Lee Blake Monsen

On Friday, August 6, 2021, Lee Blake Monsen, loving friend, brother, husband, father and grandfather passed away at the age of 63, peacefully surrounded by his family.

Lee was born August 30, 1957 in Murray, Utah to Ronald and LaRaine Monsen. Lee was the apple of Grandpa Timothy's eye. Grandpa T was so excited that he bought Lee's first set of boxing gloves that were bigger than Lee! Lee learned to love the outdoors, fishing, hunting and camping from his Dad and Grandpa T. Lee once told me that Grandma T would drop them off at a spot and they would work the fields hunting pheasants and go to the next spot and Grandma T would clean up the birds for them, wink, wink...I told him he better take Grandma T with them next time you go hunting!

Lee loved sports, he played baseball, basketball and football in high school, recreational city leagues and church ball. He was invited to play softball with some Midvale friends who had cousins in the Lucero Ward in Salt Lake. When I first saw him, I thought what a beautiful sight! And the rest is history! We were married on February 9, 1979, later sealed in the Jordan River Temple and our 42 year marriage has been a huge milestone in our lives. We were blessed with 3 children and 6 grandchildren to date. Lee is now with granddaughter #2 who was to arrive in December. Lee's family was everything to him, especially his grandkids.

Lee started his career with West Valley City Fire Department on December 15, 1980. Lee advanced through the ranks of Senior firefighter, Engineer and was promoted to Captain on January 6, 2001. Lee spent most of the last 20 years as the training officer for the department--training countless firefighters and shaping the future of West Valley Fire.

Lee was instrumental in helping Chris Beichner to develop the Wild Land Firefighting Program. Lee focused on bringing in the training through his contacts and reached out to Mike Ulibarri to get it started. This program has expanded to Oregon, Montana, and California.

After 41 years of service with West Valley City Fire, Lee was the last of the originals. Lee developed long lasting relationships that have served and will continue for the department and City.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents, his son Derek and many family members.

Lee is survived by his wife Cynthia Ontiveros, son Blake, daughter Kylie Sellers (Scott), grandsons Ashton, Davin, Landen, Corbin, Caden and granddaughter Westlynn, siblings, Elaine Fenton (Kirk), Rhonda Elliott, Darin Monsen and Chad Monsen (Becky), several cousins, nieces and nephews.

Viewings will be held at Welby Stake Center, 8841 South 4800 West, West Jordan on Friday, August 13th from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 14th from 9:00 - 10:45 a.m. Funeral services at 11.

We would like to thank all the professionals who helped Lee with his critical condition--Dr. James Pearl, Dr. David C. Griffin, IMC Thoracic Critical Care Physicians and many Registered Nurses and other staff.

In lieu of flowers, donations for the family can be made to the Lee Monsen trust fund at any Mountain America branch.





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