FT, MYERS, FL — William MacDonald Lees, Jr., formerly of Chatham, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2016 after a long illness. Born October 16, 1934 in New Haven, CT, he was the loving husband for 58 years of Patricia Jane (Keil) Lees. He was the son of the late William M. and Mary Elizabeth (McKay) Lees.  Mr. Lees was a 1952 graduate of Chatham High School and a graduate of the Rochester Institute of Technology. A well-known and highly successful professional photographer, he owned and operated the Lees Studio of Photography in Chatham for many years, specializing in wedding, portrait, and commercial photography as well as being a frequent photo contributor to the Chatham Courier.

While living in Chatham, Mr. Lees served on the Town Planning Board; was a founding member of Crellin Park, serving on its Board; a member of the Chatham Exchange Club; along with several other local organizations. In the mid-1960's Bill was part owner of the Boston Candy Kitchen. He was a long-time active member and officer in both the Chatham Fire Department and the Chatham Rescue Squad.

In 1977 Bill and Pat moved to Estero Island in southwest Florida. In addition to operating a studio and gallery featuring their work, Bill served as Captain of Reserve Firefighters in the Fort Myers Beach area. His public service continued as a member of the local fire department when he and his wife spent 25 years living in Maggie Valley, NC; and again when they returned to the Fort Myers area two years ago. Bill proudly contributed many hours of volunteer service to the fire and rescue organizations in each of the local communities in which he lived.

In addition to his loving wife and best friend Pat, Bill is survived by his daughter, Christine Lees Berg; two sons, William M. Lees III (Jessy), and David A. Lees (Tonya). He was proud grandfather of his six grandchildren, Elizabeth Berg, Charles Berg, William Lees IV, David Lees, Jr., Tabitha Lees, and Madeline Lees. Also surviving are three sisters-in-law, Barbara Crosby, Beverly Keil, and Joanne Currier; and many nieces and nephews. Bill was a kind and gentle man, a hard worker with the creative eye of an artist, who lived a good life and whose greatest joy was his family.

Friends are invited to remember Bill at a Memorial Service at the Wenk Funeral Home in Chatham, NY on Friday, September 1, at 11:00 a.m.  Following a brief graveside ceremony at the Ghent Union Cemetery the family of Mr. Lees invites friends to celebrate his life by joining them for a luncheon at the Chatham Fire House.