J. Bracken Lee - Lee's Legacy

Lee's Legacy

Lee died in Salt Lake City on October 20, 1996, and is interred there in a family plot at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. At 97 years and 215 days old, he lived longer than any other Utah Governor.

Lee's biographer, Dennis Lythgoe, regards his greatest contribution his terms as mayor of Salt Lake City, where he brought fiscal responsibility and capital improvements to the city. With age having moderated his temper somewhat; he was more effective in office while remaining true to his principles.

Lee was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, particularly enjoying the high desert in eastern Utah near his native Price. He played semi-professional baseball as a young man, playing shortstop. He was also an extraordinary handiman, with skills in jewelry making and painting. He was a member of the Freemasons; Shriners, and the Elks.

Lee's legacy as governor is often varied. While many point to his temper, opinionated personality, and battles with educators as problems, he is also generally praised for his fiscal responsibility, and for the fact that Utah enjoyed a prosperous economy during his administration. Throughout his entire tenure, the state had a surplus rather than debt.

Lee was often compared to President Harry S Truman. Though the two had differing political viewpoints and were members of opposite parties, their personalities were very similar. Both were equally folksy, opinionated, and bluntly honest, and both were of smaller build and wore glasses. With the two in office at the same time from 1949–1953, it was easy for many to compare the two.