Louisianians pay respects to Sheriff Lee

westwego, la. -- Thousands of people paid their respects Friday to popular -- and controversial -- longtime Jefferson Parish Sheriff Harry Lee.

After the viewing, his flag-draped casket was escorted from a suburban New Orleans auditorium to the strains of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” Lee, 75, died Monday. He had leukemia.

Even in a state with a long history of brash and colorful politicians -- fiery orators like Huey and Earl Long -- Lee cut an uncommon figure: a rotund, white-haired Chinese American with a penchant for Western wear and a love of country music.

Greeting mourners was a huge papier-mache likeness of Lee in his trademark cowboy hat.

President Clinton, in a statement read on his behalf at the memorial service, called Lee “a true original, a man whose love for celebration was trumped only by his heartfelt devotion to duty and steadfast regard for the safety and security of his fellow citizens.”

Lee served seven terms.

The friends who memorialized him Friday included former Democratic Gov. Edwin Edwards, whom Lee ardently supported even after Edwards’ conviction on corruption charges.

“Farewell, good and true friend,” Edwards, who is in prison, said in a recording. “May flocks of angels carry you home to true rest.”