In Loving Memory of Jeff Lee
With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Jeff Lee, who died peacefully on Friday, 21st February 2025, surrounded by his loving family, after bravely living with cancer for 10 years.
Jeff was a visionary leader and a passionate advocate for prevention. As the first Executive Director of ISSUP, he played a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s mission, vision, and values. Working alongside Joanna and Jack, the original board and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), he laid the foundation for ISSUP’s commitment to supporting and strengthening the drug demand reduction workforce. His passion for the field, especially in prevention, was both boundless and inspiring, and his leadership helped ISSUP achieve remarkable milestones. Jeff was particularly devoted to the development of National Chapters and Scientific Support, and his influence is deeply embedded in ISSUP’s ongoing work.
Prior to ISSUP, Jeff served as the Executive Director of Mentor International, an NGO dedicated to substance abuse prevention. He also led The Advisory Council for Alcohol and Drug Education, contributed to the Universal Prevention Curriculum with Applied Prevention Science International, and managed the European Drug Prevention Quality Standards (EDPQS) Phase II project at Liverpool John Moores University. His energy helped ignite and support the development of the European Society of Prevention Research (EUSPR). His work took him to more than 90 countries, where he provided consultancy services for governments, the EU, WHO, and UNODC.
From his initial background as a teacher to his Master’s degree in Human Relationships, Jeff always asserted the role of education and the need to promote personal and social skills, and competencies within a health behaviour context as a key element for tackling substance use prevention. His focus was upon addressing the factors that result in problematic health behaviours to promote more positive alternatives.
Even after retiring from ISSUP in March 2024, Jeff continued to dedicate his time and expertise to the field. He volunteered with ISSUP to develop the Investing in Evidence-based Prevention course, ensuring his legacy of education and empowerment lived on.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jeff was a devoted husband, dad, and grandad. He cherished time with his wife, his three sons, their partners, and his granddaughter. He took great pride in raising his children to be independent thinkers and embraced family moments wholeheartedly. A passionate football fan, Jeff followed Nottingham Forest and delighted in introducing colleagues and friends around the world to his team. He also found joy in playing golf, listening to music, and catching up with the friends he had made around the world.
Jeff’s impact extends far beyond organisations and projects; he touched the lives of countless colleagues, collaborators, and friends with his kindness, wisdom, and passion for prevention. His generosity, warmth and encouragement left an indelible mark on the field of prevention and on all who had the privilege of working alongside him.
Those of us fortunate enough to have known Jeff will always remember his reminders to take care and keep smiling. The ISSUP family will continue to honour his legacy through our work, inspired by his vision and unwavering dedication.
We welcome you to leave a memory, message or tribute to Jeff along with a photograph you may have with him.
Commemoration Event
ISSUP and Jeff's colleagues will be holding a commemorative event to honour Jeff's contributions to the field of health education and prevention. There is no registration required, and everyone in our community is welcome. Please click on the link at the given time and join the event directly.
When: Mar 18, 2025
Time: 03:00 PM London
Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83525057436?pwd=ZuaaKh9fTAKw4m7lCpv2a8FWJwcI86.1
Passcode: 978729
Tributes
Jeff touched so many lives and was always humble about the impact he made. I feel truly fortunate to have worked closely with him, and have known him for so many years, both at ISSUP and previously. He set up ISSUP with a clear mission to support and develop the workforce, and he built a team that has grown and expanded to continue this endeavour with the same dedication and passion. I miss our chats that could go on forever, his support and the ideas Jeff always had. He was a great friend, colleague, boss and mentor.
I have been attending his webinars since becoming a member of ISSUP in 2019. His message was clear and truthful, and he provided insights and depth into addiction and the challenges people face. He was also a great moderator.
My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.
Que Dios lo reciba en su Santa Gloria 🙏
Muchas gracias por todos tus aportes en beneficio de la rehabilitación, no tuve el placer de conocerle pero estoy segura que todo su esfuerzo y lucha, vivirá en todos los programas de rehabilitación y en las vidas de cada persona que transformó por sus intervenciones.
