Funeral homes often submit obituaries as a service to the families they are assisting. However, we will be happy to accept obituaries from family members pending proper verification of the death.
Leland “Lee” Baskins Jr. passed away at the age of 85. He was born in Hood River, Oregon, to Leland Baskins Sr. and Hazel Maude (Picking) Baskins.
Lee grew up in Hood River along with his younger brothers Eugene and Robert. The brothers were known in their family as “June, Teen, and Dude.” Lee worked in the orchards while he was in high school. Shortly after graduating from Wy’east High School in 1958, Lee joined the Oregon National Guard.
In 1963, Lee enlisted in the U.S. Army and went on to serve in the Vietnam War. He met his future wife, Kim, while stationed in Korea and they married in 1967. They moved to Okinawa, Japan, where they welcomed the birth of their first child, Tina. A few years later, they celebrated the arrival of daughter Corrine.
In 1978, Lee served in the Enewetak Atoll atomic cleanup efforts in the Marshall Islands, for which he was awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal. Lee received many other accolades during his military service including the Bronze Star Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. Lee retired from the Army in 1983 as a Sergeant First Class (SFC).
After retiring from the Army, Lee began a second career with the U.S. Postal Service. He was a dedicated messenger, ensuring that delivery deadlines were met no matter the obstacle or time of day. He retired from the Postal Service after 20 years of service.
Lee was an avid reader of all genres and subjects ranging from military history to his beloved westerns. One of his favorite pastimes was reading outdoors in the sun. Lee was also a fan of “honky-tonk” music and enjoyed many hours listening to his favorite old records. He enjoyed the simple things in life and was probably at his happiest when listening to records at home with a cat on his lap.
Lee had a sharp wit and a mischievous sense of humor. He liked to tell stories as much as he liked to listen to them. Lee was a kindhearted, generous person and a man of his word.
Lee is survived by his immediate family; his brothers Eugene and Robert, both of Hood River; and Kati, his beloved cat.
Columbia Gorge News, March 11, 2026
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