J. Lee Kaufman

J. Lee Kaufman, 83, of Bainbridge, passed away Oct. 16, 2013 at Hospice of Hope Ohio Valley Inpatient Center in Seaman, after a long struggle with emphysema.

He was born Dec. 6, 1929 in Grand Rapids, Mich., the son of the late Henry and Eva (DePew) Kaufman.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his third child, Danielle Kaufman by only two weeks; and one sister, Lois.

He is survived by his companion, Katy Warren; and two children, Bill and Hamidah (Susan).

He is also survived by his sister, Barb; and six nieces and nephews. He had 13 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Lee was a teacher, a counselor and a life-long learner. He earned his PhD in English literature and his master's in social work and counseling. He taught at Western Michigan University, then at Grand Valley State University. He worked at Scioto Paint Valley Mental Health Center in Ohio and continued seeing clients in private practice.

Lee served as a deacon at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Hillsboro, where he had many good friends. His greatest joy was in teaching, advising, counseling and helping others to be the best that they could be – and he never retired from his true calling. He also loved reading, learning, maps, history and wood working. His tools and work bench always had projects in progress.

The family wish to express their heartfelt gratitude to Patrick McFadden for his outstanding support of Lee during the latter part of his life and to all of us during Lee’s passing.

Lee Kaufman will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27 at the St Mary Episcopal Church, 234 N. High St., Hillsboro.

The Thompson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

To sign the online guest book, visit www.thompsonfuneralhomes.com.