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There are so many Lee stories … it seems everyone has one (or twenty). On social media there have been hundreds of comments and tributes. Lee Blackmon truly was an angel among us and I’m amazed the people (and animals, of course) that we touched. Animal Haven by the Sea will continue and the community is needed to step up to help. Lee was a one-man-army. The immediate needs right now are pet food for the local food banks. There is Girl Scouts collection at NCRD – see below … or drop off at Nehalem Bay United Methodist Church. There are also needs for Animal Haven, and Lee’s family – please make donations at First Security Bank, Manzanita. If you are interested in helping with Animal Haven, please reach out to the email below.
North County Recreation District:
To our Beloved Community,
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our cherished friend, Coach Lee. While so many of us know him for his love and passion for animals, we were privileged to know him as Coach. Lee’s deep commitment to the children of the community was felt far and wide. He was a staple on our Soccer field and always did everything in his power to make sure every child had all that they needed for a successful season. He was the first to deliver snacks for the kids and would never bat an eye at hauling gear. Lee’s outreach and giving back to the community that he called home is one that will be hard matched to find again.
Lee’s compassion and commitment to animals was unmatched. He was a saving grace for locals and visitors near and far. There was not an instance that Lee wouldn’t drop whatever he was working on to help a sick, injured, lost, or hurt animal. He went above and beyond to advocate for his four-legged friends and was not afraid to be their voice.
You would never find Lee without animal treats, food, and medications. He also had a heart for helping people down on their luck, you would never find his truck without a tent, towels, extra clothes. Lee would give you the shoes on his feet, the clothes off his back and the sandwich he was about to eat.
As the Holiday season is upon us, we are asking for grace and compassion as the community processes what has happened. We ask that you hold the door for the person behind you, check on your neighbors, squeeze your loved ones tight and pay it forward in whatever capacity you can.
NCRD doors are open, we have quiet spaces, the public is welcome to step away from the hustle and bustle. We also have people and teams willing to come and talk or just listen.
Please know that what you are feeling is normal, we are here, we care, and we will help in any way we can.
Lee will be missed deeply in the community and in this building, but we want to help ensure that his legacy lives on.
Coach you will be missed more then you could have ever imagined.
Sincerely,
The NCRD Family
We also want to remind the community that we have partnered with our local Girl Scout Troop, and we have a pet food box out in the lobby where all donations will go the Pet Food Bank at the Methodist Church.
From Unfurl:
This holiday time span can be extra heavy for so many of us, for a million different reasons 💔 As one of our local friends says, “If you have the opportunity to be kind today (and you will), please do.” We love the simplicity of her wisdom and how it nudges us into the greater possibility of the average moment. .
This week our North Coast community (and world) lost a very special person named Lee Blackmon, founder of Animal Haven by the Sea Rescue. He started out many years back rescuing local animals in need– and that quickly turned into helping their owners, also. After all, animals in need belong to humans in need. He was the kind of guy who drove Hwy 101, in search of hitchhiking veterans + vagabonds and their pups, his truck loaded to the max with blankets, tents, hand warmers, hot coffee and bags of high quality dog food. Did your dog or cat run away? “All hands on deck” was Lee’s call to the community as he posted pictures and rallied us to bring home people’s beloved fur babies. He would go into homes where animals were being abused and rescue them himself. He dressed up as the skinniest Santa you ever did see and loyally delivered toys and food to local doorsteps on Christmas. He coached soccer for all the kids who “couldn’t afford or commit to being on a soccer team,” remembers one of his good friends. Lee traveled to Poland on an international animal rescue mission last year to assist evacuees and their pets from Ukraine. He embodied a spirit of service and non-judgment that inspired everyone he knew and made us all so proud to say his name.
If you knew or heard of Lee or feel touched by his life’s work and wish to donate to his newly organized foundation, please contact First Security Bank in Manzanita,
No amount is too small to make an impact! Funds will be used to provide life-saving surgeries and veterinary care for pet owners in the Nehalem Bay area who otherwise could not afford it. We will never forget you, Lee!
Safe Space for Community to Come Together – Rising Hearts Studio
Rising Hearts Studio in downtown Nehalem will continue to offer a safe space to be, for those that need it from 10 am to 5 pm. The doors of the studio are wide open. Please come to sit quietly, or cry, wail and scream, or share stories, or have some tea, be with others, receive hugs, whatever you need.
We will have supports and counselors available. Shock, anger, sorrow, sadness, denial, depression ….pain
All of it is valid, and needs to be felt. Please be gentle with yourself and everyone you meet….
Tha loss of Lee Blackmon, his light and his spirit, is unimaginable, and has created a hole in the fabric of our community- you don’t have to grieve alone.❤️💜🖤💔🧡❤️🩹
From Wanda’s Cafe:
Dear Friends, Family, and Supporters of Animal Haven by the Sea Rescue,
With deep sorrow and a heavy heart, we honor the life of Lee Blackmon of Animal Haven by the Sea Rescue.
Lee’s passing has left an immeasurable void in our community, and we find solace in reflecting on his incredible impact during his time with us.
Lee’s commitment to the welfare of animals and his passion for creating a haven for those in need were unparalleled.
His dedication and tireless efforts transformed Animal Haven by the Sea Rescue into a beacon of hope for countless animals who found safety, love, and a second chance at life within its walls.
Lee’s compassion knew no bounds, and his selfless contributions resonated throughout our community and beyond.
As we mourn the loss of this remarkable individual, let us also celebrate the legacy he leaves behind.
Lee’s kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to the well-being of animals and anyone he came in contact with have touched the lives of many, creating a ripple effect of compassion that will continue to be felt for years.
In memory of Lee Blackmon, let us come together to support each other, share stories of his incredible impact, and find strength in the shared vision of a community united by love for animals.
While we grapple with the pain of his absence, let us also be inspired by the indomitable spirit of a man who dedicated his life to making the world a better place for those who cannot speak for themselves.
Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to Lee’s family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched. May his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration.
In honor of Lee, let us renew our commitment to the cause he held dear and find a way to ensure that his legacy lives on.
With heartfelt condolences,
Frank and Patrick, Wanda’s Cafe
From Blackmon Family –
Needs – Pet Food for local Food Pantries; Donations to Nehalem Animal Healing; Lee Blackmon Foundation account at First Security Bank
If you or someone you know needs to talk to someone, please call 988 or 503-842-8201. There is help and hope.
