Lee Alvin Basinger

Lee Alvin Basinger, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather brother, uncle and friend, passed away on September 26, 2026, in Salt Lake City, Utah, at the age of 88.

Lee was born in March 1938, to Kenneth and Virginia Basinger in Los Angeles, California, and then raised in the Bay Area. After graduating from high school, he proudly served four years in the United States Air Force. He later attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, beginning a lifelong love and connection to BYU.

Throughout his life, he called California, Utah, Arizona, and Oregon home, but wherever he lived, he made people feel welcome and cared for. He was a kind, patient, giving, and encouraging man who was always willing to lend a helping hand. He loved his family deeply and took great pride in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He married the love of his life, Leilani, and they shared 60 years of marriage filled with family, laughter, travel, and countless memories.

Lee had a creative spirit and a deep appreciation for art. He was an amazing painter and especially enjoyed sketching pictures of his family and beloved pets. He also loved collecting beautiful rocks and turning them into unique pieces of jewelry. Whether he was painting, sketching, creating jewelry, playing the piano, or simply listening to music, he found joy in creating beautiful things.

Lee loved sports of all kinds. He enjoyed playing basketball and was an original pickleball player, long before pickleball became the phenomenon it is today. He loved watching his favorite teams, especially the San Francisco Giants, San Francisco 49ers, and, above all, the BYU Cougars. Some of his happiest memories were made at BYU games with his children and grandchildren. He loved being there with them and would get so excited for each game that his enthusiasm was contagious. For him, it was never just about the game; it was about being together with the people he loved.

He also loved to travel and spend time at the beach. He had a playful sense of humor and loved to tease the people he loved most, occasionally getting himself into trouble with Leilani along the way. His teasing, laughter, generosity, and steady encouragement will be deeply missed.

For those who knew Lee best, it was often the simple moments that captured who he was. One of his daughters remembers being six or seven years old, standing on her dad’s feet as he danced with her all over the back patio. It was just the two of them dancing in the backyard, a small moment that became a treasured memory and a reminder of the love and joy Lee brought to his children.

Lee was preceded in death by his sons, Ken and Jeff; his parents, Kenneth and Virginia; his parents-in-law, Lester and Aileen; his brothers, Harold and Carl Basinger; and his sister, Kathleen. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Leilani; his children, Alissa (Mike), Aaron (Jane), Matt (Breann), Becky (Todd), and Brett (Erin); 21 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren, who were all deeply loved by their dad and grandpa.

As his family says goodbye, they find comfort imagining him being reunited with his sons, Ken and Jeff, his parents, his brothers and sister, and those who went before him. They hope that reunion was as sweet as the life and love he shared with them here.

Lee leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, family, laughter, creativity, and countless memories. He taught those around him the importance of showing up, helping others, loving your family, and finding joy in simple things. His family will carry those lessons and his memory with them always.

Viewing: Tuesday, October 13, 2026, 6:00–8:00 p.m. LDS Church Building, 390 Village Blvd. Stansbury Park, Utah

Graveside Service: Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 10:00 a.m. Utah Veterans Memorial Park (Camp Williams)

17111 South Camp Williams Road,

Bluffdale, Utah