William Charles Lee was born in Gayndah, Queensland, in 1929.
Upon graduating as dux from Bowen State High School in 1944, he pursued a career in accounting and business management.
His Honour came to law later in life. After marrying and starting a family, he began studying commerce and law at the University of Queensland. He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1961 and Bachelor of Laws in 1965, and was awarded the Virgil Power Prize and the John Hughes Wilkinson Memorial Prize.
Upon graduation, His Honour went on to be a law clerk at Cannan & Peterson. He was admitted as a barrister of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 1965 and appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1977.
On 6 November 1980 he was appointed the first Master of the Supreme Court of Queensland, appointed Senior Master of the Supreme Court on 15 May 1986, and a judge of the Supreme Court on 20 February 1989.Â
The Honourable William Lee retired from the court on 30 April 1999. He passed away on 23 March at 91 years of age.
He also gave his time to many voluntary roles, including committee member, president and life member of the Specific Learning Difficulties Association and member of the Barristers’ Board.
Queensland Law Society extends its sincere condolences to his family.
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