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4 tree(s) planted in memory of Lee Gravatte, III
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Carol Cavanaugh uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, September 10, 2023
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Lee and Carol, California, 2017
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Carol Cavanaugh uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, September 10, 2023
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Grand Canyon, 2010
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Dick Alderson uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, September 10, 2023
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Still with the beer bottle on his head!
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Carol Cavanaugh uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, September 10, 2023
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Costa Rica, 2012
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Ramanand Patel posted a condolence
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Lee has joined the majority a little before we will. I pray that he finds real peace in his new abode. Carol, may you also find peace after this loss.
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Adrienne Dern posted a condolence
Sunday, September 10, 2023
Carol, I was so sorry to read this news about Lee. I know it had been a long struggle for both of you.
I had a warm spot in my heart for Lee after we connected many years ago at a daylong retreat in Frederick. He struck me as someone with a wide open heart.
You now have your own new journey which I hope comes with much peace over time.
M
Molly Kerdolff Hackman posted a condolence
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Carol, what an amazing man your husband was, and the tribute to him was extraordinary. I was sorry to hear about his death. Your life together sounded full of adventure. May his memory be a blessing.
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Christine Morgan Glenski posted a condolence
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Carol, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved husband. Lee sounded like an amazing, interesting, brave and passionate person, someone I would want to call my friend. I am happy for you that this is the person with whom you shared your life. And I know that he was most fortunate to have you in his.
Wishing you comfort and peace.
T
Torry Torrance Moore posted a condolence
Saturday, September 9, 2023
Carol, I am sorry to hear about the passing of your husband.
His obituary was endearing and inspirational in his accomplishments.
His personal and professional integrity lives on through you and his family. Prayers.
D
Dorothy Slegman posted a condolence
Sunday, September 3, 2023
Carol, I am so sorry to read about the loss of your dear husband. In reading, his obituary, one can capture his spirit, humor, incredible fortitude and sheer joie de vivre. May his memory be a blessing that lives in your heart forever.
J
Joe Gilliland posted a condolence
Sunday, September 3, 2023
WHITE OAK CANYON WATERFALL INCIDENT - THE DETAILS
With about 3 days (or less) of planning, Jeff DeMuro, Rick Gondella, Lee and I set off to Shenandoah National Park’s best waterfall hike, White Oak Canyon on a Friday after school.
We hiked almost 2 hours into the canyon to the first waterfall. We were sitting on the cliff face at the top of the falls. I was right next to Lee when he tried to stand up on the mossy surface to continue our hike. First his left boot slipped…then his right boot…and he slid like he was on a sliding board right over the edge - not to be seen again for almost 30 minutes. Lee’s subtle last utterance before disappearing over the edge was appropriate. A very quiet obscenity. He was shockingly calm. No screams.
It is White Oak Canyon’s tallest waterfall and very difficult to get to the bottom…unless you take Lee’s Express Route straight down. It may have been the longest 30 minutes of my life thinking Lee must surely be dead…and I’m sure it was Lee’s longest 30 minutes, too.
We were shocked and relieved to see him standing up and quite alive when we got to the bottom. The family whose picnic was so rudely interrupted as Lee rained down from the cliff top, waited for us (or help) to arrive within 30 seconds of the hand-off, the family was gone. I’m sure they headed straight to the car and straight home to the safety of their living room. They are probably still sharing their version of the story today.
Lee was shaken-up, but in true “Lee style” he didn’t let on that it was a big deal. He chose instead to laugh it off and he insisted that we continue our hike even though he had a broken coccyx/tail bone. We hiked further down into the canyon to the camping spot that Lee was familiar with. It was getting late in the day by then.
It is pretty customary for 16-year olds to ignore weather forecasts, and we did. It rained like mad that night and we didn’t have rain jackets, a tarp, tent, canopy of even a sheet of plastic to shield us from the rain. Out of desperation, we climbed into a shallow cave along the canyon. Our sleeping bags were soaked within the first hour. Even though we were under cover, dripping rain still entered the cave. At least one animal (unknown size or type) joined us in the cave, sniffing out what little food we had. It was cold out and getting colder in wet sleeping bags. No one slept well, especially Lee. But again, no complaints from Lee.