Un abrazo hasta el cielo.
Con cariño desde El Salvador
I have lost a friend, a teacher and a visionary leader. Jeff My first ever prevention facilitator and mentor, the skills and knowledge acquired have helped me this far. My heart will always remember the great sessions of learning we shared.
I liked how Jeff was able to explain prevention using a football analogy. And I loved his way of passing on knowledge and the support he provided.
Jeff will be greatly missed
Jeff was a rock for all of us, we have greatly improved in prevention and treatment,
all because of the knowledge behind such a great Hero. We shall miss you Jeff Lee.to the family we pray that the good lord continue to strengthen you in such a trying moment.
Grace Bikumbi - Uganda
May his soul rest in peace. I thank God for his contribution, thru his contribution I am able to hold numerous certificates thru ISSUP. Thank you as I await to join you whenever the good lord determines.
A great man, unforgettable personality:(
I thank Lord Almighty for giving the gift in Mr. Jeff Lee.
Praying for HIS Soul to Rest in Peace in our Lord.
Praying for HIS bereaved family members to bear this irreplaceable LOSS for Them and Humanity.
Condolences to Jeff's family and to the ISSUP community. 😭😭😭😭
Eternal rest grant him oh lord and may the perpetual light shine upon him may he rest in peace .Amen.
Dear Jeff , you have fought a good fight!! Rest in Glory.
We learned alot from you and we will carry on your Legacy.
Rest in peace Jeff, Condolences to your family.
ISSUP and Jeff's loved ones, kindly accept my condolences on the passing of Jeff Lee. A great teacher will be missed as his contributions made ISSUP's webinars a learning experience.
From Trinidad, West Indies, may his soul rest in peace.
You lived an impact full life. May your legacy live on. RIP🙏
It’s pity to have lost such wonderful resourceful leader. We grieve together with our dear family. We know we can’t stop the feeling of sadness but the only person who can grant us the power to endure during this difficult time is God the almighty. May be grand the family all the energy to pass through this storm.
With love we are together in prayer
John 5:28,29
Rest in eternal peace elder 🕊️😭 😭😭😭😭
With deep sadness and heavy heart on the passing on of our beloved pioneer. May his soul continue resting in peace until we meet again in God's love!
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Jeff, a great, highly visionary person. Rest in peace, strength to his loved ones, and unity among his disciples to continue such an important work. Silvia
Jeff Lee, we carry with us the lessons you taught us in ISSUP. Though you are no longer with us in physical form, your memory will continue to guide and inspire us.
Rest in peace, knowing that you made the world a better place just by being in it.
RIP, sir, will miss you and your guidance and inspiration.
I am feeling very sad hear about Jeff. God rest his soul in peace he was a kind person.
**A Tribute to Jeff Lee**
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
It is with great sorrow that I reflect on the passing of Jeff Lee, a true visionary and a pioneer in the field of prevention. Though I did not have the privilege of knowing Jeff personally, his profound impact on the global effort to reduce substance abuse and promote health and prevention has deeply resonated with me and countless others.
As the first Executive Director of ISSUP, Jeff laid the foundation for an organization that continues to make a difference worldwide. His leadership and dedication to advancing drug demand reduction, developing National Chapters, and promoting scientific support have had a lasting influence on the field. His work, which spanned over 90 countries, continues to shape global prevention efforts and remains an inspiration to all of us working toward similar goals.
Jeff's commitment to education, his advocacy for evidence-based prevention, and his tireless contributions to the development of international frameworks for substance abuse prevention are remarkable achievements. His legacy will live on in the continued success of ISSUP and the countless lives touched by his work.
Even in his retirement, Jeff continued to contribute to the field, and his efforts with ISSUP to develop the Investing in Evidence-based Prevention course show his enduring passion for education and empowerment.
Though I never had the opportunity to meet him, I know that Jeff’s dedication, warmth, and passion for prevention are qualities that will continue to inspire those of us who work in this field. His influence will undoubtedly shape our work for years to come.
