It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Jared Lee, a son, brother, and friend of exceptional character and boundless spirit.  Born on April 8, 1998, Jared left us too soon on August 14, 2023, leaving an extraordinary legacy of kindness and service in his wake.

He is survived by his loving family, including his parents, Roger Lee and Michelle Lee, his sisters, Michaela Lee and Noelani Lee, as well as many cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents.  Jared will be remembered for his compassionate spirit, his empathy, appreciation for nature, and love of the Lord.  He was someone who filled the room with warmth, always ready to help those in need and spread smiles wherever he went.

Jared had a quiet, determined enthusiasm for everything he put his mind to. He loved the Boy Scouts and eventually became an Eagle Scout.  He loved running and eventually competed in an Ironman half-triathlon.  He loved being a peacemaker (as the youngest of three, he often had to be) and eventually became an ombuds at the University of California, Irvine.  Jared pushed himself to continually grow and always aimed to inspire others to do the same.

Jared excelled at Pepperdine University, competing in entrepreneurship competitions, leading outdoor adventure trips, and participating in clubs and the Pepperdine Ambassadors Council. He completed a Certificate in Conflict Management as an undergrad and later earned a Master of Dispute Resolution. He loved to learn by doing, winning the inaugural Straus Institute Mediation competition in 2021, serving as chair of the Mediation Honor Board, and volunteering at the Mediation Center of the Pacific and the Mediation Center of Los Angeles. 

He contributed significantly to the ombuds field through drafting a chapter on virtual ombudsing and participating actively in the International Ombuds Association, California Caucus of College and University Ombuds, and the Emerging Ombuds Network.

Outside of the office, he constantly strove to be outdoors, on the move, and enjoying the sun--and he especially loved to share outdoors time with others.  Among his many pleasures were surfing, snowboarding, biking, pickleball, racquetball, hiking, backpacking, camping, snorkeling, scuba diving, outrigger canoeing, kayaking, and sailing.

To his family and close friends, Jared was also known for his boundless creative spirit.  He always carved out time to sketch and draw, play the ukelele, and spend time outdoors in the garden.  His commitment to the environment was reflected in the many trees he cultivated from seeds.  These trees, which continue to grow and flourish, are a fitting tribute to Jared's unwavering love for the outdoors.  

Jared always had an inquisitive nature.  As a child, he would always try to figure out how things worked.  He would ask "why" and "how", not letting up until he was satisfied with the response.  As he got older he questioned his presence in the world and his responsibility to others.  This search led him to the Lord.  Throughout his life, Jared was an active member at churches including in Dublin, Kailua, and Tustin.  He started Bible studies, invited his friends to attend services, prayed with those in need, encouraged those who were searching, and actively tried to live his life like Christ.  His demonstration of service to others served as a light to the world.  As in Matthew 5:16, his good works gave glory to the Father who is in Heaven.  After finding truth himself, he sought to show others the unconditional love that had been given to him.  

In Jared, the world has lost a beautiful soul. His kindness, love, and commitment to service will continue to inspire all who knew him.

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Jared's friends and family look forward to celebrating his life on September 9, 2023 at the Dougherty Station Community Arts Center.  Please find more details on the Events tab.  We welcome anyone to join us in remembering Jared.

In lieu of flowers, funds are being raised in Jared's memory for The Pantry, a food distribution service for people in need in Hawai'i.  Jared was of Hawaiian heritage and volunteered with them while he lived in Hawai'i with the Movers and Shakas program.  He was incredibly service oriented throughout his whole life, and we're grateful for the opportunity to connect people with the causes that he loved.  Donations can be made at the following URL: 

https://thepantry.app.neoncrm…

In addition, the Straus Institute is collecting donations to award a deserving recipient a one-time scholarship to carry on the work that was important to Jared, including advancing the ombuds industry and integrating conflict resolution and mediation into Christian communities of faith. Gifts should be directed to the existing Straus Giving Page, which may be found at Straus Institute Give, and should include in the comment field "In Memory of Jared Lee." 

https://give.pepperdine.edu/l…

If donating is not an option for you at this time, we encourage you to consider donating blood through the American Red Cross, another cause that Jared avidly supported.

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