Dear Friends:
Some of you may have heard that Lee has been dealing with some health issues of late.
Unfortunately the rumors are true.
After extensive heroic surgery performed by seven wonderful surgeons and 13 hours, Lee decided to leave the bounds of earth and soar with the eagles. At 12:32 a.m. on January 31, Lee died. However, he died like he lived. He was brave to take the chances of a risky surgery and thanked his surgeons prior to beginning to try to find a way to extend his "used-by" date.
I loved this man with all my heart and it has been a privilege to share 35 years with him. He had integrity, he was responsible and he was honest to the core.
Lee's favorite poem was "Invictus" and I want to share it with you now. So, raise your glasses high and salute a man among men.
Invictus
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Susan Rodgers
DEAR FRIENDS OF LEE RODGERS:
I HAVE BEEN UP ALL NIGHT THE LAST TWO NIGHTS READING AND TRYING TO ANSWER EACH AND EVERY E-MAIL YOU'VE SENT ME.
YOUR KIND AND THOUGHTFUL WORDS ARE A GREAT COMFORT.
IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO EVEN IMAGINE HOW I WILL NAVIGATE THIS WORLD WITHOUT HIM. HE WAS MY HERO AND THE LOVE OF MY LIFE. WHAT YOU HEARD AND READ WAS THE MAN. THERE WAS NEVER ANY ARTIFICE.
THANK YOU ALL FOR SUCH LOVELY WORDS AND REMEMBRANCES. I AM PLACING EACH ONE IN A BOOK THAT WILL BE PLACED ON MY TABLE AS A CONSTANT REMINDER OF THE WONDERFUL PEOPLE WHO HE WORKED HARD FOR EACH AND EVERY DAY OF HIS BROADCASTING LIFE.
KEEP WELL, KEEP UP THE GOOD FIGHT AND THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR REMEMBRANCES WITH ME.
AS LEE WOULD SAY AT THE END OF EACH SHOW, "AND NOW IF YOU WILL EXCUSE ME."
WITH GREAT APPRECIATION,
CALVIN AND SUSAN RODGERS
"...and now, if you'll excuse me..."