Remembering Lee Karney
Lee Karney, a longtime Golden Gate Bird Alliance volunteer, passed away on January 3, 2017 at the age of 84. Lee was a regular participant in our monthly habitat restoration sessions at Pier 94 in San Francisco, and documented those sessions with photographs. You have undoubtedly seen his vivid photos on our web site and in many issues of our newsletters! The following remarks were delivered by GGBA Volunteer Coordinator Noreen Weeden at Lee’s memorial service last weekend.
Initially I met Lee through Golden Gate Bird Alliance, where he was a member of the San Francisco Conservation Committee. As an architect for 45 years in the Bay Area, he put his knowledge and background to work in several local projects including the India Basin development comments. He submitted letters and met with our district supervisor in support of the Standards for Bird Safe Buildings ordinance, which was passed in San Francisco in 2011.
Lee became an avid wildlife photographer in his retirement, and offered to contribute his photography skills to Golden Gate Bird Alliance. He submitted beautiful bird photographs that he had taken locally for articles in our newsletter. Over a 10-year period, his impressive photos of birds were seen by thousands of people. His photographs of people enjoying volunteering or attending events inspired others to volunteer or participate. He photographed at Harding Park, Golden Gate Park, McLaren Park, Ocean Beach, Crissy Field and most frequently at Pier 94. He also photographed outside at our Volunteer Appreciation picnics, Birdathon fundraising events and Christmas Bird Counts, as well as the indoor CBC celebration dinners.
Bird photographs taken by Lee were published in the 100 Birds of Heron’s Head field guide, which was provided free to beginning birders and school kids in San Francisco.
Lee was able to talk with people of all ages and backgrounds, from Cub Scouts to Girl Scouts and Eagle Scouts, from at-risk high school students to U.C. Berkeley students, people from the neighborhood, interns, and millennials from corporate groups participating in community service. He was able to make people feel at ease. Lee got people to smile since his own smile was sincere.
Lee generously provided transportation to volunteers that needed a lift and he also encouraged people to get together after planting or weeding at habitat restoration events. Thanks to his initiative, the Pier 94 “regulars” would get together to socialize and share lunch at a neighborhood restaurant.
Lee connected in a very positive way with many people through his photography and his welcoming smile. He is fondly remembered and greatly missed by many GGBA folks.
