Remembering Lee Amble: A legacy built to last

Lee Amble, past president of the Building Industry Association and a beloved figure in both North Dakota and Arizona, passed away on May 19, 2025, at the age of 89. His life was marked by hard work, leadership, and dedication to his family, community and profession.

Born on May 3, 1936, in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Lee was raised near Thompson, where he began his career farming. In 1967, he transitioned to Fargo-Moorhead and founded Valley Water Conditioning, marking the beginning of a dynamic professional journey. By 1974, he had entered the real estate world, and in 1981, he and his wife Jan moved to Prescott, Arizona, where they continued to thrive both professionally and personally.

Lee’s contributions to the building industry were profound. As president of the Home Builders Association in 1978, he played a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s future. He chaired the Home Show for several years, served as president of the North Dakota Association of Builders, and held positions on both the state and national boards, including as a national representative for North Dakota to the National Association of Home Builders. His leadership extended beyond the industry, serving on Governor Art Link’s Blue Ribbon Task Force on Housing and as president of the North Dakota Water Conditioning Association.

Lee (second from left) pictured with other members and U.S. Sen. Quentin Burdick (middle) in the 1970s.

Tammy Linn, Lee’s daughter, shared that “he always loved the HBA – it was by far the highlight of his career.” His time with the association helped him hone the leadership and industry skills that would serve him well in Arizona, where he became a well-known community volunteer and continued his real estate career with National Real Estate of Prescott. Lee earned ERA Real Estate International’s “Beyond Excellence” award six times, a reflection of his tireless work ethic and passion for helping others.

Lee (fourth from right) pictured with other past presidents of the Association at a member meeting.

Even in his later years, Lee remained active. He continued selling homes and writing, authoring over 400 articles. Jan, his wife of 68 years, was his partner, handling paperwork and supporting his endeavors. Their teamwork was admired by many, and their love endured through challenges, including Jan’s declining health beginning in 2022 and Lee’s own battle with cancer, diagnosed in November 2024.

Whenever Lee traveled back to North Dakota to visit family, he would stop into the BIA-RRV office to check in on the staff and hear about the latest news and issues in the homebuilding market. He was especially interested in the association’s name change to “Building Industry Association” in 2024 and loved attending member meetings if they coincided with his travels; Lee would routinely speak about the benefits of membership if the opportunity presented itself. He asked to remain on the BIA’s mailing list so he could keep tabs on everything going on with the local industry.

BIA-RRV CEO Bryce Johnson says, "Lee always brought a beloved energy, enthusiasm and sense of humor when he walked through the door. We loved his visits and stories and always looked forward to his return to Fargo. He was a true gentleman and so very proud of his association and of the leaders he served with. We are privileged to have had a leader like Lee who left the legacy he did and who continued to ensure we were headed down the right path. Lee always said 'Stay the course!'"

Lee smiles for a portrait in the association's conference room in the 2000s. He loved to stop by and visit with staff on his trips back to the area from Arizona.

“He was a fighter until the end,” Tammy said. “Even though he and Mom were very successful in Arizona, his most treasured time was at the builders association.” Lee’s final months were spent in Moorhead where he received hospice care. His passing was peaceful, surrounded by family and love.

Lee’s legacy lives on through Jan, now residing at Eventide in Moorhead, and their three children, Tim, Tammy and Twila, along with 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Aug. 2 at West Walle Church in rural Thompson, N.D., followed by a lunch and time of sharing at Sertoma Park in Grand Forks.

Lee Amble’s life was one of purpose, generosity and resilience. He built relationships and community as well as a legacy that will continue to inspire those who knew him.