October 21, 1952 to November 12, 2020
Les was diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Multiple Myeloma in early February 2019. It took two appointments for the doctors to finally convince him that he was a very sick man. In June 2019 he had a bone marrow transplant, but unfortunately it didn’t take. But being Les, he continued to work until the COVD pandemic forced him to abandon work like everyone else. That still didn’t hold him back. In the spring he built a new shower with the great help of Nick, our neighbor. In the summer, he painted our two-story house. He was just shy of finishing when he got off the ladder and said “Kath, I just can’t finish”.
Just before the pandemic began our son Kevin flew home from London UK and our daughters were not long in following from the UK with our three precious grandchildren Sadie (Jennifer’s daughter) and Arthur and Ralph (Alison’s two boys). We spent a lovely summer together.
Why do they all live in London UK? After Les and I got married and he had finished his Bachelor of Civil Engineering, we moved to London so he could get his Masters Degree at Imperial College. The course lasted a year, but we stayed on – for 18 years – had 3 kids and a house and mortgage. In the midst of all this, he acquired a Law Degree. In 1991, the hustle and bustle of London became too much and we moved back to Winnipeg. The kids all stayed at home with us until they reached 18 and then one by one they moved back to London. Who can blame them – when you’re a young adult weighing up your options – Winnipeg? London? Not surprising, they chose London and have made their own lives there, but do come home often because they really do love Winnipeg.
On returning to Winnipeg, Les found work with West Sun and became involved in the staging and lighting aspects of the entertainment world. He was a member of the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees Local 63 since 1995. During the winter he worked at the Manitoba Theatre Center and other venues in the city. He worked with Premier Global Productions for 20 years which took him on the road during the summer as Head Rigger building stages for all the big concerts and outdoor festivals. He frequented many watering holes south of the border. In Atlanta, it was the Sidebar where he made many friends and was accepted as a “bro”. In Minneapolis working the State Fair for 18 years, he and Clyde would always have “an after the show” drink at Tracks with Jeanie serving them more drinks than they needed.
Finally, he wanted to say a very special thank you to all his brothers and sisters at IATSE Local 63. He appreciated all the mentorship and camaraderie he received from them all.
I would like to personally thank all my relatives, friends and neighbor’s for the huge show of support at this sad time. A special thank you to Larry, Norine and Brady who put up with Les every Sunday for years watching American football at their house and the pool parties over this past summer.
As if he hadn’t heard it a thousand times before, No Les, No More. Love you lots.
REST IN PEACE
Friends and relatives are encouraged to share in-photo tributes, anecdotes and condolences for the family in the comments.
47 thoughts on “Leslie Moore”
This picture was taken on August 19, 2020.
lester was a great man ! good family man and a great friend to many people !
over the years of getting to know Lester we had many great times working and laughing together !
I will truly miss you lester but never forget you my friend !
my condolences to Cathy and Lester’s family !
rest in peace my friend you old road dog !
Although we never met I worked with Les for many years building stages and lighting systems.
It is with a very heavy heart that I say good bye to one of the top notch technicians and people I have ever met.
You will be sorely missed my old friend.
Rest peacefully brother .
He was always so engaging and funny and welcoming anytime Kevin would have us all over. I had many empassioned conversations with him about unionism and politics. And I am as saddened by his passing as I was enriched by his presence. He will be greatly missed by everyone he met, I am sure.
❤️
I remember going to the Moore residence many times as a youth to hang out with Jen and her friends. Often we would sit around the dining room table having a drink and figuring out our plans for the night. Jen would inevitably try and move the party to the basement to get away from her parents, and the guys would end up staying upstairs shooting the shit with Les, listening to his stories of the road and the wisdom he could impart on us young men. Imagine that a bunch of young guys that would choose to have a drink with this legend over partying with a bunch of girls. Les was hard working and always had a good story on hand. I’m sure many people feel the same way about him, and I’m happy to have been able to share some time with him.
