The following obituary information is from Lee's wife, Pat Karnay.
LEE PARDINI
LeRoy J. Pardini, passed away in his home on January 1, 2019, surrounded by his loving Family. LeRoy waged a courageous battle against Leukemia, the past 13 months. He was always hopeful and never let the illness define him. Lee was forever a joyful spirit, looking to the future with plans and a clear vision.
LeRoy, an exceptional man, was a proud and loving Husband, Father, Partner and Friend. He was action oriented in achievement of his goals and always ready to help others succeed.
He believed preparation, determination, honesty and integrity were principles to live by. Born in Tacoma, Washington, an only child, to John and Marion Pardini, Lee enjoyed his early years living in the now Hilltop District, which was referred to as Garlic Gulch at the time, due to the density of Italian Immigrants living in the area. Later his Family moved to Parkland, where Lee became a graduate of Franklin Pierce High School in 1963. He was awarded a football scholarship to Western Washington University, attending two years before discovering he had a love of Architecture. Lee transferred to the University of Washington, beginning what would become his lifelong career. He was initiated into the Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society in Architecture, in 1968, subsequently receiving his Masters of Architecture Degree, from the University of Washington in 1970.
While at the UW, Lee was active in the Military ROTC Program and achieved the rank of Cadet Captain. After graduation he was enlisted in the Army and was sent to Fort Benning, GA, then on to Fort Benjamin in Harrison, Indiana earning Second Lieutenant Rank and completing Adjutant General Officer Basic Course. From there it was Ft. Hood, Texas where he was assigned to the Adjutant General’s Corp, and subsequently was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. He was Honorably Discharged with the final rank of First Lieutenant, in the United States Army in 1972. Lee was a fine Officer and a Patriot, who loved his Country.
Lees love of Architecture and Art promoted many trips to Europe studying the great structures in person and travels to Columbia, South America fueled his craving for adventure. In 1973 Lee began to practice Architecture with ROMA Architects in San Francisco, CA. where he honed his skills and talent for large commercial projects. He was involved in Bus Transit Facilities, College Master Plans, and Winery projects to name a few. He enjoyed being a part of the Design Team for the Domaine Chandon Winery in Yountville, CA. in 1976, to produce French Method champagne in the USA.
In 1978 Lee met his soulmate Patricia Karnay in Berkeley, CA, over a laurel hedge and they were married in 1979. Lee’s roots were in Washington so they relocated to the Olympia/Tacoma area in 1980 & set about starting a Family and Pardini & Associates Architectural Practice in Olympia. Lee and Pat were blessed with a Son in 1982 and another Son in 1985. Lee was a proud Father and began to focus on new goals for his Family. Life was amazing and full of promise and in 1985 Lee merged his practice into a new Partnership which they called Merritt+Pardini, with offices in Tacoma and Seattle, WA.
Lee’s Architectural Practice encompassed Transportation Facilities, City Master Plans, Municipal Projects, Fire Stations, Schools and Nursing Home Facilities. Lee was also a promoter of historical preservation and restoration of existing structures. Special Citations, Honor Awards, & Awards of Merit from various Cities and Organizations were
awarded his company for their excellence in Architectural design and management. In 1996 The National Preservation Honor Award was awarded to Merritt+Pardini for the Tacoma Union Station Preservation and Restoration project which gave Tacoma’s most significant historic structure a new life.
In 1993 Lee and Pat acquired land in the Kettle Falls, WA area and spent many vacations and Spring school breaks in the forest they loved, with their Sons, working to complete the infrastructure of their planned home. In 1998 Lee sold his Merritt+Pardini practice and in 2003 Lee began Consultation & Master Planning services as Sole Proprietor, forming Pardini Design Group. He was then able to work from home, enjoying the freedoms a small practice and modern technology afforded and finally moving to Kettle Falls, WA in 2006.
In 2014 Lee and Pat were blessed with their first grandchild and welcomed this blessing of the Lord. Over the next four years two more grandchildren graced their lives and Lee could not have been happier. Lee was an avid outdoorsman and hunter and valued the times he could spend with his Sons in the Forestlands of this great Country. He spent as much time as possible hiking in the grand forests and traveling the waterways, always marveling at the beautiful landscapes that God had provided.
Lee is survived by his Spouse Patricia Karnay of Kettle Falls, WA; Evan (Son) & Catherine Pardini of Pasco, WA; Joel (Son) & Amanda Pardini of Lake Tapps, WA, three beautiful Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins
A private Memorial Service will be held for immediate family members. Remembrances may be directed to the Family through the Danekas Funeral Chapel in Colville, WA.
Lee scolded me for not mentioning a few of our exploits in Dave Hart's In Memory comments. So, while, I will still continue to be silent on most everything (what happens at FP.......) here is the story on the Desoto. As I remember it , there were 4 of us who went in together to buy this old beat-up 1948 Desoto for about $75. We painted it orange with brush and paint in my Dad's garage. It needed several repairs, one of which was a new head gasket. During the replacement, I think it was Lee who said "that's probably tight enough" when none of us had a torque wrench. It had the old style back doors called "suicide doors" which may have come open a few times while we were driving down the road, often looking for classmates to pick up to take to school. Then there was the trip to the ocean.........
I remember Lee as a good guy, football player and fun to be with. Sounds like he had a great life and a great family. So sorry for his passing. I too, remember the DeSoto. I believe I was one of the owners as I remember painting it and going to the ocean. Unfortunately I don't remeber coming back from that trip. Terry Brunner.
Dan Holder
The following obituary information is from Lee's wife, Pat Karnay.
