Lee Jewett Obituary

Lee C. Jewett

Oct 11, 1934 - Sep 24, 2022

Sandusky

Lee C. Jewett, 87, of Sandusky, passed away peacefully Saturday, Sept. 24, 2022.

Lee was born Oct. 11, 1934, in Sandusky, the son of the late Clifford and Marian Jewett. He was a 1952 graduate of Sandusky High School. Following high school, Lee attended The Ohio State University School of Architecture. In 1956, Lee was drafted into U.S. Navy. Upon the conclusion of his duty in the Navy, Lee accepted a job with architect Thurman Peabody in Norwalk.

In 1963, Lee was asked to design Cedar Point & Lake Erie Railroad Midway Train Station for George Roose, Cedar Point's president. He was immediately offered a position at Cedar Point that year, which turned into his serving in a variety of executive capacities for Cedar Point and Cedar Fair during the next 38 years. Lee had the highest standards and commitment to creating the best possible park experience for Cedar Fair's guests during his career. He was responsible for projects like IMAX Theater, Corkscrew, Gemini, Mean Streak, Raptor, Millennium Force, and Lee's favorite, Magnum XL 200. In the '90s, Lee became corporate vice president of planning and design, applying his expertise to rides, waterparks, attractions, and resorts for all entities within Cedar Fair. Many of the roller coasters designed by Lee have ranked in the top-eight coasters in the world. His legacy in the amusement park industry will live on forever.

Lee also lent his talents to planning and designing areas in our community, partnering with Greg Hill to design Mariner Village in Huron. Lee was also responsible for the design of many of the original homes in Beachwood Cove. While serving on State Theatre Board of Directors, he designed the new marquee at Sandusky State Theatre. As President of Sandusky Area YMCA Board of Directors, he chaired Phase Three Addition Building Committee. Santa Claus's Cookie House, an annual attraction for kids of all ages in Washington Park, is another example of Lee's influence on our community. Lee joined Memorial Hospital Board of Directors in 1981 and served as Chairman of the Building Committee. Lee was integral in merging Memorial Hospital and Good Samaritan Hospital to form Firelands Community Hospital in 1985. Lee continued to serve on Firelands Regional Medical Center Board of Directors and became an Emeritus Board Member of Firelands Health in 2010. Lee was a current member of The Foundation for Firelands Board of Directors at the time of his passing.

Thanks to Lee's philanthropic nature, area athletes and sports enthusiasts now have a local state-of-the-art sports medicine center at Lee C. Jewett Sports Medicine Center at Cedar Point Sports Center.

Lee also served on Erie County Community Foundation Board, Goodwill Industries Board of Directors, and North Central Arts Council.

Lee is survived by his wife, Sandra (Maschari) Jewett, whom he married Feb. 8, 1958; sons, Britt (Poppy) Jewett of Santa Barbara, California, and Gregg Jewett of Sandusky; grandchildren, Jackson and Hannah; sister, Linda (Charles) Alvarez; and several nieces and nephews.

Lee was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, John Jewett.

Per Lee's wishes, arrangements will be private. Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting family with arrangements.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made in Lee's memory to The Foundation for Firelands, 1111 Hayes Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio, 44870.

Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.