Les was an extraordinary man – brilliant student, held advanced degrees in engineering and law, yet absolutely irreverent to the academic class, preferring the company of the boys at the pub to the faculty dress annual. He was fiercely protective of his family and even the thought of arousing his ire ensured the respect of his daughters among the young men in the neighbourhood. This irreverence for ceremony and formality extended to his wedding when he informed his bride to be, my sister Kathy, that not only would he not be wearing a tuxedo but a suit was also out of the question. Kathy, at this point, was not to be intimidated by this bluster. – No suit, no wedding. His father set him up with an account at the tailor shop and, succumbing to the pressure, off Les went to be fitted out in suitable attire for a full Catholic Church ceremony and large reception. Until the wedding day the suit was never again mentioned as this was considered a thorny topic in Les’ presence. Les appeared at the appointed time in his version of a formal dress suit . Hot Pink! Over beers later he confidently assured me with a straight face that it was not pink , but salmon and the latest in high fashion circles. This was the kind of stunt that endeared this magnificent, outrageous man to his family and friends. I was told years later that this was the only suit that Les ever owned and it carried him successfully through a number of job interviews.
“Great News” said Les as we excitedly approached the cinema to see the first ever Superman film.
It was 1979 and “We” was Kathi Les Brigeen and me heading for a rundown local cinema north of Manchester U.K.
What was so great? – a sign outside saying “Half Price Tickets”
What was the catch? The heating in the cinema was bust and it was the coldest day of February 1979.
The tag line for the movie was “Now you’ll believe a man can fly” which we quickly morphed into “Now you’ll believe a man can freeze” … “plus his wife“ shouted Kathi and Brig
Of course Les has a plan … we were all broke, but now only half of the carefully safeguarded cinema ticket money was needed – so the balance was directed to keep us warm in the cinema – some extra jackets and gloves?…. a 13.5 tog quilt? …… no chance! ….. a smelly thrift shop coat for £1 and 2 Fifths of the worst brandy ever distilled in the worst distillery in the world plus 20 cigs and a pack of Drum…. Bliss!
So whilst the rest off the cinema literally froze we marvelled at the movie and our own wisdom …. … … this was the joy of a typical day with Les in his pomp
Les was a remarkable man because he had achievements across the spectrum – Family, Work and Friends. He was a true father to his family, made great homes in U.K. and Canada, successfully held really important jobs, and had friends wherever he went. He was smart and always worked hard, but he wore his intellect lightly and always treated people well, whoever they were, which rightly earned everyone’s respect and friendship – Les was always real
For Brig and me – from the minute in 1972 when his broken boots first stuck out of a tent in his Uncle Johnnies back yard in Manchester to drinking warm Red Dog on the back deck in 90 degree Florida in the 2000s to our last curry and drinks in Winnipeg – Les was genuine , a real friend. He deserves all the respect and love in the world…. ……. he certainly has ours.
Brigeen and Mick
Whenever I ran into less at a meeting, or at an IATSE call, or anywhere, he was always the sweetest, kindest man to me. I am truly gutted with his passing. He will be missed so very much.
My deepest condolences to the family.
Our sincere condolences to Kathi and family. I spent my pre-teen and teen years growing up with Les and these memories I will always cherish. Les was a great friend and I’m greatly saddened by the news of his loss. Some day I will meet Les at the talking tree, our favourite spot to hang out at the Grove.
Don Tenszen
Weatherstone. Marc Meyers
Rest peacefully, my friend
Les was a remarkable, energetic & unforgettable character! Back in the early ‘70s we were classmates at U of M in the Engineering faculty. His penchant for live concerts was evident back then, when he worked with aspiring promoter Frank Weipert in bringing in top bands of the day (April Wine, BB King, T-Rex to name a few), to perform at “socials” in our UMSU gym. Graduating and moving to BC, I’d long lost contact with Les since those early days, but was not surprised to learn from his obit, that he’d gone on to earn his Masters in Engineering as well as a Law degree, while staying true to his concert passion! I will never forget this remarkable man – the world needs more like him! RIP Les.
