NORTHERN CALIFORNIA – Leroy “Lee” Leon Aaker passed away in Modesto, Calif., on April 16, 2015, at the age of 83.

Lee is lovingly remembered by his family and those whose lives he touched so dearly with his smile, always-cheerful spirit and twinkling blue eyes.

He is preceded by his death by his father, Louis Martin Aaker; mother, Hazel Marigold Snyder; brothers, Louis Aaker Jr., Lawrence Aaker and Lloyd Aaker; and sister, Hazel Aaker.

Lee is survived by his companion of 25 years, Consuelo Dizon of Modesto; brother, Leslie Aaker and wife Jean of Ashland, Ore.; sisters, Thelma Watson and husband Bob of Fernley, Nev., Marlene Ivicevich of Lakeport, Calif., Kathleen Naval and husband Victor of San Jose, Calif., and Fay Garoutte and husband Steve of Lower Lake, Calif; his ex-wife, Rita Aaker of Loomis, Calif.; son, Mark Aaker and wife Wendy of Yuba City, Calif; son, Michael Aaker and wife Helena of Redondo Beach, Calif.; daughter, Susan Babcock (Aaker) and husband John; daughter, Lynn Montes and husband David of Loomis; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Noe, Stephanie Lind, Brendan Babcock, Spencer Montes, Payton Montes, Jadyn Aaker and Maya Aaker; two great-granddaughters, Dillon and Faith Lind; and many more nieces, nephews and loved ones.

Lee was born in Valley City, North Dakota, on Oct. 16, 1931.

He attended Kelseyville High School and served in the US Navy from 1950 to 1953. Upon his return to Lake County, he wed Rita Henault and they had four children together.

He had a career in management at Libby’s, Reynolds Aluminum and Miller Brewing Co. throughout the United States.

He later acquired his real estate license and returned to Lakeport to join his brother, Les Aaker and sister Marlene Ivicevich at Aaker Realty.

He met his companion Consuelo in 1989 and then went on to own and operate the Lamplighter in Clear Lake and a coffee shop in Lower Lake.

Our family is saddened by our loss, but are comforted and left joyful by all the memories that we share.

Our father instilled a love for learning and cultivated the spirit of fun in our family. He enjoyed all sports, especially the SF Giants and SF 49ers.

He loved to fish, swim, dance and play games in which he instilled those values in each of us.

The family invites anyone whose lives were touched by Lee to attend his memorial service this weekend. The Lake County Military Funeral Honors Team will perform the three-volley rifle salute and the playing of “Taps” at the Hartley Cemetery Veteran’s Circle, located at 2552 Hill Road, Lakeport, on Saturday, July 18, at 11 a.m.

After the service, friends and family are invited to gather for an informal lunch gathering at the Fellowship Hall, located at Lake County Bible Fellowship on 775 N Forbes Ave., Lakeport, from noon to 4 p.m.