Doc. V left for the ultimate diving trip in heaven on March 19, 2017. He joins his wife Ann, who predeceased him in 2012. They are back together playing in the warm tropics, watching over the Vincent clan and friends.
Dr. Lee Stevens Vincent, 85, was born in Chicago, IL. He was the only son of Blanche and John Vincent. He graduated Macalester University in 1953 and the University of Illinois in 1957 with his MD. He was the chief of Pediatrics at USAF Larson AFB, Washington from 1960-1962. He opened his private practice in Bellevue Washington in 1962.
In 1954, he married Ann Cooley Vincent. They have three children. Dr. Vincent was the co-founder of Pediatric Associates (Allegro Pediatrics), in Bellevue in 1964. He and his wife Ann were instrumental in the founding of Youth Eastside Services (YES) in Bellevue, a program designed to help at-risk youth. He was a Mason Shriner, and believed in giving back to the community through his leadership and generosity.
He had hospital affiliations with Overlake Hospital, Evergreen Hospital and Children’s Orthopedic Hospital. He was a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, King County Medical Association, and Washington State Medical Association.
His son Steve and husband Joel live in Mexico; daughter Lori and husband Glen live in Gainesville GA; and daughter Jane and husband Erik live in Woodinville WA. He also leaves grandchildren Sean, Rose and Heino.
He lived an amazing life, traveling the South Pacific, scuba diving (although never staying with his buddy), enjoying underwater photography and boating in the San Juan Islands. He enjoyed fishing, spinning limericks, punning and telling dirty jokes. He loved his cabin on Samish Island where he was known for his festive carved bear, decorated monthly. He was pragmatic in everything he did. From buying his clothes at Sears, to jerry-rigging whatever needed to be fixed around the house. He was an avid gardener, birder, and famous for his homemade cookies. He touched the lives of several generations of families on the Eastside, helping their children to live healthier and happier lives. His famous saying each morning when leaving for work was “I am on my way to save lives and stamp out disease and make the world safe for small children.” He certainly did that. When he was asked for a favor or how to solve a problem he would say “piece of cake!”
Lee didn’t want a funeral service; he would ask you celebrate his life with a single malt scotch, a chocolate dessert and make a donation to YES in his memory. He will be missed, but his legacy will live on.
