Papa was a dear friend and mentor to many people who live in or passed through Eugene, not just musicians. He helped many people find their own path and let them know that the life they wanted to lead was worth the effort. There was only one rule that papa fallowed, “Keep it real”. Over the years it took on many different edited forms such as “Keeping the Dream Alive” but the message was the same. As long as you where genuine you where alright with Papa. And, for many of us that was a big step toward being alright with the world.
Many of us who knew Papa can gladly and boldly say he was one of the people who made the world better place.
Papa’s wife Deb and his long time partner in crime Bone will be keeping the restaurant open. So please continue going back to Eugene to help “keep the dream alive”.
It was ten years ago that I met Papa, while my brother played for the "Soul Kitchen"...It's amazing to look back now and realize how many of us got a little kick in the ass from this beautiful man...you're missed already Ted. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family and crew...shine on
While I was in the Hospital I learned our new friend Papa Soul had passed...He took us in like a long lost friend and encouraged us to play with all our heart...our hearts are heavy. Seretta, Peggy and I are so very sorry for your loss and the loss to this community. He was a great soul...
Damn!,such an inspirational brother with a beautiful Family and a heart full of kindness and success. His presence will be missed but his spirit lives on. Amen.
My Little Brother was and still is the best, His heart and soul is just as God made him to be, always willing to help someone if only just to listen to them. I will miss you Ted Hug and Kiss Mom for me and I will see you soon with all my love your Big Sitster Anita
I was so moved to see the outpouring from the community....flowers, cards, candles, and of course all the kind words. Glad to have had the opportunity to have met such a wonderful man. Thanks for everything...RIP Papa.
I can't even say how much I appreciate all that Papa has done for this town and my family. Papa was one of the first people I met when I moved to Eugene in 2000. I still remember hanging out in Sprout City talking with him and Frank & watching the Soul Kitchen practice. As soon as my brother moved to town, he said send him on down ... I got a job for him. When he heard my wife lost her job, he said the same thing. For me, Papa's is my slice of home. Whenever I miss the South, I just head over to the Kitchen and that always seems to make it better. Watching you, your family, & your restaurants thrive (especially in this past year) was an inspiration to us all. We love ya and we'll miss you terribly my brotha. Thank you for living your life the way you did. I am blessed to have known you. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family & crew.
I put up some photos that I've taken of Papa over the years on the Weekly blog. Please feel free to leave your memories in the comments.
Yes, mam, I'm ready to order. I'll have the bbq pulled pork, yams and macaroni and cheese, please! For a drink? I'll have an ice cold lemonade in one of your mason jars. Those are my favorites! Anything else? Nope, perfect, that will be it! Thank you! (Minutes later.) Mam? I forgot to order something. Do you mind? No? Great! I would like to add to my order, an appetizer of Ted "Papa" Lee's Kindness. I would like a plate of his "Love and Passion" and for the two side dishes that come with it, I would like a side of his Insight, and a double order of his Friendship. If you can, I would enjoy an extra side of his delicious "Humor" sauce! Anything else? No!, but if it's available, I would love some more Time.
Papa -- I will certainly miss your charm and charisma ... you will be missed in many areas of life - the Blues community for sure! You are a sweet man, sincere and I sure appreciated knowing you. You are a true gentleman. Say hi to all those that left before you - and keep playing your washboard - I will always remember it ...
Not only his cooking, but his passion for food, music, art and terrific atmosphere -- and of course his warm smile and his washboard playing and his way with people. We will miss all of that. I feel fortunate that I got to know him a bit, and play at his restaurant, and have him sit in on washboard, and eat some of his fine food, during his too-short stay on this planet.
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