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In Memoriam

Lee Roper (1929-2006)

Lee, a founding member in 1961 of the Grossmont College faculty, died Aug. 29 at his Kensington home. He was 77. Lee was a great supporter of SOHO, he and wife Barbara opened their home many times for fundraisers. In 1998, after living for several years in Lakeside and then Talmadge, the Ropers bought a U-shaped, hacienda-style home built around a courtyard in Kensington. They knew they had something special and began researching it, what they found was that they had one of Master builder Cliff May's work. Through their persistent efforts, the home was added in 1999 to the city of San Diego's historic register. In 2001, it became the first Cliff May-designed house to be listed on the National Register as a historic landmark. They started a Cliff May club which helped other Cliff May owners to understand and respect the integrity of May's details and design.

Lee will be very missed; he was one of the warmest and kindest men one could ever hope to know and very much loved by us all here at SOHO.

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Barbara; daughter, Cynthia Martinez of San Diego; son, Christopher Roper of San Diego; and two grandchildren.

A private memorial service is planned. Donations are suggested to the San Diego Blood Bank, 440 Upas St., San Diego, CA 92103.


This has been a very rough year for many of our SOHO friends, board and staff members. Our deepest heartfelt sympathies go out to board member David Swarens who lost his mother; to County Historian Lynn Christenson who lost her father, and whose mother is now gravely ill; to lifetime SOHO member Debbie Stall who lost her mother; to past SOHO board member and HRB commissioner María Castillo Curry who lost her husband; and to Events and Education Director Alana Coons who lost her father. It is our collective passion for improving the lives of others and the community, in doing good that enables us to move forward in this time of great loss.

2006 - Volume 37, Issue 3

MORE FROM THIS ISSUE

Root of the Problem?


Is it Worth Saving?


Making History


New Project to Reconfigure Tank Farm


Coronado City Council Upholds Designation by the City's Historical Resources Commission
Historic Preservation: The Greenest of Conservation Solutions
Adobe U
The Preservation and Repair of Historic Stucco

Borrego Springs Modern


Modern for the Masses


Community Outreach


Old Town Cultural/Historical Program

Annual Report


Statement of Activities

Statement of Financial Position


Head Docent Promoted


In Memoriam: Lee Roper (1929-2006)


Squire Ensworth's Letters to Mr. Whaley


Whaley House Garden


Volunteer Profile: Pat Petersen


SOHO Highlights San Diego County Museums
1938 Midway La Playa Trail Refurbished & Unveiled

What is it?


Strength in Numbers


Lost San Diego


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