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
May your Soul find eternal peace. Never met but have read good things written about you.
Well done good and faithful servant.
Condolence to the bereaved family of sir jeff, may the good Lord bless them and guide them in this difficult times. My prayers for all of you. Thank u sir Jeff for you intangible contribution to the society. You will always be remembered.
Jeff was a visionary leader and a passionate advocate for prevention. As the first Executive Director of ISSUP, he played a key role in shaping the organization’s mission and values, especially in supporting the global drug demand reduction workforce. His commitment to prevention was inspiring, and his leadership helped ISSUP reach significant milestones, particularly in developing National Chapters and Scientific Support.
Before ISSUP, Jeff led Mentor International, focused on substance abuse prevention, and contributed to several important projects and initiatives, including the European Drug Prevention Quality Standards and the Universal Prevention Curriculum. His work took him to over 90 countries, where he worked with governments, the EU, WHO, and UNODC.
Jeff’s passion and dedication will always be remembered, and his legacy continues to impact the field of prevention worldwide.
Regards :Syed Kamran member of ISSUP
May your soul rest in peace
Jeff Lee touched the live of many people through his passion to change peoples by prevention camping, well you have come, and see and made an impact even the foundation you laid down will always speak on your behalf.
We love you but your creator love you most.
Rest on our mentor,teacher, bye for now.
From SOCIAL WATCH ANT DRUG DRUG ABUSE ADVOCACY (SWADAA)
Jeff was passionate leader. It's great loss of humanity
Sorry to hear that sad news. His contributions will always be remembered.
May God Rest his soul in Peace in Heaven. Aameen.
Jeff Lee, founder of ISSUP, was a visionary leader dedicated to drug demand reduction. Through ISSUP, he united professionals worldwide, promoting evidence-based prevention and treatment. His commitment to capacity-building and global collaboration left a lasting impact. Though he is no longer with us, his legacy continues to shape the fight against substance use. We honor his memory with a renewed commitment to the mission he so passionately pursued. Rest in peace Jeff Lee , your legacy will forever remain with us!
The vitality of dawn, but with a lion's heart. You were among the few who wore friendship and leadership as a calling rather than an occupational title. Despite your soft grace, which inspired others to strive, you lived with a passion that made everyone around you feel seen, heard, and valued.
You were a rock of support while SUD storms raged, a source of joy when things were good, and a steady hand when things weren't. You never kept score, but you were always willing to sacrifice all for someone in dire need. Your kindness acted as a compass, providing verbal healing and direction without passing judgment. You reminded us that service is not about ostentatious demonstrations and presents, but rather about the silent, unwavering awareness that we are never alone.
You led not from a pedestal, but shoulder-to-shoulder with those who followed you. Your vision was not a distant star, but a torch you carried into the dark, lighting paths for others. You taught us that true leadership is not about power, but about lifting others up—about integrity that never bends, courage that refuses to quit, and humility that credits the team before yourself. You built bridges where others saw walls, and turned strangers into family.
Even in your absence, your light lingers. In the stories we’ll retell, the professional lessons we’ll carry forward, and the love you planted in every life you touched. You showed us how to live fiercely and love deeply, how to lead with heart and laugh through the pain. Though grief weighs heavy today, we find solace knowing your spirit lives on in the lives you shaped, the dreams you ignited, and the unbreakable bonds you forged.
Jeff Lee, a leader who never stopped being a friend, a visionary who achieved his aims, and a strong yet kind person, you were a masterpiece of paradoxes. We will miss your voice, your wisdom, and your priceless presence. However, we will live as you did—bravely, compassionately, and with an unshakeable confidence in people's goodness—in order to honor you.You may now rest, my good comrade. Your work here is complete, but your story will continue indefinitely. We never truly lose our loved ones. They remain alive in the love they gave and accompany us in all our memories.
Until we meet again, may you rest in peace and keep dancing in unison with all of our other SUD fighters who have crossed over.
