R. LEE STRAIN

1951-2021

R. Lee Strain, 69, of Houston, Texas, died Tuesday, August 24, 2021. For most of the past 10 years Lee lived with the challenges of cancer, and did so with grace. He wanted all to know that he loved his life, his family and his many friends and was at peace.

Lee was born December 26, 1951 in Trenton, Tennessee, the son of James Robert Strain and Rebecca Ann Strain. Lee’s dad was in the Air Force and they lived many places while he was growing up, but he came to call Texas home. Lee graduated from Mary Carroll High School in Corpus Christi, and attended Baylor University. He was a true ‘Baylor Bear’ at heart.

Early in his life, Lee followed his dream of building a business and established Strain & Associates in 1992. For over 30 years he was part of the Houston banking scene, helping individuals find the right roles within Houston banks, and helping bankers find the right ‘fit’ for continuous growth. He had a natural ability of making connections with everyone. His sound judgement and temperament provided his clients with confidence, trust and devotion. He was valued as a business partner, advisor, friend and confidant and made many lifelong friends throughout his career.

Lee was passionate about adventure, and began riding his BMW R1200 RT Motorcycle after recovering from throat cancer. His doctor told him to “Live your life, do what you want and get on with it!”, and so he and his bike, “Black Magic” took solo trips and great adventures with friends, traveling across the country and to many National Parks. He loved riding his motorcycle for the pure joy of it and the comradery of his friends. This was a blessing for Lee when he was diagnosed with cancer yet again, as he was able to cherish these memories.

Lee married Roslyn Ruethain in 2018. Their marriage was defined by their happiness and love, which grew every day. Rozzie was Lee’s caregiver-in-chief and guardian angel, addressing every challenge with remarkable strength. In addition to the love of his life, Roslyn Strain, Lee is survived by his two beloved children, Sarah Elizabeth Strain and Samuel Robert Strain (and their mother, Kitty Strain). Sam and Sarah were his constant source of pride and love. He is also survived by his sister Vicki Stewart and husband Terry of Bulverde, Texas.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, September 1 at one o’clock in the afternoon at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77027, followed by a reception at the church. The service will be livestreamed at https:// www.stlukesmethodist.org/ memorial-livestream/

The family would like to thank the nurses at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center who provided compassionate care to Lee and his family throughout his stay. They provided guidance, support and advocacy when it was needed most. We are forever grateful.

Lee mentored and encouraged many people through CanCare, which provides support to individuals facing cancer. Memorial contributions can be made to CanCare at https://www.cancare.org