Shep Lee, 1926-2010 | Maine's business community loses an auto industry icon
Shepard Lee, a storied car dealership mogul and Democratic Party activist, died in late June at the age of 83. A Lewiston native who interrupted his education at Bowdoin College to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Lee began his career in auto sales the day after he graduated in 1947. After going to work for his father at Advance Auto Sales in Auburn, he began to formulate a business strategy that recognized the industry’s future lay in branching out and selling more than one brand. His dealership, Lee Auto Malls, expanded from the lone Auburn location to 20 locations and credit centers around the state, selling eight makes of cars.
In a prepared statement, Gov. John Baldacci called Lee “a close friend and confidant and a stalwart supporter of the people of Maine. His tireless advocacy for economic development is unmatched, as is his lifetime of philanthropy and dedication to Maine communities.”
A close friend of both Sens. Ed Muskie and George Mitchell, Lee stood out in the industry for his support of clean-air standards for automobiles and his charitable donations to schools and legal aid providers. He was active in a number of organizations, including the Maine Community College System’s board of trustees, the University of Southern Maine’s School of Business’ advisory board and the Finance Authority of Maine.
Shep Lee was “smart and creative,” his daughter, Catherine Lee, told the Portland Press Herald. “But he always felt that he needed something more to have a satisfying life.”
Lara Cole
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