We were so sorry to hear of Les’ passing, he was a very funny & unique man! Although I spent more time with Les as a child, I did see him a number of times in our adulthood. I remember family gatherings at the Moore house every Christmas and it was always filled with good food and good laughs. A drink will be raised in his memory. My sincere condolences to Kathy and family, he will be missed by all.
Love
Jenith (Hanna) Dack
Les was one of those guys that leaves a lasting impression, I mean forever! We first met in grade 9, a long time ago, when we were in a test class with grade 12 teachers. Les already knew more than they did combined! Kathi and I have always kept in touch since school and we all got together many times throughout the years. Always fun, especially with his unique, bizarre sense of humor. It was apparent how much of softie Les was, with his love and caring of Kathi and the kids, one of his many endearing traits. He will be missed.
Les and I were best of friends. Our close friendship spanned 55 years and from day 1 to his last days, I was rewarded in wisdom and folly from his company. Les was an exceptional and remarkable individual – audacious, unswerving, undaunted, gutsy and spirited, a true stalwart. He had a brilliant sense of humour and truly understood the meaning of madcap as it pertained to crazy life situations. He played and worked hard and if a friend needed help he was first to volunteer his time often putting it before his own needs. Les and I had many adventures, adventures that took us to the wildest of times across the U.S, and England. Movies could be made from our adventures.
We enjoyed each others company watching NFL football regularly for many years . We identified years of players and coaches with our own way of putting a brand to a name whether they excelled in the game or were just plain ridiculous in their efforts. Les loved technical brilliance and very much respected the high degree of craft that artists and production people achieved in their creations.
There is so much to say and not enough room, he was a strong and loyal friend who was a shining diamond with a heart of gold. I’ll end with one funny anecdote. We were returning home from a concert in Minneapolis. I was driving in the middle of nowhere on the Interstate when I noticed we were getting close to running out of gas. He insisted I keep driving. We passed a few opportunities to fill up and he would say no, keep driving, we’ve got lots of gas. We went 20 miles on E and I went ballistic telling him that he was going to walk the 5 or whatever miles to get gas. He looked at me calmly and said What’s It Got To Do With Me…
At home in his hospital bed I left him for the last time with the story and words to David Bowie’s song Space Oddity. … Major Tom, check ignition and May God’s Love Be With You. He Really Made the Grade.
My deepest condolences. I went to REC with Smiley. Knew him best on our Grade 12 trip to Mexico. We are in a restaurant built around a mini bullring with a mini bull. Smiley was the first to try his hand with the cape. When he shouted “I ate your mother for lunch!” the bull promptly flipped him over. I still laugh at that. Sometimes at Safeway in the meat department. Rest in Peace.
I had the pleasure of working with Les on various stages over the years and he was always generous, kind, helpful and funny. He will be missed. Sorry for your loss.
I’ll never forget the day where Ray Galinaitis, Les Moore, and me were sitting in the MTC greenroom on coffee break, during the setup of Boys In The Photograph. Covered in sawdust, and grime from working in the shop, Les looked like he had just rolled out of a boxcar, Ray was full of dust from working in the grid, and I had been working in the basement running cable and had concrete dust all over me.
A few of the actors, who were in rehearsal and not local, walked into the greenroom, took one look at us, and backed away slowly with wide eyes.
A few minutes later, a stage manager walked in, looked at us, and said “Just what I thought”.
Les asked “What is it?”
“A few of the actors just came upstairs to complain that there are homeless people camped out in the greenroom.”
Aww Les. You were a great stagehand and rigger, and I learned a lot from you in my early years at MTC, and I was honoured to work so many shows with you, and call you friend. Rest in peace.
Les was a warm and welcoming – and often smiling – presence backstage at Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre. I so enjoyed seeing him on calls and his work helped make magic happen onstage. He will be greatly missed by our IATSE members, production staff, admin team, and the many artists and creative teams who always felt supported by his work. Thank you for sharing this beautiful obituary and his wonderful and inspiring life story.
