Edward Charles Lee, 83, passed away at his home in Cottonwood, AZ, August 11, 2026. He was born in Oakland, CA, September 9, 1942 and grew up in Alameda, CA. He graduated from high school in 1960, then attended and graduated from San Jose State University in 1965 with a degree in mathematics. Ed was a veteran, having served in the Army Reserve from 1961 to 1969.

Ed began his career at Lawrence Livermore Laboratories in Livermore, CA. He later worked at NASA Ames Research Center in Mountain View, CA. His work there as a computer scientist in the Human Factors Engineering Department was significant in many phases. He worked on cockpit design, collaborating with pilots, and assisted in designing heads-up displays which are used in airplanes and automobiles now. He also worked on the original GPS systems, which are now used everywhere. He was very proud of the work he accomplished.

Besides work, Ed enjoyed many hobbies: gardening, car and motorcycle clubs, nature, camping, windsurfing and hang gliding. He owned Corvettes, Harley Davidson motorcycles, a Polaris ATV, a Vespa, and several vehicles throughout his lifetime. He did a ground-up restoration of a 1970 Dodge Challenger, and he had many projects going before he died. He particularly enjoyed the outdoors and contributed to several nature organizations. Ed was a brilliant man, a scientist, and his thirst for knowledge seemed endless. Any task he performed was done with perfection, and if he didn’t know how to do something, he would figure it out, even before we had the Internet or YouTube!

Ed is survived by two daughters, Michelle Lee and Lorie Blum, a son, Richard Lee, 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. No services are planned at this time. Any contributions to the Verde Valley Humane Society in Ed’s memory would be greatly appreciated by the family.