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Hang in there, Lee!
Tuesday, Apr 28, 2020 - Posted by Rich Miller * My old buddy Lee Milner was diagnosed with Stage-3 pancreatic cancer in December. Lee was a state spokesperson back in the day and has been a communications consultant and free-lance photographer for years. You’ve probably seen him at the Statehouse taking pictures…  Anyway, I’m told that he could use some cheering up. So, instead of a question today, how about we all send Lee some good vibes in comments. Thanks!
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- NotRich - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 2:11 pm:
Lee: Stay strong..fight like hell.. saying a prayer for you
- Tynie - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 2:13 pm:
Lee, I’d like to send you a hug. We’re too far apart, because I’m in Central Illinois and there are social distancing guidelines in place, or I’d do it in person. Anyway, here’s the hug, and a prayer for you. ***hug**
- Linus - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 2:18 pm:
Lee, I’ve known you over 20 years, and you’re one of the most decent and likeable fellows I’ve ever encountered. You’re in my prayers, friend. Hang tough!
- Grateful - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 2:19 pm:
Hang tough Lee! You got this!
- Mike Madigan - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 2:26 pm:
You got this!!!!
- Johnny Tractor - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 2:27 pm:
Hi, Lee - any friend of Rich’s is a friend to CapFax commenters. Hope that you’re able to enjoy beautiful spring days like today, especially beautiful spring days that include good vibes and good wishes from folks like me. BTW, love the pic!
- Mama - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 2:27 pm:
Lee was the spokesperson for ISBE and was loved by his ISBE family. Lee, hang in there. I’m sending healing prayers your way.
- John Deere Green - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 2:28 pm:
I don’t know Lee from Adam, other than seeing him everywhere for everything. And I doubt he knows me, but always the friendliest person when you see him, never without a smile and a hello. Best wishes, Lee.
- Mugs - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 2:31 pm:
Lee, you’ve always been fair, friendly and not pushy, qualities only the State House best possess. Thoughts, prayers and encouragement to you.
- A Guy - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 2:31 pm:
The world and this state in particular needs to hang on to nice guys. Lee, you qualify for supreme nice guy. Get well pal.
- Cool Papa Bell - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 2:32 pm:
Loved playing the “where’s Lee” game. Over the past 20 years I’ve been here and around politics any big event Lee was there. And sometimes unexpectedly!
Most vividly remember you at the Obama announcement on a chilly winters day. All of a sudden there you were - feet away from the future President just snapping away photos. Secret Service clearance or just the ninja like ability to get up close and personal for a photo.
Keep fighting like heck my friend.
- Marc Miller - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 2:33 pm:
Lee - I was saddened to see this personal news. I know that you will tackle this challenge with the grace, positive perspective and humor that I witnessed for years around the official Illinois functions. Debbie and I are thinking about you and sending you positive thoughts. All the best… MM
- Jim Nelson - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 2:33 pm:
Feel better…I’ve enjoyed the many times our paths have crossed over the last 35 years.
- Chris Nybo - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 2:35 pm:
Lee - Wishing you the best as you deal with this. You’re in my prayers.
- Jim Prescott - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 2:37 pm:
Sorry to hear one of the nicest people in the building is going through a tough time. Truly one of the good guys. Lee, wishing you the best, and hope to see you soon.
- Bev - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 2:38 pm:
Wishing you the best. Keeping you in my prayers.
- Jay - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 2:47 pm:
Hey Lee…hang in there my friend. Stay strong and give it all you got. I know you will.
- SSL - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 2:48 pm:
Lee, all these people saying such good things about you can only mean you have touched many in a positive way. Sending the most positive thoughts your way today.
- Give Me A Break - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 2:54 pm:
Hang in there Lee. Anything messing with you clearly has never seen you late in May chasing down a story.
- Ryan McLaughlin - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 2:55 pm:
Lee - Hang in there friend. One of nicest people you’ll ever meet. We need you - stay strong!
- The Hills - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 2:59 pm:
Lee - Have always enjoyed seeing you around over the years. I’ll be sending prayers and positive thoughts your way.
- JoeyH - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 3:00 pm:
Best wishes, Lee. INBA is always more fun with you there.
- Murph - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 3:00 pm:
Wishing you the best Lee.
- Flapdoodle - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 3:02 pm:
I never met you, Lee, but there are a lot of good people here saying good things about you, and that counts for a lot. Plus you’re a fellow photographer, which pretty much clinches it. So stay strong, stay hopeful, and God bless.
- Laura - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 3:07 pm:
I don’t know that there is a more beloved man in all of Springfield. We are thinking of and praying for you!!
