Lee was recruited as Comptroller to the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC) in 2008. The BMSC, owned and operated by five Western universities (UCalgary, UofA, SFU, UBC and Vic), is located in the remote community of Bamfield, B.C. (pop. ~200) and has been inspiring students and supporting life-changing exploration and discovery of ocean environments since 1972. She inherited an ad hoc financial system and soon put in place systems that accurately reflected costs and income, and gave the BMSC leadership the confidence to make difficult budget decisions and to accurately forecast financial needs. Lee’s demeanour, discretion, honesty and compassion allowed her to implement changes that brought a period of financial sustainability to the BMSC. This was the first time Lee saved the station. In 2016, Lee was instrumental in helping secure the BMSC’s largest single grant, a federal post-secondary infrastructure fund for 3 million dollars that transformed the station’s animal care facilities, electric grid and brought high-speed internet to the BMSC. Lee worked, as she always does, tirelessly, to prepare the grant with the Director and help secure matching funds. Lee’s management of the grant was nothing short of a wonder as she managed to complete the project while keeping the station open. Lee received commendations from both the University of Victoria and the Ministry of Advanced Education in recognition of her success. Dr. Jon Driver (Past President, WCUMSS and Provost, SFU) wrote, “For a small organization this is a remarkable achievement. We did what we said we would do during a time of considerable transition in the organization, on time, on budget, and in a remote location. Many people contributed to this, but I think we have to especially thank Lee for her incredible management skills”.
The infrastructure fundamentally changed BMSC’s ability to operate in a remote environment and represents the second time Lee saved the station. In 2019, Lee was hired as the BMSC’s Deputy Director, the most senior position on the campus in the absence of the Director. Lee’s role included the implementation of the BMSC’s first organizational restructure in decades. On top of that, the BMSC faced the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. In addition to Lee’s leadership developing protocols so the BMSC would remain operational, Lee navigated federal subsidies that protected the jobs of staff at the station. In 2021, Lee also took on the complex project of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations modern wastewater treatment plant that was built at the BMSC. Lee’s work with the Nation was exemplary and again a complex project critical to the future of the station was completed on time. Working in a senior position in a small isolated community requires the confidence to make quick decisions without the luxury of always having a confidant available. Lee always acted above and beyond to act decisively when necessary and to seek advice and guidance when needed. She always noted the importance of having a sense of humour.
In August 2023, Lee fell ill and was ultimately diagnosed with terminal cancer. Lee’s “happy place” was a project true to her heart, making the main foyer at the BMSC more welcoming for all of our students, researchers and clients. She envisioned a reception, aquarium, seating and a gift shop. The Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre is honoured to help see Lee’s vision on this project through for her. Please consider making a donation to the Lee Weber Fund. Your gift will support the transformation of the main foyer at BMSC into a “happy place” for people to enjoy for years to come.
Lee would always strive to ensure that our guests took a little bit of the spirit of the BMSC when they left.
