Lee Ward Burgett

Lee Ward Burgett, 75, of La Crosse, WI, a true gentleman, mentor, scholar, visionary, loving father and grandfather, devoted husband and true friend, passed away on Sunday, December 21, 2014 at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. In May, 2014, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Without missing a step, Lee completed his first round of chemotherapy and radiation with grace and dignity. He then breezed through a 12-hour surgery in September. While continuing to work, and remaining physically active, he proved to everyone what a brave and tolerant man he was, even through his last moments. With family by his side during his last days, Lee showed his devotion and love with many big smiles and his words of “I love you.”

Lee was described as “A Lion of a Man”, a role model, with strength, kindness, and absolute integrity. Lee often didn’t say much, but when he did people listened. Lee was a quiet leader, a great teacher, author, and strategist. This remarkable man will be greatly missed.

He was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on February 7, 1939 to Kenneth and Violet (Nelson) Burgett. His childhood was spent working in the family business “Burgett Floral” growing and from the age of 14 delivering flowers, trees and shrubs. Lee’s parents instilled in him the importance of family time and love of travel. Each summer, Ken and Violet would load the family (Lee and younger sister, Nancy) into the car and head north.

Lee was an avid reader, waking up daily at 4am to spend time with his mother and read every book he could get his hands on. His mother spoke fondly of this time together. Saying she valued this more than life itself. During his East Grand Rapids High School days, he was a star athlete. He was in choir, wrestled, played softball, and football, winning all-state running back. Lee was a heart throb. The close friendships he developed with his classmates remained strong throughout the years. He was a member of the “Last Man” club, and treasured each class reunion.

After receiving his high school diploma, Lee attended Michigan State University where his Spartan pride began. During his collegian years, his studies were always his number one priority, which contributed to his abundant academic success. In 1961, he achieved his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, which was followed by a master’s degree in engineering shortly after in 1962.

Lee joined The Trane Company as a Development Engineer, prompting a move to La Crosse, WI. He began his work in the research department, investigating heat transfer.  His ambitious nature paved the way for numerous promotions and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin in 1972. One of his greatest achievements was his “Unitary Air Cooled Centrifugal Refrigeration Water Chiller” patent (Trane) in 1974. This, along with admirable work within the company, landed him the Manager of Engineering position in 1979.

Passionate in his field, Lee maintained an active role in various societies and trade organizations, such as; ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning Engineers), ARI (Air Conditioning Refrigeration Institute), CSA (Canadian Standards Association), and USGBC (United States Green Building Council).

With constant drive and enthusiasm, he continued to make strides at Trane, becoming the Vice President of Engineering Technology in 1991 and the Vice President of New Ventures in 1996. After many years of influential work at Trane, he took a lighter role in the company in 2002 when he began consulting on a part time basis. This lent more time for him to play larger roles in the numerous organizations and committees that he was already involved with.

Through the 1990’s and early 2000’s Lee dove deeper and deeper into ASHRAE; making contributions to standards development, taking part in the standards committee, technology council, programs committee, and various other phases of the society. He received many accolades such as the R.C. Schulze Distinguished Service Award in 1997 (ARI), the Distinguished Service Award and Fellow Award in 1999 (ASHRAE), the Lifetime Achievement Award (ARI), and the Exceptional Service Award in 2013 (ASHRAE).

His in depth involvement with ASHRAE eventually lead to his presidency in 2005-2006 which was one of his more prestigious accomplishments. During his presidency he helped shape a roadmap for sustainability, promoted conservation of energy, and exercised the importance of international growth. Seeing elements of these concepts still being implemented today brought him great joy. He once said “As long as I have my health, I would hope to continue (working for Trane/ASHRAE) as long as I am contributing something positive.” He truly loved what he did for a living.

He had a tremendous strength of character and moral fortitude like his mother, Violet. She would always say “don’t worry about the things you can’t control and better than that, don’t worry at all – it’s not good for you.” Lee had a similar Latin saying, “Don’t let the bastards get you down!” Lee never criticized or raised his voice to another person. He was not afraid to see the All Mighty.