- phenom_Anon - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 3:09 pm:
While the Capitol is closed and session is off for now, Lee is one of the things I miss most about the place. No matter how bad your day is, after a minute of talking to him you always feel better. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him in a bad mood.
I feel like the measure of a person is whether they have a positive impact on the people around them and the world around them. Lee exemplifies this idea better than anyone I know. He’s going to get through this, because we need him.
- Mikeg - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 3:12 pm:
Get well soon Lee! You’re one of the best.
- Steve Scott - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 3:14 pm:
Hi Lee! Sending best regards from NYC. I wish you strength and a speedy recovery. I look forward to seeing you, camera in hand, at an INBA convention in the near future. Cheers! Steve
- Belden Ave - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 3:18 pm:
It wasn’t an event in central and southern Illinois unless Lee Milner was there, great guy loves by all.
Stay strong my friend!
- Steve Brown - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 3:20 pm:
Just learned of this 2 days ago. Hang in there. Marilyn and I pray for a speedy and successful end to the battle.
- Lisa - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 3:21 pm:
Lee - I love running into in all facets of my life - from photo gigs to ISP to IASB. I’m so sorry to hear of this. Carl and I will keep you in our prayers and are offering you virtual hugs.
- Gay Martin - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 3:25 pm:
Lee, I always enjoyed seeing you at INBA conventions in the past! Always so cheerful! Take care! I will be sending good vibes your way!!
- Justin L. Fowler - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 3:34 pm:
Lee I’m thinking about you buddy! Even though you always out shoot me at events, I always like it more shooting by your side. I’ll be chasing you around the Statehouse soon enough.
- Julie - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 3:34 pm:
Hi, Lee! I always enjoy running into you; you are always so upbeat! You are in my prayers for strength and healing! Take care, Julie Pfeifer
- ck - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 3:39 pm:
Lee - I am confident you will be a favorite of your care team, always coming with a smile on your face and a great story or tidbit to share. Fight the fight - you have an army of people rooting for you to come back to the Capitol. You’re in my family’s prayers.
Best,
ck
- Morgan Manning - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 3:42 pm:
My thoughts are with you, Lee. Thank you for all your help with the photos for the Citizens Club of Springfield over the years. Your work has been invaluable to enhancing the club’s presence, and I’ve enjoyed getting to know you through those joint projects. Best wishes during this time.
- David Parsons - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 3:52 pm:
Well durn. Just when I figured you were ready to breakout and travel back east for a visit to the beach! I will always have a place for you guys so just tell me when!
- crowdson - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 3:53 pm:
Lee- If anyone has the attitude to beat this diagnosis, it’s you. I’ll be seeing you at the next event!
- Dan Egler - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 3:53 pm:
Lee — Stay strong. Wishing you a speedy recovery and many more days around the Capitol.
- Carol (Votsmier) Smith - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 4:01 pm:
When I started as the Director of Communications in District 186, Lee was with ISBE. He took me under his wing and taught me about communicating educational issues and always doing what is best for kids. Twenty-one years later, I still think abut you and the lessons I learned. Thank you and I wish you well as you take on this battle.
- Elliott Ness - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 4:04 pm:
Prayers your way my friend, hang in there, you are loved
- Anna - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 4:12 pm:
You’ve got this, Lee Lee!! Thinking of you often.
- Madeleine Doubek - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 4:17 pm:
Lee, you’re a wonderful example of professionalism, kindness and grace. Stay strong and keep fighting. Everyone here is right. We need you.
- Larry Golden - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 4:19 pm:
Sorry to hear about this Lee. Stay strong. Thinking about you.
- Liz Brown-Reeves - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 4:22 pm:
Lee-
It’s always so good to see your face around the Capitol. You have been a constant since I began there over twenty years ago. Please know that my family is praying for you. - Liz
- Scott Avart - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 4:23 pm:
Lee, I am blessed to know you and fortunate to get to spend time with you at family events. Stay strong!
- Kirk Dillard - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 4:27 pm:
Lee- well wishes to one of the nicest and classiest people I’ve met around state government. I look forward to seeing you and your camera back around Illinois soon!!!!
- Jim Grimes - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 4:42 pm:
Lee–we’re thinking of you and the family. Love your pix!
- Because I said so.... - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 4:48 pm:
Sending warm wishes and healing prayers to you Lee, in this especially difficult time. God be with you.
- Mike Matulis - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 5:06 pm:
Lee, when I was a newby education reporter in Bloomington many moons ago, you not only helped me, but made me feel not nearly as stupid as I am sure i was at the time. You have always been one of the nicest, most helpful and grace-filled people around. We both got older, but you never got less nice. My thoughts are with you.