May his soul rest in peace
"I am deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May you find comfort in the love of those around you and strength in your shared memories. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
His works in health education and drug abuse prevention around the world through ISSUP are remarkable. Because he lived for others he lives forever. May his cherished legacies continue to resonate.
Jeff Lee was a true visionary and a dedicated advocate for prevention. His unwavering commitment to education, health, and substance use prevention touched countless lives worldwide. Through his leadership at ISSUP and beyond, he laid the foundation for meaningful change, inspiring professionals and communities alike.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jeff’s warmth, generosity, and encouragement made a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will continue to live on through the initiatives he championed and the people he empowered.
Jeff, your dedication, kindness, and passion will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.
Visionary and exemplary leader in the drug demand reduction field.
His profound wisdom and calm demeanor were instrumental in pushing forward the DDR agenda globally.
R.I.P Jeff, a true legend
In Loving Memory of Jeff Lee
Through trials faced with strength so true,
A heart so kind, a soul so blue.
For ten long years, you fought with grace,
Yet never lost your warmth, your place.
Now softly rests your weary frame,
But love still whispers through your name.
In every heart you’ve ever touched,
Your light remains, it means so much.
Though time moves on and seasons change,
Your spirit walks familiar range.
Forever loved, forever near,
In cherished thoughts, you linger here.
May the family of Jeff accept my sincere condolences please. May the soul of Mr. Jeff find eternal rest 🙏
Life can be fleeting. But a life lived to the fullest stays in fond memories.
Jeff Lee through his decorum and grace endeared himself to many.
This is particularly a difficult and painful time for his family. In extending to them my heartfelt condolences, I wish them courage and strength to bear this irreparable loss.
Dear Jeff Lee, May your beautiful soul Rest In Peace.
My deepest condolences to Jeff's Family, friends, and colleagues and the ISSUP Family. Thank you for all your work in education, sensitization and awareness! I know that you will be dearly missed, sleep well!
In loving tribute to a wonderful person who touched our lives in profound ways. Rest In Power our Leader 🙏
He was a great Vision Bearer
My sincere condolence to Jeff's family and Issup community.May his soul R.I.P.
Turut berdukacita buat keluarga besar Jeff,
Semoga bertemu kembali di hari Maranatha 🙏🩵Gbu
It is with great sadness that I learned of the death of Jeff. I knew him and worked with him for some twenty or more years especially when we were both involved in the work of TACADE. I grew to admire his superb management skills and highly developed sense of integrity. He was always destined to assume bigger responsibilities which he subsequently achieved moving onto the international health education platform and performing new duties with distinction
His latter years were sadly plagued with poor health but even in sickness he continued to act with enormous courage and resilience.
I would like to convey to you my condolences at your time of loss. Jeff will be so missed. May he rest in peace.
Jeff has left behind a legacy that will continue to impact lives positively. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Profamily-Care Foundation
My deep condolences to family and friends,
Jeff was such a great leader and inspiration to us all! He brought many world community activists together in the field of substance use harm reduction to introduce evidence-based prevention by certified INEP Plus extenders. I am so grateful to have been captivated by his wealth of knowledge in such a short period of time.
Lowena West, MBA, MSc., ICAP I, INEP Plus Certified Facilitator
My condolences to Jeff's family and the ISSUP community. I had the pleasure of meeting Jeff and reading many of his writings. He was indeed a passionate leader, a great prevention advocate, and a wonderful person. He was always very reachable, open, funny, and enjoyable to be with. Jeff will be greatly missed. May his soul rest in peace.
I am sad to know of this Prevention Guru's passing.
During our online Prevention Training, Jeff provocative questions would cause
the online discussion to become stimulating and interactive!
He was a kind and respectful individual and also a passionate Prevention Specialist.
I will miss him :-( May Jeff REST in eternal peace.
