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Naval Commander in September, 1946 and settled on a small two-acre ranch at Turlock, California to enjoy the quiet contentment of home life. There he enjoyed the California sunshine, lectured at flying clubs and started working on a history of the EARLY BIRDS. He allowed his flying license, which he had held actively since 1915, to expire. After a prolonged illness he passed away at Travis Air Force Base Hospital on May 16, 1957 at age 69.
  
Walter Lees loved aviation and never lost the thrill of flying. He was always a gentleman and his ever ready smile endeared him to all. He was well known and loved for his congenial and courteous manner. An expert pilot with a sound engineering understanding of all phases of aviation, he was an active member of the Early Birds, Old Birds, Quiet Birdmen and the Caterpillar Club, truly one of the real flying pioneers of aviation.    

[[stamp]] FROM THE FLYING PIONEERS BIOGRAPHIES OF HAROLD E. MOREHOUSE [[/stamp]]