Mr Lee started work as a 17 year-old apprentice with the National Federation of Building Trade Employers in August 1967, the organisation from which the BWF evolved.
He went on to become BWF secretary, a post he held for 20 years, before becoming membership director in 2007.
The BWF described Mr Lee as “front and centre” throughout the evolution of the BWF and was pivotal in moving the BWF to a limited company in 2006, and developing into the independent, self-sustaining and powerful voice for the woodworking sector it is today.
In recent years, he oversaw the largest membership growth the organisation has ever seen, bringing membership numbers to over 700, a 50% increase on 2010 levels.
His efforts helped to secure the Membership Success Award for the BWF at the Trade Association Forum Awards in 2014.
“His contribution over nearly 50 years working in the industry is huge and we are forever in his debt,” said BWF chief executive Iain McIlwee.
He leaves behind a wife and two daughters.
A full obituary will appear in the next issue of TTJ.
