Les was a once in a lifetime person. As I look into the new year, I am reflecting on imporant images and people behind me and before me. My great- grandfather was someone to be admired. He was made of toughness and tenderness. He worked for great things and pushed himself to expand and grow often. I miss his laugh the most, followed by his easy going personality. Even when I didnt get to spend a lot of him growing up with him, he still hugged me and made me feel part of his family and love.

Les "worked" for me in about 1988. He participated in a program to lessen his property taxes by volunteering for the county. I really enjoyed his quiet humor and creative mind. At the time, besides working for me and the county housing authority, he was collaborating with an inventor on a new type of fly fishing rod (or some such thing). I have thought of him fondly from time to time and know that he will be missed by many.