LEE PARDINI
LeRoy J. Pardini, passed away in his home on January 1, 2019, surrounded by his loving Family. LeRoy waged a courageous battle against Leukemia, the past 13 months. He was always hopeful and never let the illness define him. Lee was forever a joyful spirit, looking to the future with plans and a clear vision.
LeRoy, an exceptional man, was a proud and loving Husband, Father, Partner and Friend. He was action oriented in achievement of his goals and always ready to help others succeed.
He believed preparation, determination, honesty and integrity were principles to live by. Born in Tacoma, Washington, an only child, to John and Marion Pardini, Lee enjoyed his early years living in the now Hilltop District, which was referred to as Garlic Gulch at the time, due to the density of Italian Immigrants living in the area. Later his Family moved to Parkland, where Lee became a graduate of Franklin Pierce High School in 1963. He was awarded a football scholarship to Western Washington University, attending two years before discovering he had a love of Architecture. Lee transferred to the University of Washington, beginning what would become his lifelong career. He was initiated into the Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society in Architecture, in 1968, subsequently receiving his Masters of Architecture Degree, from the University of Washington in 1970.
While at the UW, Lee was active in the Military ROTC Program and achieved the rank of Cadet Captain. After graduation he was enlisted in the Army and was sent to Fort Benning, GA, then on to Fort Benjamin in Harrison, Indiana earning Second Lieutenant Rank and completing Adjutant General Officer Basic Course. From there it was Ft. Hood, Texas where he was assigned to the Adjutant General’s Corp, and subsequently was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Meritorious Service Medal. He was Honorably Discharged with the final rank of First Lieutenant, in the United States Army in 1972. Lee was a fine Officer and a Patriot, who loved his Country.
Lees love of Architecture and Art promoted many trips to Europe studying the great structures in person and travels to Columbia, South America fueled his craving for adventure. In 1973 Lee began to practice Architecture with ROMA Architects in San Francisco, CA. where he honed his skills and talent for large commercial projects. He was involved in Bus Transit Facilities, College Master Plans, and Winery projects to name a few. He enjoyed being a part of the Design Team for the Domaine Chandon Winery in Yountville, CA. in 1976, to produce French Method champagne in the USA.
In 1978 Lee met his soulmate Patricia Karnay in Berkeley, CA, over a laurel hedge and they were married in 1979. Lee’s roots were in Washington so they relocated to the Olympia/Tacoma area in 1980 & set about starting a Family and Pardini & Associates Architectural Practice in Olympia. Lee and Pat were blessed with a Son in 1982 and another Son in 1985. Lee was a proud Father and began to focus on new goals for his Family. Life was amazing and full of promise and in 1985 Lee merged his practice into a new Partnership which they called Merritt+Pardini, with offices in Tacoma and Seattle, WA.
Lee’s Architectural Practice encompassed Transportation Facilities, City Master Plans, Municipal Projects, Fire Stations, Schools and Nursing Home Facilities. Lee was also a promoter of historical preservation and restoration of existing structures. Special Citations, Honor Awards, & Awards of Merit from various Cities and Organizations were
awarded his company for their excellence in Architectural design and management. In 1996 The National Preservation Honor Award was awarded to Merritt+Pardini for the Tacoma Union Station Preservation and Restoration project which gave Tacoma’s most significant historic structure a new life.
In 1993 Lee and Pat acquired land in the Kettle Falls, WA area and spent many vacations and Spring school breaks in the forest they loved, with their Sons, working to complete the infrastructure of their planned home. In 1998 Lee sold his Merritt+Pardini practice and in 2003 Lee began Consultation & Master Planning services as Sole Proprietor, forming Pardini Design Group. He was then able to work from home, enjoying the freedoms a small practice and modern technology afforded and finally moving to Kettle Falls, WA in 2006.
In 2014 Lee and Pat were blessed with their first grandchild and welcomed this blessing of the Lord. Over the next four years two more grandchildren graced their lives and Lee could not have been happier. Lee was an avid outdoorsman and hunter and valued the times he could spend with his Sons in the Forestlands of this great Country. He spent as much time as possible hiking in the grand forests and traveling the waterways, always marveling at the beautiful landscapes that God had provided.
Lee is survived by his Spouse Patricia Karnay of Kettle Falls, WA; Evan (Son) & Catherine Pardini of Pasco, WA; Joel (Son) & Amanda Pardini of Lake Tapps, WA, three beautiful Grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins
A private Memorial Service will be held for immediate family members. Remembrances may be directed to the Family through the Danekas Funeral Chapel in Colville, WA.
Dan Holder
Lee scolded me for not mentioning a few of our exploits in Dave Hart's In Memory comments. So, while, I will still continue to be silent on most everything (what happens at FP.......) here is the story on the Desoto. As I remember it , there were 4 of us who went in together to buy this old beat-up 1948 Desoto for about $75. We painted it orange with brush and paint in my Dad's garage. It needed several repairs, one of which was a new head gasket. During the replacement, I think it was Lee who said "that's probably tight enough" when none of us had a torque wrench. It had the old style back doors called "suicide doors" which may have come open a few times while we were driving down the road, often looking for classmates to pick up to take to school. Then there was the trip to the ocean.........
Take care, Lee. We love ya.
Terry Brunner
I remember Lee as a good guy, football player and fun to be with. Sounds like he had a great life and a great family. So sorry for his passing. I too, remember the DeSoto. I believe I was one of the owners as I remember painting it and going to the ocean. Unfortunately I don't remeber coming back from that trip. Terry Brunner.