As soon as it was light, we scooped up our wet sleeping bags, grabbed Lee’s gear (his tailbone pain increased overnight) and walked straight up the canyon back to my ‘65 Buick LeSabre. We had no extra clothes, so our cold hike was in soaked clothes carrying soaked gear. Not a single gripe was heard from Lee - he just marched.
We stopped at the Panorama Restaurant and used the hand dryers in the men’s room to dry off and warm up. Boy, did that warm air feel good. We got in the car and headed for home. We handed Lee off to his parents and wasted no time getting out of Hollin Hall before Big Jim could get back.
Lee became famous at Fort Hunt High School as “The guy with the inflatable doughnut on his rear who fell off a waterfall.”
And one other thing. That was my first time camping. Quite an experience with Lee leading the charge!
Long live Lee Gravatte! For as long as we talk about him, he will always be with us.
A
Anonymous planted a tree in memory of Lee Gravatte, III
Friday, September 1, 2023
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Susan Hoffman posted a condolence
Friday, July 14, 2023
Love to you and prayers for the peace of Lee's soul. Susan Hoffman
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Joe Gilliland posted a condolence
Friday, July 14, 2023
WHITE OAK CANYON WATERFALL INCIDENT - THE DETAILS
With about 3 days (or less) of planning, JeffDeMuro, Rick Gondella, Lee and I set off to Shenandoah National Park’s best waterfall hike on a Friday after school.
We hiked almost 2 hours into the canyon to the first waterfall. We were sitting on the cliff face at the top of the falls. I was right next to Lee when he tried to stand up on the mossy surface to continue our hike. First his left boot slipped…then his right boot…and he slid like he was on a sliding board right over the edge- not to be seen again for almost 30 minutes. Lee’s subtle last utterance before disappearing over the edge was appropriate. A very quiet “…Shit…”. He was shockingly calm. No screams.
It is White Oak Canyon’s tallest waterfall and very difficult to get to the bottom…unless you take Lee’s Express Route straight down. It may have been the longest 30 minutes of my life thinking that Lee must surely be dead…and I’m sure it was Lee’s longest 30 minutes, too.
We were shocked and relieved to see him standing up and quite alive when we got to the bottom. The family whose picnic was so rudely interrupted as Lee rained down from the cliff top, waited for us (or help) to arrive. Within 30 seconds of the hand-off, the family was gone. I’m sure they headed straight to the car and straight home to the safety of their living room. They are probably still sharing their version of this story today.
Lee was shaken up, but in true “Lee style” he didn’t let on that it was a big deal. He chose instead to laugh it off and he insisted that we continue our hike even though he had a broken tail bone. We hiked further down into the canyon to the camping spot that Lee was familiar with. It was getting late in the day by then.
It is pretty customary for 16 year olds to ignore weather forecasts, and we did. It rained like hell that night and we didn’t have rain jackets, a tarp, tent, canopy or even a sheet of plastic to shield us from the rain. Out of desperation, we climbed into a shallow cave along the canyon. Our sleeping bags were soaked within the first hour. Even though we were under cover, dripping rain still entered the cave. At least one animal (unknown size or type) joined us in the cave, sniffing out what little food we had. It was cold and getting colder in wet sleeping bags. No one slept well, especially Lee. But again, no complaints from Lee.
As soon as it was light, we scooped up our wet sleeping bags, grabbed Lee’s gear (his tailbone pain increased overnight) and walked straight up the canyon back to my ‘65 Buick LeSabre. We had no extra clothes, so our cold hike was in soaked clothes carrying soaked gear. Not a single gripe was heard from Lee - he just marched.
We stopped off at The Panorama Restaurant and used the hand dryers in the men’s room to dry off and warm up. Boy, did that warm air feel good. We got in the car and headed for home. We handed off Lee to his parents and wasted no time getting out of Hollin Hall before all hell broke loose with Big Jim.
Lee became famous at Fort Hunt High School as “The guy with the inflatable butt doughnut who fell off a waterfall.”
And one other thing. That was my first time camping. Helluva experience with Lee leading the charge!
Long Live Lee Gravatte! For as long as we talk about him, he will always be with us.
D
Dana Matthews posted a condolence
Friday, July 14, 2023
As a yoga student of Carol’s for many years, I recall Carol’s beautiful energy the day she told the class she was getting married. Eventually, I met Lee once when attending a Peter Kater piano concert and remember the loving connection between Carol and Lee. At the concert, I noticed that Lee was struggling. However, that did not stop Lee from taking the opportunity offered to the audience by Peter Kater to lie down under the piano to experience the full effect of the music.
