Lee Robert Boese, Sr. (1939-2021)President of the EHASO, 1989-1991
Citation: The Angle Orthodontist 91, 4; 10.2319/angl-91-04-26
Dr. Lee Robert Boese, Sr. passed away peacefully on February 5, 2021. Lee was born on January 10, 1939, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Being raised and educated in Milwaukee, Lee attended Marquette University High School, graduating in 1957. During high school, his part-time jobs included cleaning dental offices, which initiated his interest in dentistry. In the Autumn of 1957, he entered Marquette University after which he was accepted into the Marquette University School of Dentistry, obtaining a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1963.
Dr. Boese received the Alpha Omega Scholarship Award as class valedictorian. In addition, he was inducted into Omicron Kappa Upsilon National Dental Honor Society and the Jesuit Honor Society, Alpha Sigma Nu. Psi Omega was his social outlet with friends and classmates from around the campus. While at Marquette, he met his future wife, Sandee Simonick. Following graduation in 1963 Sandee and Lee were married in June and moved to Washington, D.C. as Lee had previously enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was offered a rotating internship at Andrews Air Force Base. As an Air Force Captain, he was then transferred to Castle Air Force Base in Merced, California and, for two years, became the base periodontist sparking his interest in perio. However, Lee decided on orthodontics and, in 1966, was accepted into the graduate orthodontic program at the University of Washington in Seattle, receiving a Master of Science Degree in Orthodontics, in 1968.
In 1968, the Boese family moved back to Merced with their young son, Lee Robert Jr. then 2 years old, where Lee opened his practice. In 1969, their daughter, Joy, was born. Lee was a loving and caring father who spent much time with his children while attending their sporting events, coaching basketball, traveling and mentoring.
Lee's clinical research in the area of long-term post-treatment orthodontic stability, now spans a period of over 40 years. His research and treatment concepts are taught in orthodontic programs throughout the United States. Lee's post-treatment stability procedures led to his recognition as an international lecturer throughout the United States, Canada, Latin America, Mexico and Europe.
Professionally, Dr. Boese became a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and held numerous elected offices. His professional participation included receiving a United States Public Health Fellowship from the Marquette University School of Dentistry for the study of growth patterns in cerebral palsy patients. Dr. Boese was the General Chairman of the American Association of Orthodontists Annual Session in San Diego in 1994 and served as President of the Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists in 1995.
Lee became Director to the Central Body of the Edward H. Angle Society of Orthodontists from the Northern California Component and was President of the national Society in 1989-1991 holding a very successful Biennial Meeting in Sun Valley in 1991. During his leadership there was renewed growth and interest in the society, continuing to this day. He was known for quality treatment and reveled in the Angle Society atmosphere of open, honest and respectful discussion of all orthodontic concerns and encouraged dialogue in the pursuit of truth.
Dr. Boese was a reviewer for the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics and a consultant, specialty and chief examiner for the Certification of Orthodontic Specialists in British Columbia.
Locally, Lee served as President of Merced County's Yosemite Dental Society and was President of the North Merced Rotary Club and a Paul Harris Fellow. His fellow Rotarians always liked his story telling based on true experiences but embellished enough to be humorous.
Dr. Boese loved orthodontics and was fortunate to have very loyal employees who worked with him for many years, one still to the present day. With Lee's encouragement, others went on to successful careers in medicine, dentistry and accounting. In 1994, Lee Jr. joined his father in the practice and they enjoyed many years together in practices in Merced, Los Banos and Fresno. H enjoyed seeing former young patients come to his office as parents of their own children, a few even as grandparents. The patients would always greet him whenever out and about in Merced. It was always miraculous to Sandee that he may not have remembered their names, but he knew exactly the before and after treatment of their teeth.
Dr. Boese had many professional commitments but also loved his extra-curricular activities of jogging, golfing, fishing and bird hunting. Every summer, he would take his family and relatives to Ely, Minnesota for canoe trips into the boundary waters, accessible by seaplanes. Lee was an excellent fly fisherman with trips to exotic places, where he would catch every species of native fish or sailfish with his light tackle. At home, he could be seen jogging with his faithful companion Labrador retriever, Pepsi.
Lee is survived by his wife of 57 years, Sandee, son, Dr. Lee Robert Boese, Jr. and wife, Suzanne of Merced, daughter, Joy Boese Theodora and husband, Kevin of Palos Verdes Estates, California, and four wonderful grandchildren. Remembrances may be made to Our Lady of Mercy School, 1400 East 27th Street, Merced, CA., 95340 or the Merced Rotary Club Foundation, P.O. Box 751, Merced, CA., 95341.
Rest in peace, Lee. Your many friends thank you for your outstanding contributions, leadership, friendship and encouragement.
Dr. Gary R. Baughman is a former Director of the Northern California Component and served as President of the Edward H Angle Society of Orthodontists from 2002-2005.
Citation: The Angle Orthodontist 91, 4; 10.2319/angl-91-04-26
Dr. Lee Robert Boese, Sr.
Photo taken when Lee Robert Boese, Sr. was President of the PCSO in 1995. (left to right: Drs. Pat Turley, Robin Jackson, Coach Wooden, Lee Boese, and Gary Baughman)