F. “Lee” Fitzwater, 73, of Foster, Oregon passed away Tuesday, December 12. He was born in Lebanon to Perry Lee and Frances Lorraine (Piper) Fitzwater.

He grew up in the Hamilton Creek area and lived in Sweet Home for most of his life.

He was a timber faller and a big game guide in Idaho and Montana. He was an avid hunter, outdoorsman, and mountain man extraordinaire. He liked to rock hound. Lee loved to drive in the mountains for days on end.

Lee is survived by his wife, Susan “Susy”; children Gordon Fitzwater of Pierce, Idaho, Tony Fitzwater of Sweet Home, Justin Fincher of LaPine, and Brandon Fincher of Queensland, Australia; ten grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; too many outlaw friends to list; and his loving companion, his dog, Baby. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Deanna Lee Fitzwater; parents; and brother Gordon Becker.

Viewing will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Friday, December 15, at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. Graveside service will be at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, December 16, at Gilliland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be sent to Safehaven Humane Society.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements.