Insley "Lee" Royal Maybee

Insley Royal Maybee – A tribute

Insley “Lee” Royal Maybee passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, just eleven days shy of his 85th birthday. Most people knew him as “Lee,” though no one bellowed “Insley!” quite like his mother.

Born and raised in Chambly, Quebec, just outside Montreal, Lee grew up with a love of sports and social engagement that shaped much of his life. He played many sports, excelled at football, and was even drafted into the CFL. He proudly attended Queen’s University, though he never hesitated to support his son who instead chose McGill—a testament to his loyalty to family above all else.

Lee dedicated his career to education and mentorship. He was a P.E. teacher, French teacher, guidance counselor, gymnastics coach, football coach, and even a soccer coach (despite knowing little about the game). To countless students and athletes, he was more than a teacher—he was their biggest advocate, mentor, and cheerleader. He encouraged them to believe in themselves, instilled confidence, and showed them that hard work and persistence could shape their future. His influence lives on in the many lives he touched, strengthened, and inspired.

Lee never really met strangers—only future friends. He had a knack for striking up conversations out of thin air, whether it was about a logo on your shirt or the dog you were walking. Within minutes, you’d feel like he’d known you forever. There were very few people he didn’t like; in fact, the opposite was usually true—you were instantly loved, whether you were ready for it or not.

Lee’s style was… consistent. For his entire adult life, he sported the same chevron mustache and slicked-back, 1950s-inspired haircut. Fashion, for him, was less about trends and more about recognizing when a shirt should probably be swapped out due to the stain patterns.

Lee loved telling stories, and he never let the truth get in the way of a good one. If you believed them all, you’d be convinced, among other things, that his daughter competed in the Olympics and his son worked closely alongside Bill Gates. His larger-than-life tales made him unforgettable.

Around the house, Lee liked everything in its place and kept things neat. Anal-retentive? Only if you somehow disagree that there is a specific way a breakfast place setting should be laid out the night before. This provided some delight to his children, who would then purposely move things around when he wasn’t looking. He also fancied himself a genius at making fixes and repairs around the house. His implement of choice was always hot glue. If something needed to be repaired—from a shoe, to a chair, to a broken bone—it just needed some glue. Lots of glue.

Lee was a master of the barbecue and weekend breakfasts, but his dinner repertoire was largely limited to “sausage and corn,” usually accompanied by his beloved Worcestershire sauce—which apparently pairs perfectly with far more foods than anyone can possibly imagine.

Lee loved playing games, especially Cribbage, Bridge, and Risk, and was merciless. He once built a custom Risk board the size of a billiards table, only to spend the afternoon crushing his children’s global domination hopes and dreams. And when he wasn’t beating them at games, he was subjecting them to his other great passion—non-stop classic country music, like Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, and the Statler Brothers—which made every car ride feel twice as long.

Lee was also a diehard sports fan of all things Montreal—his beloved Habs, the Alouettes, and the Expos. He loved Westerns and deeply respected First Nations heritage. And he had a deep passion for all things Celtic and Nova Scotian—the culture, the music, the colors, and the celebrations. Few have ever loved the bagpipes more. And fewer still bawled their eyes out with joy to down-home fiddling like Lee.

Lee is survived by his wife, Eileen; his son, Clifford (Sheryl); his son, Andrew (Jordan); his daughter, Kerry (Stephen); his stepson, Garett; his grandchildren, Cameron Mae (Jonas), Rhys, Reyna, Jameson, and Adrienne; and his niece, Heather. He is predeceased by his son, Brian. They will all miss his booming voice, his humor, and his boundless passion for everything he loved. Lee was a hero to his young kids, but later it was almost like the roles had reversed—he was so proud of his children and grandchildren that they became his heroes.

Lee’s true legacy is the reminder to see the good in everyone and to never stop caring. He showed us that life is best lived with humor, loyalty, and an open heart, and that connection is what makes it meaningful. His spirit of kindness and curiosity carries forward in every laugh shared, every game played, and every story retold. And just as he ended every call with his emphatic sign-off, we’ll carry his words with us always: “Keep in touch!”

No public visitation or funeral service will be held.

A Celebration of Lee’s Life will take place in early 2026. Information will be updated on his Facebook page 

If you would like to dedicate a donation in Lee’s memory, please give to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the charity of your choice.