Meet Your Neighbors Dave and Maggie Lee

Dave and Maggie Lee of Niwot are kind and gracious. They know what they value and stand for, and they have focused on their values as much as possible during their long marriage. Prioritizing their family, pursuing meaningful work, nurturing longtime friendships and serving others through their church are consistent themes in their lives.

Dave is from Pueblo, Colorado, Maggie from Salem and Portland, Oregon. The two met in high school after Dave's family moved to the Northwest. Dave graduated from the University of Washington, the two married, and they relocated to Colorado when Dave enrolled in the University of Colorado for graduate school in architecture.

Having grown up in the rainy Northwest, Maggie recalled looking at the sunshine through the window of their new apartment and thinking, "Another day in paradise!" The couple have remained in Colorado ever since.

The Lees stressed that raising their sons Ryan and Nolan was of primary importance to them. Their 1994 move to Niwot after living in Boulder for 15 years was what they described as a "step back in time to a kinder, gentler atmosphere." Like so many others in the Niwot community, they deeply appreciate the community, schools, teachers, sports programs, volunteers and friends.

In the late 1970's Dave's father had taken a two-year leave from his medical practice to teach obstetrics/gynecology in Guatemala. A decade later, inspired by Dave's father's experience and desiring to serve in the most meaningful ways they could, the Lees decided to test whether international humanitarian work was the best path for them. They spent a month in a mountain village outside of Guatemala City as "Mommy and Poppy" to 22 girls in an orphanage.

That experience did not lead to their life's work, but they are very dedicated to using their talents to serve in other ways. Dave's architectural work as principal at Fletemeyer and Lee provides opportunities to design camps and conference centers which "get kids outdoors and offer benefits from being in nature." He has also been involved with the creation of a Master Plan for Niwot, and is a volunteer member of the Niwot Cultural Arts Association's Tree Carving Committee, which is currently considering possible locations for display of the restored sculptures by Eddie Running Wolf. (For more information about Dave's work and Fletemeyer and Lee, see The Left Hand Valley Courier's January 10 and 31, 2024 editions.)

Maggie's priority was raising their children, and she ran a bookkeeping business as well. Among her clientele were elderly people without relatives who required assistance with their finances. She also worked with Presbyterian Manor, which provides housing for low-income residents.

Dave and Maggie are members of Grace Commons, formerly known as First Presbyterian Church, in Boulder. They have volunteered as leaders in the Outreach Program at the University of Colorado for over 40 years, and offer weekly small group Bible studies in their home and house the church's university ministry interns during their nine-month terms.

Maggie has used her talents as a singer, songwriter and musician to run the music program for the ministry. In addition, she has served as song leader at church, performed at weddings and, as a side gig, entertained in coffee houses and back patios of homes.

Neighbors on their street in the Dry Creek subdivision have been among their closest friends for the 30 years since they moved from Boulder to Niwot. Their children grew up together and, remarkably, all of the homeowners have remained on the cul-de-sac.

They continue to make new memories. Last summer the neighbors were gathered on the deck of Dave and Maggie's home enjoying the evening when the Lees' dog became agitated. They all looked over to see that a bear had walked up the driveway. They described it as a "surprising way to end the dinner." Their bear sightings may continue. Just last week a bear, possibly the same one, ripped their birdfeeder off the side of their home.

Maggie is a first-generation immigrant. Her mother, who was half Spanish, half English, was born in the Philippines and moved to San Francisco from war-torn Manilla at age 18. Influenced in part by that heritage, Maggie loves Europe and will especially enjoy returning to Florence when their time permits. In the meantime, the couple cherish their getaways to explore Colorado. They cycle the bike paths near Aspen together, and Dave has ridden his mountain bike off-trail in Crested Butte. Southwest Colorado, particularly Telluride, is their top destination for enjoying the fall colors.

When asked about any off-the-beaten path gems they may have discovered, Maggie expressed her enthusiasm for La Veta and described it as a "little Niwot." How much smaller could it be? Its population as of 2022 was 881. Its appeal is its quaint Old Town with artist, artisan and especially quilt shops that remind Maggie of Niwot. A lovely bed-and-breakfast and the proximity of the Spanish Peaks and Sangre de Cristo mountain range complete her vision of a perfect getaway.

The Lees' blend of hard work, service, adventure and creativity make them neighbors even a bear can't resist.