Lee was introduced to his wife Nancy (Roubik) Burgett on January 27, 1981 at Schmidty’s. They were married on May 11th 1985 in the chapel at First Congregational Church. Nancy feels very blessed to have spent nearly 34 years with the man of her dreams, knowing she had the best husband, father and grandfather. Together the two enjoyed traveling the world several times over and visiting dear friends along the way. Watching his grandchildren play hockey, baseball, and basketball games was a huge highlight in his life.

He cherished his annual family U.P. Michigan summer vacations. Passing on the tradition from his own childhood vacations, Lee continued bringing his own children and eventually, bringing his lovely wife, Nancy, and his grandchildren. This over the years was the home base for all the summer vacation activities.

The vacation destination in Marquette has been the traditional family gathering location at the Birchmont Hotel. While up north, Lee enjoyed picking thimbleberries and making jam, target shooting, golfing, and exploring the McCormick Wilderness area. The memories he created there were timeless; teaching his kids to fish at Lake Harlow, walking out to the island and Little Presque Isle Beach, the countless meals at Villa Capri, and time spent at Middle Island Point (Camp Gwamp). Lee and his family cherished this time together and will continue to carry on this tradition for years to come.

Lee was a sportsman. He loved to bowl in a competitive league for the Surf Lounge. He was the captain of a Trane league, fast-pitch softball team the “Slapsticks”. In later years, he enjoyed coaching youth baseball for his grandson, Tyler. Lee loved to golf with his La Crosse Country Club friends and especially his grandkids – each year watching them get better and better, hitting the ball further and further, eventually past his own ball! He said in an interview, “There was a time with the wind at my back I could hit the ball 300 yards”.

Duck hunting was a favorite, but a big part of his life was the care and feeding of a pair of mallards called “Ronald and Peeper”. These ducks had the “Life of Riley” for 11 years, being fed cracked corn from the feed store, while having a heated water container in the winter and a small pool in the summer. They roamed freely around the 20th street area to the amazement of the neighbors. Many little ducklings were escorted to the river once their flight feathers developed.
Lee was a dedicated gardener, with plot maps and growing schedules. In times of drought, he would fill his fishing boat with water & take it to the garden plot he rented behind La Crosse Floral. His favorite things to grow were green beans, brussels sprouts, zucchini, eggplant, and everything in between.

“I’ve had a great and full life. You (Nancy) have been a huge part of that. I have been blessed in many ways, with three children and seven grandchildren. The grandkids have been a joy. My sister, Nancy has always been there and our relationship has been very important. I’ve had many opportunities- my work at The Trane Company, ASHRAE, AHRI, CSA and other trade associations’ experiences; travel around the world; are various examples. Recognition by my peers and the friendships developed all over the world are cherished in my heart. Whatever happens- I had a good life.” (Lee’s words on the way to the hospital in September).

He is survived by his wife Nancy, his three children; Randy (Marsha), Robert (Laura), and Mary Beth; grandchildren Tyler Lee (Dallas) and Andrea of Randy, Kayla (Josh) and Tyler Austin of Robert, Andrew, Ryan, Nathan of Mary Beth; his sister Nancy (Burgett) Butts, nephew William Butts (Carol) their children Lily, Violet, Holly and his soon to be first great-grandchild (Kayla and Josh) due in July.

Lee is preceded in death by his step-son, Brent C. Miller; his parents Kenneth and Violet; grandparents Carl and Ora; uncles Richard, Eugene, Carl and Jack; and aunts Mary and Esther.

The family would like to thank Gunderson Health Systems, especially Dr. Travis Smith, his colleagues, Dr. Watson, therapists and the amazing staff in the Critical Care Unit for their compassion, comfort, care and support extended to Lee and his family.
A family memorial service was held on Saturday, December 27th. For this service, a special thank you goes out to Rev. Tom Uphaus for his beautiful words. In early June, 2015, a Celebration of Life will be held at the La Crosse Country Club. Details will follow.

To honor Lee, the family would appreciate donations, in his name, to any of his favorite charities: Gundersen Medical Foundation (Gift of Life), Coulee Region Humane Society, La Crosse Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, Boys and Girls Club, Family & Children’s Center, UWL-Foundation, Make-A-Wish, and East Grand Rapids (MI) High School Foundation.