Lee Donabedian

Born to Ruben and Helen Donabedian, he was the oldest sibling with little brothers Chris and Bruce.

Born in Fresno, but raised in Chatsworth, Lee enjoyed his youth playing baseball and running around the Western San Fernando Valley. He graduated from Chatsworth High School in 1972.

Lee worked in retail for a few years before he decided to help run the family business. Rube’s Valley House of BBQ in Simi Valley, CA was the place to be for many years in Simi and he made so many lifelong friends there.

Lee has always had a huge heart and he started and ran the Christmas for Children toy drive for many years bringing together different families, businesses, and the racing community to ensure hundreds of children had gifts to open during the holidays.

Lee was passionate about a lot of things, but not too many things more than racing. Especially drag racing. On the road or in the water, Lee knew just about everyone at every meet he attended.

Lee’s sense of humor, laughter, kindness, and even his stubbornness will be greatly missed by us all. He was definitely a 1 of 1.

Lee never married but he had plenty of love for his nephews and niece. He was definitely the fun uncle, and he was always there with life advice and a cold drink to pick you up when you needed it.

He will be greatly missed by us all and we rejoice in knowing that he is reunited with his father, Ruben. Lee leaves behind his mother Helen, brothers Chris (Brenda) and Bruce, nephews, and niece.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity in Lee’s memory. Lee’s favorite charities are the Toys for Tots and St. Jude organizations.