- Mark Denzler - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 5:07 pm:
We’re with you, Lee! Keep fighting - you have any army of well wishers behind you.
- Marianne Jackson - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 5:19 pm:
Lee…you are the best! Getting to know you thru FBI Citizens Academy and our trip to Washington was very awesome! Thinking of you, lifting you up in prayer and you are such a go getter…fight this enemy! ❤️
- Lindsey Mastis - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 5:21 pm:
Sending you strength and love! Stay strong!!!
- Barbara Van Dyke-Brown - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 5:27 pm:
Missed seeing you, Lee! Glad to hear that you are hanging in there! Sending you lots of positive thoughts and healing!
- Jim Meadows - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 5:40 pm:
Best wishes for a full recovery, Lee. I hope the INBA can resume holding its conventions soon, and that you’ll be there taking pictures.
- Kent Redfield - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 5:45 pm:
Lee – From my early days as a newbie on staff at the State House all the way to the Board of the Citizens Club of Springfield, you have been there all these years. Mentor, colleague, friend – the world is much better and much brighter with you in it. Hang in there, I love you, man!
- Porter McNeil - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 5:45 pm:
Lee - When we were Statehouse reporters/staffers, and subsequently whenever we hit Springfield for projects, you are one of the most helpful, positive, can-do people I’ve met. Your daughter was a great babysitter for James and Jack during our Springfield days. The positive attitude you’ve always displayed — McNeils are sending it to you. Hang tough, fight hard, let me know if you need anything from the Quads.
- John Nicolay - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 5:46 pm:
Sending you all the best, old friend! We are all pulling for you! See you soon.
- Tom Kacich - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 6:07 pm:
Lee, I miss seeing your always-friendly greetings and face. Best wishes and blessings during your healing. Here’s to better times for all, especially you.
- John Millner - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 6:29 pm:
Hey Cous, looking forward to many more of our conversations. In the meantime feel those healing vibes moving through your body and mind.
I’ll be sending positive thoughts and prayers in the meantime.
- S. Hilton - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 6:48 pm:
Have always appreciated your kindness and enjoyed our conversations. Sending positive thoughts and healing prayers.
- Jim Leach - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 6:57 pm:
Thinking of you, Lee. You’ve been a great friend and a smart, savvy, knowledgeable guy for as long as I’ve known you — which is a long, long time. I’m looking forward to seeing you at Citizens Club soon.
- Brett McGill - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 7:17 pm:
Looks like you and your friends have the enemy outnumbered, Lee. Love, peace and strength to you and to everyone supporting you in your fight.
- Tricia Sanders-McGann - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 7:18 pm:
Lee – you’re in my prayers. Much love.
~Tricia Sanders-McGann
- Mike Murphy - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 8:33 pm:
I first met Lee when I was going through the FBI Citizens Academy several years ago. Ever since then our paths seem to cross almost daily. Lee is generous, friendly, and is always concerned about others. Seeing Lee makes my day and I wish him the best. He deserves the best that’s for sure.
- Cris Cray - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 9:34 pm:
Lee, you are definitely in my thoughts and prayers. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
- Randy Gerneraad - Tuesday, Apr 28, 20 @ 9:52 pm:
Lee- keeping you in my thoughts and prayers as you take on this battle,.
- David Schaper - Wednesday, Apr 29, 20 @ 2:40 am:
Lee - You are one of the nicest and most gracious human beings I have ever met. We met when you were at ISBE and I was reporting about education funding inequities and have crossed paths many times since. I learned so much from you and I always enjoyed our chats. I hope you know the respect and dignity you’ve always given me and so many others is now coming back to you exponentially. I wish you and your family all the best and peace.
- Mike Thomson - Wednesday, Apr 29, 20 @ 8:57 am:
Lee,
I’ve always been amazed by and grateful for your ever-present positive attitude and smile. No matter the circumstance, seeing you in the Capitol brightens my day. Sending my very best as you continue your fight and looking forward to seeing you again soon. Take care.
- Mark Grant - Wednesday, Apr 29, 20 @ 9:35 am:
Lee, I wish for you the strength you need to overcome this. I hope for you that all the love that comes from family and friends will bolster this strength. I look forward to seeing you again at the capitol. Peace.
- Jessie Hellmann - Thursday, Apr 30, 20 @ 8:54 am:
I’m sure Lee doesn’t remember me, but I remember him and I’m sorry to hear this news. We are all pulling for him to get better. I knew Lee from when I was a PAR intern in 2015. He is one of the nicest guys in Springfield and made me and my classmates feel welcome in a new environment.