May we honor Jeff's memory by continuing the important work he started, advocating for prevention and education, and keeping his vision alive in our efforts.
Rest in peace, Jeff. Your contributions will never be forgotten.
With respect and gratitude,
Marileine KEMME
Fly with angels Jeff Lee. May God comfort the bereaved family and friends!
Tribute to Jeff Lee – A Legacy of Impact and Inspiration
On behalf of ISSUP Bahamas National Chapter and The National LEAD Institute, I extend my deepest condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of Jeff Lee. His passing is a profound loss to the global drug demand reduction and prevention community, yet his legacy will continue to inspire and shape the field for generations to come.
I had the distinct privilege of knowing Jeff virtually over the past two years, and in that time, his passion, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to prevention became evident in every interaction. As the facilitator who guided me into becoming a Country Facilitator for the INEP Plus Program, Jeff played a pivotal role in equipping leaders worldwide to implement evidence-based prevention strategies. His mentorship and leadership were instrumental in strengthening my capacity to serve my country in the fight against substance use disorders.
Jeff was not just a visionary leader; he was a teacher, an advocate, and a champion of change. His ability to empower others, cultivate partnerships, and drive meaningful action was truly remarkable. His work in prevention, education, and research was not merely about programs and policies—it was about people, transformation, and ensuring healthier futures for communities across the globe.
Even in the virtual space, Jeff's presence was profound. His ability to connect, encourage, and inspire was not limited by borders. His passion was contagious, his humility unmatched, and his commitment unwavering. He believed in the power of education, evidence-based prevention, and the importance of investing in people, ensuring that those in the field had the knowledge and resources to create lasting change.
As we reflect on his contributions, we also honor the person behind the global achievements—the dedicated family man, football enthusiast, and friend who always reminded us to “take care and keep smiling.”
Jeff’s passing leaves a void, but his legacy remains alive through the countless lives he touched, the programs he built, and the global network of prevention professionals he helped shape. His impact will never be forgotten.
Today, I stand among the many whose lives have been positively influenced by Jeff’s vision, mentorship, and dedication. May we continue his mission with the same passion, integrity, and commitment that he exemplified.
Rest in power, Jeff. Your work, your kindness, and your vision will forever be remembered.
Troy E. Clarke I
ISSUP Bahamas National Chapter Director
President & CEO, The National LEAD Institute
Dear Jeff,
Your passing leaves an immense void in the hearts of all who knew you, but your legacy shines brighter than ever. As Executive Director, you led with compassion, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the mission of helping those affected by substance abuse.
Your reminders to 'take care and keep smiling' were more than just words - they embodied the kindness, empathy, and warmth that defined you. You inspired countless lives, and your vision for a world free from the grip of addiction continues to guide us.
Although I haven't had the privilege of meeting you personally, I have been a part of this organization for the past 4 years and have witnessed firsthand your tireless efforts and dedication to this NGO.
We'll miss your leadership, your guidance, and your infectious smile. But we'll honor your memory by continuing the vital work you started. Your impact will never fade, and your legacy will live on through the countless lives you touched.
Rest in peace, dear Jeff. Your memory will be a blessing to us all.
With love, respect, and gratitude,
Hajra Waheed Kayani
Clinical Psychologist, Pakistan
May his Soul Rest in Internal Peace. He fought for humanity and we in Uganda shall remember his tremendous work. Let's continue with his legacy
My deepest condolences his entire family, may soul rest in peace
'Prevention is better then cure,' probably summed up his tiresome efforts to help us understand where we tend to go wrong by investing disproportionately so much into treatment. Evidence-based prevention is now an integral part of care and treatment, and is here to stay.
I got to know him late, but will always remember him as an unassuming man, full of wisdom, humble with a warm personality. That's how I'd like to remember him.
May God comfort the family, and I pray for peace to the family that no one can give.
