Lee Bishop
July 12, 1965 - April 9, 2021
Surrounded and held by those he loved most, Lee Myonghun Bishop, age 55, passed away on April 9, 2021, after a short and courageous battle with cancer. Lee’s loving heart leaves behind a beacon of light for his community that will never fade.
Born in Seoul, South Korea on July 12, 1965, he was raised by his loving grandmother Mun Ye Ho and his parents Waynun and Robert Bishop in Ely, Nevada.
Lee was a graduate of White Pine High School and became the first in his family to receive a college degree. He graduated in Psychology from the University of Utah.
Lee began his career in social work, where he consistently demonstrated his love for others and the community through his service to his clientele and their families.
After 20 years in community mental health, he started his own construction business, Urban Construction. Lee was an architect of relationships and he quickly put that to use in his construction business. He gained a reputation for honesty, integrity and quality craftsmanship but what truly mattered most to Lee were the friendships he created along the way.
Lee was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed sharing his love of nature with others and would often take time to go hunting and fishing with friends. It was another way for him to connect with people whom he loved. He would always say, “It’s not really about catching fish”… “It’s about the conversations and stories shared when you are on the river.” He lived life to the fullest, and he will be deeply missed by many.
Lee exemplified honesty and selflessness, and always put friends and family above himself. This was most evident in the devoted and loving relationships he had with his son Alec and his partner April. Lee was a proud and dedicated father to Alec and he taught by living his values and demonstrating the importance of spending time together. He enjoyed barbeques and social gatherings because he appreciated the value of true fellowship and loved building lasting memories with family and friends.
Lee is survived by his son Alec, his loving partner and spouse April, her children Vivian and Vanessa, his parents Robert and Waynun, his brother and sister-in-law D’Wayne and Reesha, his nieces Paige and Olivia, many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews. And his dearest friend Mike “Shorty” Katsanevas. He lives on in the memories of all his family and friends.
Lee was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother Mun Ye Ho.
Please join us in celebration of Lee’s life on Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Millcreek, UT.
A private graveside service will be held at Holladay Memorial Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest.
In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes can be made in the form of charitable donations to: Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Utah at www.bbbsu.org.
In Loving Memory
Dear April, Alec, and Family, My heart is broken for you with the passing of Lee. I meet Lee 10 years ago and had the privilege, and blessing, to work regularly with him on construction projects since we met. During that time we became wonderful friends, and Lee became a role model, and friend. His patience, kindness, friendship, service, and love have blessed me, and my family for years. Lee always gave great personal advice and perspective on work / life balance, and being a good husband, and dad! Lee was an amazing Dad that loved Alec. He often talked about Alec, and how much he loved him. That always impressed me because there was no doubt what was most important to Lee. Family, immediate, and extended was everything to Lee. One of my most cherished memories is going fishing in July of 2018. I will never forget the time together talking, laughing, learning new fishing skills, and seeing a mama moose, and her twins walk right by us. Another special memory was the summer of 2020 working on a project together for a few hours on a Saturday morning. Just being with Lee and working together that Saturday morning will always be special to me. That same morning, Lee got a little more than he bargained for when he was disconnecting an electrical outlet and got zapped because I failed to turn one of the breakers off! Sorry Lee! I thought they were all off :-) A few years ago Lee helped me on a couple projects at my house. His helped meant so much to me and my wife, and means even more now that he is gone as we have the memories of Lee in our house making it nicer and more comfortable. Truly the world is less without Lee and his goodness! Lee is an incredible human being and we know that from how he lived his life. I will miss him terribly, and anxiously look forward to a reunion in the next life when we all return to the God who gave us life. I'm thankful for my last conversation with Lee 2 weeks before he passed about seeing each other again in the next life! Lee lived an extraordinary life which is evident by the amount of people that say exactly what I've just said about Lee. His influence was great and his legacy will live on from the selfless, and loving life he lived. Till we meet again Lee! I love you! Steve Jorgensen
Lee is one of the greatest men I have ever met. He always inspired me and made me want to strive to be a better person. His influence in my life will always lead me. I love you Lee and I am eternally grateful that god put you in my life and into the life of so many others that needed your loving spirit and energy.
I found Lee to be a kind and generous man. I believe he would give you his last penny if you needed it. Lee had a special something, a way of making those he met feel important. I made a few poor decisions in my life and he just listened. I never felt that he looked down on me in any way. He always gave solid advice. Although he didn’t always say what I wanted to hear, i knew he was giving it to me straight, because he cared. Not many people take the time to do that for another person these days. Lee was genuine through and through. It was a privilege to have known him and I consider myself a better man for it. My deepest condolences to his family. May he Rest In Peace.
He was our contractor on a remodel and not only was his work above standard, he became our friend. He had the wonderful ability to let you know that you were important to him. The world has lost a wonderful soul.