My dearest condolence to the family of Jeff and also to the ISSUP family. I pray everone will be strengthen by the memories you hold dearest to your hearts...
On behalf of the Overcoming Addiction Foundation (OAF), we honor the memory of Jeff Lee—a dedicated advocate in the fight against addiction. His commitment to helping others overcome substance abuse was truly inspiring. His legacy will continue to impact lives, and his efforts will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Jeff Lee.
Founder (OAF).
Condolences to the family, and may he rest in peace. we will carry on with the legacy
cher combattant, repose en paix et que tes œuvres t'accompagnent.. toutes nos condoléances à la famille restreinte et élargie de l'illustre disparu.
dr Tambourou, Togo
Jeff has been a pillar to ISSUP and the global efforts at substance use prevention. We celebrate his legacy and exemplary leadership and contribution at this global effort. Wishing his dear wife and family my sincere condolences and God’s strength in the days ahead. Wistful sincere love from Ghana
We walked the prevention path since 1990 from lifeskills training to prevention standards over children's stories to policy influence, bringing science to practice. You took so many of us by the hand to set and reach amazing targets in prevention land, working together and taking people from all directions along. Witness hereof in the pic is your everlasting analogy of prevention work with a football team, this time in the London meeting of the Unplugged IKEA Social Initiative. Bonne route Jeff, Peer
"Dear Family of Jeff Lee,
I'm deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Jeff Lee. My heart goes out to you during this difficult time.
May cherished memories of Jeff bring you comfort, and may his legacy live on through the lives he touched.
I recall my last memories of him when I had a candid conversation with him during ISSUP conference in Viena, Austria in July 2019.
Please accept my sincerest condolences.
Sincerely, Fayyaz Ahmed "
General Secretary
Anti Narcotics Welfare Organisation
Karachi-Pakistan
fayyaz25 [at] live [dot] com (fayyaz25[at]live[dot]com)
Feel free to modify it as needed.
I am deeply saddened to hear about Jeff. He was an extraordinary person who touched many lives with his dedication, expertise, and compassionate mentorship. His legacy will continue to inspire us. Rest in peace, dear Jeff.
What a sad news to read about your passing on, submitting to the cold hands of death after such a long, laborious battle over your health! All your ceaseless efforts geared towards helping the needy through ISSUP can never be forgotten. There's indeed a time to be born and a time to die. May the Lord help the rest of us to be conscious of this day that we cannot cross and do things worthy of eternal rewards in Jesus mighty name. Adieu Jeff.
I may not have adequate knowledge of Jeff, but one thing is clear, he contributed immensely in laying the basis from which many people around the world have learnt and are still learning about substance use. What else would being a great personality entail? His demise is a great loss to humanity. May his soul rest in peace.
We shall dearly miss you Jeff Lee, you shaped us into prevention, your knowledge, wisdom and desire to mentor others will never be out matched.
Rest With the Angels.
Andrew Lubega-Uganda
I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the family. His services to humanity will always be remembered.. sleep on Jeff
Caltanissetta, February 25th, 2025
To the family of Jeff Lee and to all ISSUP members.
We are deeply pained to hear of the death of Jeff Lee.
As President of the Association ‘Casa Rosetta’ I’m writing this message together with Giovanna
Garofalo, coordinator of the Italian Chapter of ISSUP and Pietro Cipolla, member of the steering
committee of ISSUP Italy and Board Member of the Association.
It was only last July that we read his contribution to the ISSUP INEP Plus facilitators training
course: an illuminating discussion of the significant differences between the so-called ‘experts’ in prevention which have to be different from those who specialize in treatment.
It was a testament to the depth and passion of his knowledge and expertise. At the time, we accepted his resignation; today, with his passing, we realize just how irreplaceable his loss truly is for all of us in the SUD field.
The President of ‘Casa Rosetta’, Giorgio De Cristoforo with the whole of the Italian Association,
extend their heartfelt sympathy to all his family and ISSUP members worldwide.