Our deepest condolences to his entire family, and his many friends and colleagues,
Camilla Holland, Executive Director, Royal MTC
What an honour to have been a union brother of Les.
I honestly don’t think the man ever stopped!! I have to believe he didn’t have a enemy in the world, and was always quick to wit and a hearty laugh. He was the one of our most knowledgeable riggers. He was definitely a talented ambassador for local 63 .
The last time I spoke with Les, which would have been around last February, he told me there’s nothing more they can do. We had a very positive tear jerking conversation about life, good times, and passing. I’m so happy we each were able to literally thank each other, and speak appreciation of our acquaintance. Echoing this obituary, Les definitely made it known how much he enjoyed the brotherhood / sisterhood of IATSE 63.
Les will be missed forever.
There will always be memories and stories,
but there will never be another Les.
Rest In Peace Brother Les.
I met Les in 1995, we joined the union at the same time. What a cool guy, an amazingly strong, smart and talented person. He just knew how do get things done and make them work. So shocking to hear of his passing, I’m very sorry for your family. I know he’ll be missed by so many people in the theatre industry. Thank-you for writing a perfect story about him.
I had the pleasure of working with Les on many Winnipeg IA gigs but also ran into him on the road at a few Premier Global gigs in Alberta and Kansas. Whenever he was around you knew it was gonna be a good day. I knew everything overhead was safe if he rigged it and that is always comforting when you’re on a stage somewhere and you don’t know who put it up. There was always a smile and a laugh or two.
I love the story about his life and family above and in all the comments here. You are greatly missed Les. Rest in Peace brother.
My memories of Smiley go back to junior high at John Henderson. Les’s desk was always in the principals office for most of the year. In grade 9 he organized a strike .We all went on strike until Mr. McMasters came out and said we would all lose our exceptions. Of course Les didn’t care .He later became our high school president. Little did we realize then how smart he was. I last saw Les when I went home for our 50th birthday celebration and ending up spending the night with them.
To Kathi and family my deepest sympathy.
Kath, Kevin, Ali and Jen,
We are so sorry over Les’s passing, he was such a big part of our lives and will be greatly missed. I will always remember the many years Les and Gord spent in the backyard being ridiculously silly and laughing their afternoons away, in-between telling each other they were full of it. And the day Les came into the house when Gord and I were out and both our girls having to hang onto our dog so Les could make a hasty retreat with all parts intact; the girls and I still laugh about that. He was always there to lend a hand for the myriad of projects we undertook over the years and after Gord’s passing he was such a help to me. He was a good friend to Gord and I’m sure that the two of them are rock and rolling their way through eternity, and still telling each other that they are full of it.
Sending you love and comfort during this difficult time,
Lee, Kaitlyn and Jacqueline
Whenever Les turned up at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre for a setup of a show I knew I was going to have a good day and if we were on a project together – even a better day. I was lucky this lasted close to twenty years.
Les was always a generous person willing to listen, help or lend his knowledge to you if you asked. His intelligence, positive work ethic, problem solving, modesty and more will always define his effect on me and those who worked with him.
One of the best times (and there were many) I had working with Les was on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s production of “The Boys in the Photograph” at RMTC in 2009. We jelled , worked hard as a team on the fly floor and fly cues were flawless during the show run which saw endless changes. Les had fun critiquing these changes during the show and as a bonus I got history lessons on Northern Ireland.
I will greatly miss having breakfast , get-togethers and reminiscing with a great friend and wonderful human being.
My sincere condolences to Kathi and her family.
Forever in my thoughts.
John T.
Whenever Les appeared at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre for a setup of a show I knew I was going to have a good day and if we were on a project together – even a better day. I was lucky that this lasted many years.
Les was a generous person always willing to listen, help or lend his knowledge to you if you asked. His intelligence, positive work ethic , problem solving and modesty will always define his effect on me and those who worked with him.
