The celebration of the life of Michael Lee took place this past Saturday at the California Club in downtown Los Angeles. Michael was a long time West Hollywood community member. WEHO Online announced his passing here: https://wehoonline.com/michael-vajen-lee-1954-2025/
David Wood, former Chair of the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and long term friend shared led the toast in a crowded room of friends and family which featured speeches and videos of the life and times of the incredible Michael Lee.
We have lost one of the truly “good ones.” Michael Vajen Lee has played his last hand of bridge after succumbing to the complications of lung cancer on May 30th. Michael passed away peacefully at his home in Los Angeles, CA. He was 70 years old.
Michael leaves his sister, Cindy Smet, brothers Chris and John Lee and too many friends to count, however Bruce Brown, Caron Comin, Julie Milunic, David Gidlow and Michael’s longtime work wife, Gail Reisman were amongst the closest.
Born in Toledo, Ohio on August 1, 1954, Michael’s father, Jack and mother, Rosella had the good sense to move the family to Fort Lauderdale in the early 1960’s. Due to the proximity of “weather,” Michael developed an early obsession with hurricanes that would carry on to adulthood. There was no need for the Weather Channel when you could just call Michael Lee.
Note none of Michael’s friends ever called him Michael. It was always Michael LEE – because it just sounded better – with no offense to his family who just called him Mike.
Speaking of obsessions, aviation was another of Michael’s favorite subjects. As a frequent flier at an early age, Michael knew all the carriers and their routes and took great pride in finding the flights with the most stops on his way to see his grandparents in Ohio.
As a favorite of the stewardesses, he was always rewarded with the captains’ wings and an extra meal. Later in life he would use this charm to work the upgrade list.
One of the great influences in Michael’s life could be summed up in two words: Pine Crest, his high school in Fort Lauderdale. There he excelled in his studies, was voted most popular, but most importantly, where he met lifelong friends. He was a proud alumnus his entire life.
His next stop was Duke where Michael earned his undergraduate degree in Management Science, more commonly known as “business.” In 1976, he took these skills to retail giant Macy’s, first in New York and then to San Francisco, a terrific liberating locale for a man of twenty-two discovering his sexuality. In 1978 he took his show back on the road to UCLA to collect his MBA before continuing his retail career at the Los Angeles based Broadway stores.
As a fashionista from a young age, it was only a matter of time before Michael would start his own clothing line, Pazzo, with Gail Reisman. For reference, Pazzo is Italian for crazy. Very fitting. In the early 90’s, Pazzo pivoted to Jocko, becoming one of the most successful gay sportswear lines, popular in men’s boutiques from coast to coast. Michael worked his magic with Jocko until he retired in 2014. The Jocko brand lives online and in retail stores to this day.
Although his business endeavors were very successful, life wasn’t all work for Michael. He loved to play bridge, but bridge was more about spending time with his friends talking about their weeks, current events, and most importantly: gossip! He also enjoyed playing golf and tennis, but again it was more about the social aspects of the game than the athletic endeavor.
He also enjoyed frequent trips to the East Coast as well as the occasional trip to Vietnam and Italy…where he still worked the upgrade list.
No story of Michael’s life would be complete without the discussion of his love of game shows, particularly Jeopardy! If you ever watched Jeopardy with Michael, his quick responses made you feel like you barely made it out of third grade. Although he never appeared on the show, he was quite proud that in 1993, when partnered with Jason Alexander, he won $29,300 on the $100,000 Pyramid. He would want you to know that would be $69,995 in 2025 dollars.
Michael’s infectious laugh and biting wit will be deeply missed by all. As he spends his next chapter above, may all his hands be seven no trump and all his answers be the Daily Double.
Cheers to you
Michael.
It’s clear he was not only a successful entrepreneur and fashion innovator, but also a warm, witty person who connected deeply through bridge, travel, and unforgettable storytelling. His legacy—from Pazzo and Jocko to his contagious laughter—reminds us that true success lies in both professional achievements and the joy we bring to those around us. Cheers to Michael Lee