Disillusioned with oppressive politics and the Vietnam War, Lee Boutell quit college in 1971 and wandered from Kansas State University to Eugene, Oregon. There he discovered a thriving youth community of idealistic, kindred spirits. He scratched together limited resources to open the area's first organic natural foods restaurant. It became a profit-sharing collective and center for political activism and social change, working hard to make the world a better place.

Lee is married with two adult daughters and now lives a quiet life in Eugene as gardener, craftsman, artist, and writer. A life-long seeker of Truth, Lee enjoys music, hiking and exploring the beauty of the natural world.