One of the best times (and there were many) I had was working on the fly floor with Les on the production “Boys in the Photograph”. We had a flawless run on a show with tough cues because Les was a great team player and as a bonus I got history lessons on Northern Ireland.
I will greatly miss having breakfasts , get-togethers and reminiscing with a great friend and wonderful human being.
My sincere condolences to Kathi and family
Forever in my thoughts.
John T.
Les and I talked for a long time about what he wanted said about him. We took notes on bits of paper. I found one today. He didn’t want to live in a world where you can’t give wedgies without being arrested. God bless him.
Hello. I just wanted to leave a little note. First off, my condolences to your family.
Les’s name popped into my head tonight so I googled to see what came up. So, so saddened to learn of his passing. I worked with him for a few years with PGP. I absolutely loved it when I found out it would be Les rigging. He was a sweet, kind and fun man and made me laugh often. He always took time to help or teach. Some of my fondest memories of that job involved him. I will say that everyone who met him probably called him a friend, so rest in peace friend.
The first time I worked catering at the Minnesota state fair we served in a cramped bunker in the middle of a racetrack.We were serving lunch and this guy comes through the line -crazy wind blown hair -face sunburned and I actually thought he might be a day laborer and I said “What’s Your name?” And he looked up “Lester” he said But what a smile and twinkle in his eyes.I knew this guy was special. He became our darling in the catering realm ,we all loved him .He made sure we could see the bands if we wanted and we always had a special place for his Mountain Dew.
One time he came in with a gash in his arm that happened when he climbed the rig way up high and a loose pole came down.He would have none of our fussin over him -stubborn man.
But mostly I will think of Lester as an elegant man
And truly beautiful. This guy was special.
My heart goes out to his wife Cathy and his children
I had the distinct pleasure of calling Lester a friend. For the last 20 years, we traveled North America together, from the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, to Paul McCartney in Halifax, to The Black Eyed Peas in Guadalajara Mexico — or to one of his favorite places, Atlanta Georgia. The landscape may have been different, but there was one constant: my pal, Lester.
Lester loved Atlanta. He would make it there at least once every year working on one project, or another. From Stone Mountain in the early 2000s to Music Midtown, and Microsoft in Centennial Park, it seemed like everyone that worked in the live music industry in Atlanta always knew who Lester was. And he made some good friends there: David Helberg, Chris Sorlie, Kenny Cresswell , to name a few. A random stagehand would say good morning Lester, and he would say good morning back. Then he would turn to me and say in a quiet voice “I have no idea who that is”. He might not of remembered every one’s name, but he left an impression on all who worked with him, and they all knew his name.
Another favorite was the Minnesota State Fair. Lester had formed a great bond with the local crew, Renee, Perk, Shawn, Craig, and all the other staff. This was a homecoming to Lester that he looked forward to every year.
Lester was the crew chief on the projects he did on the road. He was an absolute pro at what he did. He worked hard, and expected everyone around him to keep up to his pace, and it was tough to keep up to him. It would make me crazy watching Lester climb a tower first thing in the morning to go and inspect the rigging, but it was his way of showing the young guys on the crew true work ethic.
Lester was an experienced traveler. You would always see him reading the local rag and knew what was happening in the local environment. He also had an uncanny knack of knowing directions in the city’s that he traveled to. He never carried a smart phone, liked to use the train where he could. He would never take a cab or uber in Chicago. He would say, why would you when you got the “L”, or in Atlanta, the Metro. He was truly “Old School.”