With deep sympathy,
Sincerely Yours,
Giorgio De Cristoforo, President of the Association ‘Casa Rosetta’
Giovanna Garofalo, ISSUP Chapter Italy Coordinator
Pietro Cipolla, Board Member of the ‘Association ‘Casa Rosetta’ and ISSUP Chapter - Italy
Jeff Lee was a great professional, and he was fully committed to help the others and to put human beings at the centre of his and of our actions. RIP Jeff Lee, you were a good man. My sincere condolences to his family and his ISSUP friends.
A few days after learning the sad news, a small group of us, all long-standing colleagues from the Mentor International Foundation days, reflected on Jeff's life and what he meant to each of us. Our memories and stories universally emphasized how grateful we were of knowing and working with Jeff. The many anecdotes highlighted how impressed we were that he had the rare and special talent trifecta: prevention science smarts, administrative skills, and a most engaging personality.
I personally was lucky that Jeff loved golf; we were able to share numerous rounds. It was during these times that I came to particularly appreciate his self-deprecating sense of humor, his love of family, and his appreciation for having such fantastic staff at Mentor International.
The photo is from a scientific meeting in Minnesota USA in 2008 among a group of us Mentor consultants. From the left: Richard McKenzie, me, Leslie Munson, Bia Carlini, Daniel Pellaux and Jeff.
Keep smiling as you RIP.
-Ken Winters, Minnesota, USA
Alas! How fallen are the mighty! It is quiet a thing of sorrow to have my friend, Jeff Lee, die after battling with cancer for 10 years. His dedication, industry, leadership, exemplary life, influence, and kindheartedness will never be forgotten.I do not really know him but have goner through others' testimonines. I have nothing much to say regarding his painful departure. But thanks be to God for his beautiful dedication which has excellent radiance. I pray that his family receive the fortitude to bear this loss. May the soul of the departed repose in the bosom of the Maker as he will find eternal satisfaction in the Spirit World. This is my testimony and prayer in the sacred name of the Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
In 2016 I was lucky enough to see and hear Jeff for the first time, he was the executive director of ISSUP and it was fascinating to see how he had such a clear vision and passion for what ISSUP is today.
In some ways it was intimidating to listen to someone like Jeff, although he was always very kind and understanding, I was intimidated to be at the same table as someone with that vision, experience and human and professional quality.
I am very grateful for having had the privilege of working with Jeff since 2021. I had the opportunity to express my deep admiration to him and learn from him every time we exchanged ideas.
We will remember him with great affection and admiration and I will be eternally grateful to have met Jeff.
I am sure that he continues to remind us to just keep smiling.
Heartfelt condolences to the family @Your great works Will always remain with us until we meet again. May your lovely soul rest in Eternal peace. Amen
@ Bonnie - Kenya
My deepest condolences for your family. Rest in peace Jeff Lee.
Jeff was always happy and took his work seriously. He also provided the listeners with facts and would be stern if need be!!! He had great stories and was a true moderator. He will be missed.
Member since 2019
Kohnlinq, Inc.
Your legacy shall always live in our hearts.
Onesmo R - Tanzania
We mourn the loss of Jeff Lee, a dedicated leader, mentor, and advocate for prevention. His tireless efforts shaped global efforts in drug demand reduction, inspiring countless individuals and organizations to join the fight against substance abuse.
Through his work, Jeff bridged gaps, fostered collaborations, and empowered communities to take action. His expertise and passion helped shape policies, programs, and practices that saved lives and promoted well-being.
As a mentor, Jeff nurtured talent and shared wisdom, encouraging others to strive for excellence. His legacy extends far beyond his accomplishments, embodying compassion, integrity, and service.
We honor Jeff's memory by continuing his vital work. May his vision inspire us to strive for a world where all individuals can live healthy, fulfilling lives, free from substance abuse. Rest in peace, Jeff. Your impact will be felt for generations to come.
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