Regan "Ray-Ray" Bradford Elias Lee, 4 1/2, walked into the arms of Jesus on February 23rd, 2016. Regan's life would seem too short to many except those who experienced and lived life alongside him and got to experience the richness of his smile and gentle presence. His warming smile could melt the hearts of those around him and though he never spoke a word besides "mama", his actions definitely spoke louder than any words he could have spoken.

Regan possessed strength, perseverance, and an ability to overcome incredible odds and physical challenges, including his adept ability to use his feet to pick up just about anything, his firm but gentle elbow push on your face to let you know if he was happy or unhappy with what was happening, and the flexibility of his "digit" to pick up whatever he wanted to attempt. With his courage he led us to believe that each day is a blessing and an opportunity to create lasting memories and to celebrate each day that we are given. Regan enjoyed hiding under the bed when his brothers started wrestling, swing and dancing in his swing, running around in his walker to meet people, cuddling with his momma, getting tossed and spun in the air by his daddy while twirling his legs to make it spin faster, crawling to his momma when she was playing piano, and eating Greek yogurt, momma's cookies and berries. He absolutely loved to play with his soft rubber giraffe and definitely did not like to keep his shoes on.

Regan got to experience what few adults do in a lifetime: two surgeries, a three week stay in a hospital, a few airplane rides, numerous trips through various states, relationships with numerous interventionists and educational professionals, watching the hot air balloons launch in New Mexico, and he just recently returned from a missions trip to Texas on which he played on the coolest park for children and adults facing physical challenges.

With Regan's passing we remind others that his life is one to be celebrated. Although we will miss him every day, he will forever remain in our hearts and as a family we are comforted knowing he's walking, talking and living with his Heavenly Father. Through his teachings about life, which we saw lived out, we were able to create wonderful memories. Regan and his three brothers, the band of brothers, hold dear the memory of Regan's gentle spirit, which lives on through them and encourage you to "give an elbow bump for Ray-Ray" in loving people. There were few days that they didn't fight to see who could push Regan in his walker, bring a cracker over to "feed Ray-Ray", or try to bring their brother to the table to eat.

Regan is survived by his loving parents: Brian and Sarah Lee of Minot; brothers: Nolan, Tanner and Zane Lee; paternal grandparents: Jim and Janice Lee of Minot; maternal grandparents: David and Pamela Peterson, Olympia, WA; maternal great-grandparents: Orville and LaVerne Peterson, Cokato, MN and Darlene Lind, Duluth, MN along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who loved Regan as their own.

Everyone is invited to celebrate Regan's life in a service, which will be held Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at First Assembly of God in Minot, ND. A visitation will be held Friday, February 26, 2016 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home in Minot. Please send any cards, plants, flowers or any other condolences to the Thomas Funeral Home: 304 South Main Street Minot, ND 58701.