I am so sorry to hear of Jeff's passing. In my work with him, I loved his practicality and his sense of humor. He will be greatly missed. I hope his legacy will live on with all of the people whom he has mentored.
With deep sorrow, I extend my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Jeff Lee. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time. He will always be remembered in the hearts of those who cherished him, and his beautiful memories will never fade. May God grant you and your family strength and comfort, and may his soul rest in eternal peace.
With deepest sympathy,
Sayed Rohullah Niazi
We mourn the loss of our esteemed colleague at ISSUP, whose dedication, wisdom, and kindness touched many lives. Their unwavering commitment to substance use prevention and public health inspired us all. Their legacy will endure in the work we continue. Our heartfelt condolences to family and friends. Rest in peace
Jeff Lee had a way of seeing the (prevention) world that cut through the noise—focused on what truly mattered. His perspective was something to learn from, and I was fortunate to have known him.
Rest in peace, Jeff. You will be missed.
His legacy will be living with us forever.
May God rest his soul in eternal peace.
Thank you for your leadership Jeff. Sleep well.
I will always cherish your mentorship in the INEP+ course. Rest well, Jeff Lee, builder of hope.
Your fight was true and brave , you showed us the true meaning of Empathy.
Shine on your way. 💔💜
Rest in Power🙏🏾
Though I have not met Jeff in person, but I have read about the good works he initiated and this lives on. Your memory also remains in our heart. God be with the family left behind. Rest on Jeff.
Ayobami Mobolaji OLA
Oh so sad to hear. My condolences to his wife, children and the entire family including issup fraternity. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace 🙏
Sincere condolences to the Jeff"s family, ISSUP Family, and friends.
My the entire family find solace in the Lord, with you in prayers at this trying hour.
He has fought a good fight.
MHDSRIP
May the legacies he left behind be a good example to us all. May his soul rest in peace. I believe in God who gives peace. Thank you.
Hi, Jeff.
Only generous and spiritually evolved human beings do incredible things like the ones you did. There are countless individuals who have benefited from the work that was done based on your initiative: prevention, treatment, recovery...
See, for me, you were anonymous until today! But I learned from the Master of masters that the legitimate work of love for others does not lack the identity of the person who practices it.
And if your identity is revealed for me today, it is because you are worthy of all the appreciation and homage that is given to you. But more important than that, however, is because heaven receives you as a beloved son who returns to the Father's house after a mission is accomplished.
Thank you.
I am deeply touched to learn of Jeff's loss as I had the honour of knowing him and the privilege of working with him some years back.
Jeff was an extraordinary human being, the kind of person one does not forget easily. He was knowledgeable, kind, enthusiastic, positive, assertive and yet humble, and had that touch of irony that made me smile heartily. He was an effective and respectful listener.
He loved ISSUP and the ISSUP family, and was proud and enthusiastic for the good work done. I remember with sincere gratitude the encouragement the and support he generously gave me while working on the establishment our National Chapter, and his deep satisfaction when we succeeded in launching it.
Therefore, while conveying my deepest condolences to his family and to ISSUP staff, I also send my most sincere sympathy to the great ISSUP family around the world, as I feel that we are all mourning the loss of a dear friend and a true supporter.
For Jeff
Farewell, dear Jeff, may your journey be light and smooth, and may you rest in peace, in grace and in everlasting joy. Keep smiling, dear Jeff, we will not forget you.
While you were on earth you did extremely what was best for this organization and you will forever be remember. May your soul rest in perfect peace.
Your great works will always remain with us until we meet again on the other side.
may your lovely soul rest in eternal peace
So sorry and sadness to hear about Jeff Lee one of the honest and brave visionary person death,,,RIP ,,,,AMEEEN
Heartfelt condolence to Jeff Lee's loving family members and all those who share a close intimacy with Jeff Lee in ISSUP family. Rest in Peace Jeff Lee as you have completed your race in the world with a lot of milestones in substance use prevention work. R.I.P
Dr.Thomas Scaria, Ecolink Institute, India
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