We all are going to miss you Lester. Love you pal, RIP…
I had many good conversations with Les on trade unionism. I enjoyed his candor, intelligence and humour . . . and maybe the odd beverage here and there. He was a valued member of IATSE Local 63 and will be truly missed by his union family. To his wife Kathi and children my sincere sympathy to you on your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
lester, as we called him, made our day, every day,at the Minnesota state fair. to see him walk into the catering building would instantly brighten my day. sometimes he looked a little worse for wear, sometime smelling sweet from the shower. he always had a quip, that i would ask him to repeat because it took a couple of days to acclimate to his speech. we strived to keep cold mt. dew in the coolers for him and stashed english breakfast tea so he wouldn’t be without. it’s a big event, many moving parts, but when he was absent last year, i wondered how the crew was gonna keep it together for the whole fair. i missed our breaks at the table working crosswords. i missed his quick wit. he was always one of the first faces you’d see and one of the last-working a better part of 24 hour period and usually happy and sassy. he would start his morning with a fatbomb (donut) and missed many meals, he worked so hard. in one of his last texts to me, he stated that he quit swearing.” i guess the chemo knocked the fuck out of me” kathy and kids, you were lucky to have him for a husband and dad. there was so much i did not know about lester, and i love reading all of this. i knew he was one quality human and am regretting that i didn’t dig a little deeper. scott and i send you all our best.love, kären
i’ve had more than a year to prepare. nope, still not ready for this. peace to you and your family. will eat a fatbomb for breakfast, followed by a dew and give him a nod next time i work a crossword. it has been surprising, enlightening, fascinating to learn so much about this man i saw ten days a year, but fell for quickly- he knew what was happening in his world and you would not find anyone who could out tough him. we miss you.
Farewell Less.
It was an honor to be one of your brothers at IATSE 63.
Have a good journey.
Sincere Condolences to the family.
Les was my oldest friend; we met when we were both seven. Over 60 years, I can honestly say I have never known another person like him. We grew close during our teenage years, and time spent with Les was always time well spent. Camping at Beaconia Beach, fishing, meeting members of the local constabulary or just getting a 4AM truck stop burger in Headingley, it was always the best of times. So many stories, so much laughter. When I lived in London in the early 80s, we spent many nights rattling around in my rusty old Vauxhall getting lost. And even as we got older and life got busier, the warmth was always there; a visit back to Winnipeg was never complete without a session with Les.
Les had an amazing intellect – and never made a big deal of it. But he could hold his own in a discussion on almost any topic, whether it was sports, politics, music, wine, history; he always surprised me. And if you needed a hand, he was there for you. Les touched so many people’s lives.
Standing at a bar with him once in Toronto, the bartender watched us for a while and then said “I can see you two have known each other for a very long time.” It was true, but for me not long enough…
I’m going to miss you, my brother.
My deepest condolences to Kathi, Kevin, Jennifer and Alison.
I had the pleasure to know and work with Lester since 2008 on numerous gigs in North America. Some of his favorites were in Atlanta, Georgia and spent many an Après Gig with him at the Sidebar. Attached is my favorite Polaroid I took of Lester watching St. Paul and the Broken Bones. Only time I ever saw him dancing (which basically consisted of a one leg stomp). He said St. Paul was one of his favorite bands.
Arlene Long
We are very sorry to hear of your loss. We really never got to know Leslie but we are sure that he will be missed by all who knew him. We are sending you love and strength in this difficult time.
Calvin and Arlene
I first met Les in the fall of 1967 when I was in grade 10 at River East Collegiate. A small group of students from E.K. (Les Moore, Jim Telencoe, Tom Morris, Randall Freeman and Ron Kruk started hanging out with a group of us from N.K. (Harvey Enns, Richard Unruh, Will Gorlitz, Larry Kabez and myself). The friendship that formed in high school was totally symbiotic….there was something special happening here. We had an incredible time together; most of it over-the-edge, but that made it even more memorable!
It was during this time Les and Kathi met and became a couple. Some of us knew Kathi from elementary school and saw the beginning of a very special match. The fact that opposites attract was definitely the case with Les and Kathi and the love between them was undeniable. (I remember discovering them necking in a closet at a friend’s party.)
After high school Les went on to achieve his goals completing three degrees and securing a career in Engineering and Law. His ambition and intelligence were outstanding. He really made us all proud, but when you talked to him about his achievements, the conversation was usually steered toward talking about some of the bands he was seeing over in England….sometimes following them on tour. Les was unpretentious and so real. With his engineering skills and his love of live entertainment it was fitting that Les chose a career in staging and lighting.
