Robert Lee Nish was born in Cardston, Alberta, on June 19, 1920. In 1940, Lee at the age of 20 years, enrolled in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was stationed at #7 Service Flying Training School at Fort Macleod, Alberta as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. Private Nish was sent to England where he served as a RCAF radio operator from 1943 to 1946. While Private Nish was stationed in England he met his future wife, Ivy Williams. Lee arranged for Ivy to fly to Lethbridge, Alberta, on a converted Lancaster bomber in 1946. Lee and Ivy were married on October 3 1946 in Cardston Alberta. They raised four children. Lee owned and operated his mixed farming profession up until his passing at age 62 years.