Lee Robert Okster
December 29, 1959 ~ February 14, 2016
On February 14, 2016, Lee Robert Okster of McLean, Virginia died peacefully at home after a long battle with brain cancer. He was 56, and the loving father of Dylan and Colin, husband of Claudia, brother of Karen and Mark, and son of Frances and Robert. Lee grew up in Michigan, where he attended the Cranbrook School with the rare distinction of achieving 12 varsity letters. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Michigan. After working for 16 years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Lee followed his dream and love of philosophy, obtaining a doctorate of philosophy with a focus in ethics from Georgetown University in 2011. He then taught in the Philosophy and Honors programs at the George Washington University.
Lee was a dedicated professor, coach, mentor and friend. He will be sorely missed. In February 2014, Lee was diagnosed with glioblastoma. We are so proud of Lee and how he chose to live with and fight this disease. He opted for the most aggressive experimental treatment options possible, and fought as hard as he could. Thanks to that and the brilliant and compassionate medical team at the Duke Brain Tumor Center, he had at least a year beyond what most people his age get with this disease - and two high quality years, which is even more unusual. But even more importantly, he chose not to let cancer dominate his life. He continued teaching philosophy at George Washington University through the fall 2015 semester - even though he had lost the ability to read last April. He wasn't afraid to continue traveling. He skied Vail after the tumor came back in December 2014. He traveled to Italy, Greece, Turkey, Jamaica, Las Vegas, Martha's Vineyard and Paris after the diagnosis - finishing up with a Caribbean trip just this past month. He spent great quality time with his friends and family. We are so grateful for all of the amazing memories he has given us. We are so proud of him for standing up to cancer.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 12 at 2 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church in McLean, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Lee's name to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at the Duke University Medical Center.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
Lee was a dedicated professor, coach, mentor and friend. He will be sorely missed. In February 2014, Lee was diagnosed with glioblastoma. We are so proud of Lee and how he chose to live with and fight this disease. He opted for the most aggressive experimental treatment options possible, and fought as hard as he could. Thanks to that and the brilliant and compassionate medical team at the Duke Brain Tumor Center, he had at least a year beyond what most people his age get with this disease - and two high quality years, which is even more unusual. But even more importantly, he chose not to let cancer dominate his life. He continued teaching philosophy at George Washington University through the fall 2015 semester - even though he had lost the ability to read last April. He wasn't afraid to continue traveling. He skied Vail after the tumor came back in December 2014. He traveled to Italy, Greece, Turkey, Jamaica, Las Vegas, Martha's Vineyard and Paris after the diagnosis - finishing up with a Caribbean trip just this past month. He spent great quality time with his friends and family. We are so grateful for all of the amazing memories he has given us. We are so proud of him for standing up to cancer.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 12 at 2 pm at Trinity United Methodist Church in McLean, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Lee's name to the Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center at the Duke University Medical Center.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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My thoughts and prayers are with all of you
Lee, you will be missed. My sincere condolences.
My thoughts and prayers are with Lee and his family.
Your life and family continue to inspire us all. Take care.
Lee was one of the original Cacapon Outing golfers. I have fond memories of him crushing drives down the 11th fairway! He will be missed.
Dear Claudia and family, Please accept our heartfelt condolences. We will miss Coach Lee very much. Best Wishes, The Pham family
Lee was a man of uncommon wisdom. He chose Claudia as his life partner and faced his death as he had faced his life–with enormous strength and grace. I say with great certainty that Lee had a life well lived surrounded by the esteem and love of his family, friends and colleagues.
Lee loved life and it was a joy to get to share a few years with him. See you on the other side Lee-o!
Claudia, Colin, Dylan, My deepest and most heartfelt sympathies. Lee was a wonderful, loving, kind and strong role model impacting many and whose life and legacy shall never be forgotten.
Goodbye old friend. Rest in peace now. Claudia, Dylan and Colin – my most sincere condolences. Lee was one of a kind.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Claudia and the rest of Lee’s family at this difficult time. Lee lived his life richly and was an inspiration to all who knew him.
Claudia, Dylan & Colin, You have been amazingly courageous, wise and loving during the hardest time of your lives. Lee could not have lived his life better during his illness because of your love and support and his strength. He will be missed beyond words. Our condolences and heartfelt sympathy.
Dear Claudia, Dylan, and Colin, and family, Lee was such a wonderful man whom my family will always remember as Coach Lee. For several years, William was on Lee’s soccer team and Lee’s good humor and positive attitude were always on display. He had great perspective on what was important for this young age group: good sportsmanship and fun. We are so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Sarah, Bruce and William Davis
Dearest Claudia, It has been many years since we have been colleagues, but as soon as I heard the news, I just wanted to let you know how much my heart goes out to you and your family. You are an amazing and strong mom, and you will all begin to heal with time. Lee could not have left this world under better circumstances, surrounded by your love and support.