From Amy Armstrong,
Other than my father and my husband, Lee Jordan could be considered the most influential man in my life. I met Mr. Jordan in 1999 shortly after my husband retired from the U.S. Coast Guard and our family moved to Chugiak. One of the Star’s office staff attended the church our family first visited. She found out I was a writer and said the Star needed an extra hand. She arranged an interview at the office. The trouble was, being so new in town with a two-year-old in tow, I didn’t know anyone well enough to leave my youngest while I was at the interview. No problem, she insisted. Bring him. So I did.
As I sat in Mr. Jordan’s office being interviewed, my son gleefully ran up and down the hallway. I was a nervous wreck. Mr. Jordan cracked a smile and told me not to worry about the distraction. He gave me an assignment and a deadline. Both were met and my young son accompanied me to the newspaper office on a regular basis. Mr. Jordan consistently took time to acknowledge the tyke. The following year, Ian – my son – was diagnosed as autistic. Much intervening therapy was needed and working a full-time job was not possible. Mr. Jordan kept me busy enough and thus began a 17-year writing relationship with the Star that also afforded what was needed for Ian.
Mr. Jordan was always just a phone call away. He gave me feedback and guidance as I wrote and helped me to process professional challenges. He showed there was always a workaround and I adored his ingenuity. Lee and his wife, Barb, gave so much to the Chugiak-Eagle River area.
A look at Lee’s life leaves the viewer with a clear sense that his life had a purpose and others benefitted from his existence. He last left us with a treasure trove documenting the area’s history as well as an example to follow regarding community engagement. Just before last year’s holidays, I again called him for some perspective. He generously chatted. At the end of our conversation, Mr. Jordan said, “You know, Amy, I still do miss my little newspaper,” Ah, indeed. Me too, Mr. Jordan. Thank-you so much for all the memories.
