Our longtime friend and colleague, Shannon Lee, introduced us to her father and we liked "Captain Lee" immediately. To our delight, it was mutual and the Captain agreed to participate in one of our residential Worth-Shops in the coastal mountains of Mendocino.
      Upon arrival, he informed us that he had a solid 50-year habit of waking up at 5.00 am for his first cup of coffee and expressed his hope that this would not disturb anyone. I pointed out that on our magic mountain, behaviour patterns (even 50 year old ones) sometimes just evaporated  -  together with long held faulty belief systems.
      "I assure you: I'm a very early riser - always up at 5.00 am no matter what or where!"
he answered.
      The following morning at 8.00 am, all participants were having their breakfast   ---
but no sign of Captain Lee.
      I went to his cottage, knocked on the door and gently announced the time. A bleary eyed Nick staggered to the door and promptly accused me of trying to play a trick on him!
But every clock on the mountain and even his own watch declared me utterly innocent.
That's when the Captain admitted to having totally surprised himself and was therefore
 opening up to more such surprises and maybe some changes in his habitual thinking.
      Nick Lee had lived through many decades and was clearly set in his ways, but his mental flexibility and willingness to experience new paradigms became an inspiration to us all.

Wherever you are, dear Captain Lee, we salute you with these words:

"O Captain Lee! my Captain! your fearful trip is done,
Your ship has weather'd every rack, the prize you sought is won!"

With love and admiration from Brigitta and George D'Amato
"Solitude" in Philo, Sept. 10th 2021

Nick was one of those people that influenced others without even trying. I greatly regret not letting him know what a quiet impact he had on me. 
Abolishment of the death penalty has always been a vital concern. The overload of organized religious groups within assorted abolishment groups was a huge headache. I had no idea how to work within the groups while not being subjected to numerous theories that a respect for life could only be derived from their respective gods. Over time, I watched Nick patiently and compassionately work with people that differed strongly from him. Who knew my bull in a China shop technique wasn’t always the way?! I learned a methodology from Nick and saw how I could work for change without letting the bastards wear me down. I will always remember and appreciate his demeanor.