Melvin Leroy "Lee" Bratcher (82) – snow skier, glider plane pilot, fixer-of-everything – went to be with Jesus on May 27 ^th , 2021, after a short battle with lung cancer. Lee was born on July 5 ^th , 1938, in Enid, Oklahoma to Melvin Clayton Bratcher and Margie Oralie Boring. He served his country as a secretary in the Army, stationed in Germany from 1961-1963, and went on to work by day as an automotive mechanic for Sears and Camp Subaru, and by night as a DIY craftsman building his beautiful home in Deer Park, Washington.

Lee lived like Jesus who said, "I came not to be served, but to serve." He held volunteer and leadership roles in every group, club or activity he joined. Since 2001, Lee was a member of the Open Door Congregational church in Deer Park, where he led a men's small group bible study and served as a trustee and moderator, overseeing the direction of the church and the care of the church property.

During the winter, Lee could be found carving figure eights on the powdery slopes of Mt. Spokane where he served as a National Ski Patroller from 1965 - 2006, receiving many awards for his service and dedication. Lee was instrumental in pioneering the Mt. Spokane Annual Ski Swap and never missed a swap in its 56 years. The Bratcher Distinguished Service Award was named after Lee and Jackie in recognition of their service and dedication to the Ski Swap.

Lee enjoyed flying glider planes and was an active member of the Spokane Soaring Society in Deer Park. He loved fly fishing, strong black coffee, and chicken parmigiana from the Olive Garden. Lee was a man of integrity, adventure and loyalty who had a close relationship with the Lord and a deep love for his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Lee is survived by his wife, Jacquelyn Bratcher, and their children: Brad Craig, Richard and Valerie Bratcher, David Craig, LeeAnn and Bruce Winters, and Vikki and John Wright, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The service celebrating Lee's life will be held on Wednesday, June 9 ^th , 2021 at the Open Door Congregational church in Deer Park. There will be a 10:00 am viewing in the church sanctuary followed by the service at 11:00 am, a time of fellowship and a graveside committal at Woodland Cemetery in Deer Park. The service is planned to be live-streamed through the church's Facebook page.