Remembering Lee Milner

On Wednesday, April 17, the Springfield, Illinois Capitol and journalism communities lost a devoted friend and advocate when Lee Milner passed away.

As Dean Olsen wrote in his piece in the Illinois Times earlier this month, “Readers of Illinois Times often have seen Milner’s work as a freelance photojournalist. But they may not realize they are viewing the work of someone known and respected by people in public life throughout Springfield and beyond for years.”

Olsen wrote that Lee made a difference by “harnessing his work ethic, kind personality, self-deprecating humor and wide-ranging experience as a communicator and volunteer for state government, civic groups and nonprofits.”

Lee was a friend and ally to Capitol News Illinois and its team from the first day of our news organization’s existence. He was our friend, and we will miss him.

Illustrative of the generosity Lee displayed throughout his life, in lieu of flowers, his family has requested donations to Capitol News Illinois through the Illinois Press Foundation, the FBI Citizens Academy Springfield Alumni Association or the Illinois News Broadcasters Association. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lee’s family and friends during this difficult time. Please join us in mourning the loss of a truly inspiring individual. May he rest in peace.

You can read Lee’s obituary here.