April, Vivian & Vanessa, Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort during this painful time. With love, Sheree
Dear April, family, and friends, A heartfelt wish that time will help to ease your sorrow. Linda Rogers
We are high school friends of Lee's and are heart broken to hear this news. He was always kind and generous. We are sincerely sorry for your loss. Dave and Tana Baker
Lee was a best friend to everyone. His energy and drive inspired everyone to be better. In work, play, and life—Lee made hard work and training more fulfilling and fun in quiet moments together. Work was more like a project together than just another training day or job with Lee. His half smile when anybody sought to enjoy a moment of rest a few seconds too long was his unique and kind way to keep everyone engaged and on track. As a new grade school friend with his constant drive as a competitor—Lee made my life and the lives of everyone who had to blessing to know him much richer. His sincerity and gentle kindness never left him in moments of severe injury or illness. Lee was always the same great companion and friend to everyone every moment of his life. Days will feel darker during to transition to the unimaginable idea with life without Lee Bishop. But Lee will be enjoying his next life seizing every opportunity to bond with the natural world and find the best fishing to share with his friends that will so dearly miss his companionship, conversations, and humor. Happy hunting and fishing until we see you again. The Bourn Family
Lee was such a positive force in community mental health, his kindness and caring touched many. He always made people feel valued. A sad loss for all who knew him. My sincere sympathy to his loved ones.
So sorry for your loss brother we’re praying for you every day and hope that you feel the warmth of gods embrace during this difficult time. love you Alec
Alec our back door neighbor during your early years.. April, Vivian and Vanessa-Our hearts go out to you all at this very sad time. Lee was a man who had insight and wisdom far beyond his years and was so kind to our family . We and our sons were very lucky to have had Lee as a quiet guiding force in life. May he rest in peace and may memories of him be held dear. Mary and Bob Gilchrist
To April, Alec, and Lee’s entire family, Tanya and I wish to convey our deepest sympathies. I first met Lee close to 30 years ago. Ironically we met on the Provo River through a mutual friend. Anyone who meets Lee for the first time knows they feel right at home. He just stepped in and started teaching all of us what to do and even provided all the fishing flies. Lee was so gracious and made sure we all took our turn. By the end of the day it felt like we had caught 30 fish apiece. It was the first time that I realized what a selfless person Lee was. We went on fishing trips to Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana. I used to marvel at how many fish Lee would catch. I asked him all the time how he was able to hook so many. He just had this feel for it like no other. He would put on his Polaroid glasses and look into the water and point out how many fish were there. I called him eagle eyes all the time. After all the fishing trips we’ve taken, I was able to brag that I out fished him only one time. Whenever I went fishing with Lee I never had to buy any flies. He would stay up late the night before our fishing trip tying flies for everyone. On the river the next day he would open up his fly box and hand me half a dozen flies or so. As soon as Lee found a hot pocket of fish and caught 3 or 4 he would step aside and say come fish here. I will never forget how generous he was and how he made sure everyone caught fish. I have often thought about his selfless attitude and how it has touched us all. I used to say three things about Lee. First, “I would put Lee Bishop up against any river guide any time any place and he would out fish him or her. Second, the only reason I caught so many fish was because of Lee Bishop. Third, I would say “that boy could catch fish in a mud puddle”. He was a master fisherman and the best I’ve ever seen. Lee was an artist. He tied the most beautiful fly patterns. He could take a tiny size 22 hook and tie thread and hackle into a perfect fly. He tied his own variations and came up with his own patterns. Without fail it was like he knew what those fish were waiting for the next day. It was unbelievable. I remember one time when he had a fish on. He followed the fish down river. He slipped and fell while he held his rod up. He stood up, landed the fish, went to the shore and emptied his waders and boots of water and fished the rest of the day soaked because he didn’t want to stop and ruin the day for everyone else. Lee treated me like a brother. If I said I had bought a new door for my house he would say let me know when you want me to help you install it. If we ever had an occasional disagreement, it was short lived. He was always forgiving and never held a grudge. I know Lee loved April, his son Alec, and his entire family. Lee was loved by all. Something I told Lee when I met with him before his passing, everyone wants to be your best friend. I love you Lee. Thank you for everything.
Alec, April & Family We have so many wonderful memories of Lee. Words seem inadequate to express the sorrow felt by his loss. Someone as special as Lee will never, ever be forgotten. He will remain in our hearts forever. We pray that in the midst of your sorrow you find comfort in all the joyful memories you've shared. We love you a ton! ❤ Angelic, Noah, Sam & Robert
I was Lee’s first grade teacher in Ely, Nevada, when he arrived and did not yet know English. He learned so quickly and was a wonderful student. Lee was such a loving child and made a life long impression on me. I was able to return for a visit to Nevada when Lee was in high school. It was such a joy to see him again. His love and kindness to everyone started as a child. I was saddened to read of his passing at such a young age. He made the world so much better. My condolences to all of you. Miss Gilliland - First Grade Teacher, Murray Grade School, Ely, Nevada 1972-1973.
In Loving Memory