During the times when Kathi and Les lived in England, there were too many years of not seeing them, but when we got together it was as if we were never apart. We would talk about music, football, friends, and generally just party. For me, some of the most memorable get togethers, came later when we all had children of our own. Larry and Noreen’s Pool Parties and, of course, the great gatherings at that wonderful house on Hazel Dell.
Without knowing Les, I would not have experienced:
Attacking Lower Fort Garry in the middle of the night where we replaced the Canadian Maple Leaf flag with a Blue Meanie flag and raked up all the autumn leaves. This was the beginning of the Lower Fort Garry Citizen’s Committee……a Les and Harv Smith creation.
Driving our bikes just close enough together so we could carry a 24 case of beer between us, as we rode from the Curtis to his house on Edison,
Polishing a fire hydrant on the corner of Portage and Carlton, in the middle of winter, so the Lower Fort Garry Citizen’s Committee could get some publicity.
Watching Les “bumper shine” down Henderson Hwy in the winter. At the time, I was on the Portage Ave bus which was next to the car that Les was hanging onto.
Laughing so hard that you really had a hard time breathing. The routines were numerous and monumental. The ones, I remember, took place at either the house on Edison; Robin and Lorraine’s place or Larry’s basement when his was still living with his parents.
But what I remember most about Les is his kindness, his generosity, and his true friendship. I am honoured to have known you “Smilely” and though I know you are not physically here…..You Are Still Here!
A couple of favourite photos of Les and Kathi from our younger days…
At Assiniboia Downs racetrack 1973
And at Niagara Falls in 1976
Great Images Randall!
I can not put into words how sorry I am for you and your family’s loss. I will forever be grateful for my friendship with Les. I always enjoyed listening to the amazing stories he would tell me about his life, about you and your children.
I know you and I didn’t get to spend as much time together when you would pop in town but I am also so very grateful I got to meet you too. Your love for each other was really amazing to see. His friendship with Clyde. All of it. I am so grateful.
Thank you.
Les always had the good “dad” advice and brought so much joy to so many people’s lives in that dive… He will be missed.
Sending so much love,
Jeanie.
Hi Kathy
So sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking of you. Allan Garvey
Les will always be one of my heros and amazing inspiration.
A great mentor and friend during our days at U of M
My condolences to family and friends and industry brothers everywhere.
Almost a year since the sad day, I keep thinking of Kathy and family…I keep thinking of Les…Smiley as I knew him best. I can still hear Kathi say his name in minds memory. I didn’t know what to say before this, and I still don’t really. Over time, different recollections precipitate out and the few that return and return tell me of how his being touched me. His eyes twinkled, like he had a humorous secret. When his attention focused on me or anyone really, there was a profound kindness, grounding his humor. He was one very smart man and a very “awake” being. I will always remember Les. Sending all my love to his beautiful family and my precious friend Kathi.
That outrageous, courageous, intelligent, caring man has passed. What a loss to all of us to have had the privilege of knowing him. When my sister first introduced Les to the family I thought, she’s is in for a crazy ride – the love and care between them was evident. True, he was hysterically funny at times and incisive in his arguments at other times. This was a rare human being. Absolutely committed to his basic values , humanity, love, loyalty, equality etc. Values many profess but few walk the walk. Les did. He did it with joy. He stands high among the heroes I have met and I miss him.
I graduated from Mechanical Engineering in 1974 the same year that Les graduated.
We both took the History and Philosophy of Science from Paul Churchland who went on to bigger and better things in California.
It was a second year honours arts course and I wanted something that was more challenging than Psychology 120. It was one of the hardest courses I took. But Les aced it as he picked it up much faster than I did.
I knew he went to England but I did not realise that he came back to Winnipeg. Most of our class left Manitoba in 1974 as there were no jobs here with the recession and then mounting inflation.
My condolences to Les’ family. I counted him as a good friend in school.
Grant Wichenko, P. Eng. BSc ME (1974)