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Joyce Kornblatt posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 12, 2023
I met Lee not long after he and Carol met, and was so happy for the joy you’d found together. Lee’s long years of illness only confirmed that you two were meant to be together. Your devoted love and care of him no doubt supported his amazing resilience for so long. May his memory always be a blessing, as we say in the Jewish tradition, and may you travel through grief to peace, through loss to the mystery of all that never dies.
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Patti Sullivan planted a tree in memory of Lee Gravatte, III
Tuesday, July 11, 2023
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Lee, may your travels find light and peace and love. Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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Patricia Sullivan posted a condolence
Monday, July 10, 2023
I think the wedding to Carol was the most memorable for me. Lots of joy and fun. I also remember going to museums with the two of you on one visit. You two were so compatible and fun to be with. I knew of you Lee, more through Carol than personal experience due to living so far away. I know she loved you in the good times and stood with and for you all the way through your arduous journey to the end.
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Leila Smith posted a condolence
Monday, July 10, 2023
I remember the party where Lee and Carol met --It was magic then and their partnership from then on was wonderful.
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Jo Johnson posted a condolence
Friday, July 7, 2023
I'm so sorry to hear this sad news, but to think Lee got 35 years more of such a productive and meaningful life is so wonderful. I'm so glad he met the love of his life. How lucky.
I met Lee in 1978, when I was hired to process orders at Hewlett-Packard. He was very helpful in showing me the ins and outs of the job. But he was a rebel, went to lunch one day, And I was a bit put off that he said it was OK if we didn't get back in time. I was very new and sure didn't want to get into trouble. Lee was like, it's no big deal, it will be fine.
We attended some very outrageous parties back in the day with the H-P crowd. Several very memorable Halloween parties at Cliff's house. Good times. He was one of the GOOD guys.
God Speed Lee.
T
Tina Moran posted a condolence
Friday, July 7, 2023
Lee, I'll always remember your vivacious spirit and smile. You made such a difference to me at HP!
M
Marianna Blagburn lit a candle
Thursday, July 6, 2023
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Lee was a remarkable presence in our community at Ingleside. He will be remembered for his incredibly detailed knowledge on all things Rock N Roll, travels to the National Parks, his soaring intellect, remarkable courage, daily kind words, and his deep love, appreciation, and respect for his soulmate, Carol Cavanaugh. We will miss this gentle bear of a man.
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Dick Alderson posted a condolence
Thursday, July 6, 2023
I knew Lee for over 60 years. We met in 2nd grade. His obituary is accurate, he faced many challenges. Circumstances tried to take him from us many times. Lee stared them down and said “not today!”. He never complained. He just raised hell as long and as hard as he could. He was an inspiration to me. He will be missed.
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Dee Brown posted a condolence
Thursday, July 6, 2023
A memory. Being a close friend of Carol's, I had never seen her as happy as on her wedding day to Lee. Thank you Lee.
Dee
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Jennifer Gravatte posted a condolence
Thursday, July 6, 2023
Lee was best man at our wedding 40 years ago! Doug and Lee shared a bond and friendship as brothers that remained close despite the logistics!
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Joe Houston posted a condolence
Thursday, July 6, 2023
"Future Man", you will always be missed by the "Courageous Colonels". You were such a large presence at our annual hikes/canoeing for the last 40 plus years.
Love you buddy. Joe H.
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Santica Holtzman uploaded photo(s)
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
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May we meet again cuz. You have truly been a warrior and I have admired your strength so much, and have always looked up to you. You will be missed dearly. I hope wherever you are that it includes a beach, good beer, rock music and lots of sweets. Love you always Lee.
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Maggie planted a tree in memory of Lee Gravatte, III
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
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May you have peace Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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A Memorial Tree was planted for Lee Gravatte, III
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Bianchi Funeral Services LLC Join in honoring their life - plant a memorial tree
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The family of Lee Gravatte, III uploaded a photo
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
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The family of Lee Gravatte, III uploaded a photo
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
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The family of Lee Gravatte, III uploaded a photo
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
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The family of Lee Gravatte, III uploaded a photo
Wednesday, July 5, 2023
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