Henry Lee Obituary, Death – We are profoundly saddened to report the demise of Henry Lee, who was the founder and president emeritus of Friends of the Public Garden. Henry Lee was the primary guardian and defender of our three parks. He passed away on Monday, August 12, 2024, at the age of 99.

We remember Henry as a relentless advocate for our parks, from spearheading the campaign against the large Park Plaza construction that was proposed in the seventies to working to restore the Common, Garden, and Mall when they were almost beyond rescue. As we reflect on his extraordinary life, we remember Henry as a persistent defender for our parks.

Within the city of Boston, he was not only a civic leader who was dedicated to the greater good, but he was also an advocate of public places. The leadership, diplomacy, generosity, and dedication that Henry exhibited have left an indelible impression not only on our city, but also on our organization and on each and every one of you.

In our daily efforts to fulfill our purpose of ensuring that our parks are both healthy and accessible to all, we are guided by the foundation that he established for the Friends. The legacy of Henry Lee will be indelibly intertwined into the history of Friends of the Public Garden as well as its vision for the future. By carrying on the important work that Henry initiated, we will pay tribute to his memory.

Furthermore, we will make certain that his vision for our public spaces continues to serve as an enduring memorial to the tremendous leadership that he exhibited. Rest in peace, Henry Lee. May you rest in peace. We will always be inspired by the impact that you have had on our organization and the three parks, and we will work hard to ensure that your vision is carried out for future generations. Henry’s obituary is available in the digital edition of the Boston Globe today, and it will be printed tomorrow.