I first met Mr. Jordan in about 2000, shortly after he retired.

It was my connection as a freelance photographer for the Alaska Star newspaper that brought us together. It was that year that we were all invited to his home in Chugiak for a Christmas get together.  From that time on, he and I were friends. A few years ago, when the ECHO was formed, we got re-acquainted again. Even though several years had passed since I had last seen him, I still felt that same friendship from the first time we met.  That’s just the kind of man he was. Always gracious, humble and kind.

I admired him, I learned from him, and I had the honor of photographing him and hearing his personal story that he freely shared with me that I will never forget.

He and his wife opened their home to me and shared memories of how they met, Lee’s time in the Army, married life, politics, journalism, baseball and much more. He shared his personal story with grace, humility and a wonderful sense of humor. From those discussions, I had the honor and privilege to produce a photo story about him that was later published in the ECHO.

It wouldn’t take long for anyone who met Mr. Jordan to know that he loved Chugiak-Eagle River and Alaska. And, he loved writing about this place and did so in a style only he could do.

I’m genuinely saddened that we have lost a real historian, author, journalist, storyteller, and most of all, my friend.

Lee, you will be greatly missed, may you rest in peace.