. After retiring he and Karen enjoyed month long cruises to the Mediterranean and across the Pacific to Australia, in addition to numerous trips around the US.

Lee was known by students, colleagues, and everyone he met for his sense of humor, kindness, and genuine friendly nature. He was always ready and willing to lend a hand, whether to a stranded motorist or a new teacher. He truly loved people and always had a smile, a comment, or a wink for colleagues he encountered in the school corridors, where he could often be heard whistling as he walked. As the nurses at UC Health commented, “Everyone loved Lee, he had the best stories and was always making us laugh.” He will be truly missed by his family and all who knew him.

Lee was preceded in death by his older sister, Mary, and his older brother, Dalton. He is survived by his wife, Karen of Erie, CO; his son, Robert A. Glenn of Boulder, CO; his sister, Eula (Bill) Stewart of Ontario, OR; his younger brother, Jess (Julie) Glenn of Sacramento, CA; sister in-law, Jennifer Flam (Joe White) of Woodbury, NJ and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life may be held at a later date.

Please share memories of Lee and condolences with his family by visiting the Tribute Wall.