Les is survived by his loving wife Yvonne, son Mark, daughter Christine (Chris) Abt and grandchildren Gemma, Jocelyn and Reid. He also leaves behind to grieve his sisters Betty, Sheilah and Darleign and brother Dave (Cindy); sisters-in-law Kathy (David), and Ann; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.
Lester had lived in Kelowna since 1969, when his parents moved here from Surrey. He attended KSS, graduating in 1971. He worked part-time at Marshall Wells during his high school years. After graduation he was hired by Doug Mervyn and Cliff Serwa, to be part of the team that installed the Ridge Rocket double chairlift at Big White. Once ski season started he held multiple positions at the resort; was the Snow Cat groomer-packer operator, ran chairlifts, and was the contact person for local Kelowna radio stations for snow condition and weather reports on the mountain. (He also became an excellent skier!)
Les worked in the heavy equipment construction industry in Kelowna for 48 years. Serwa Bulldozing, DMJ Construction, Canuk Enterprises and then A.G. Appel Enterprises where he had been the full-time heavy duty mechanic for the past many, many years.
He loved his family, skiing, fishing at remote lakes, driving his 1968 Austin Cooper S, watching American football, and was such a proud grandpa! In his earlier days Les did some hang gliding, was a golfer, and occasional hunter. The family enjoyed many camping trips around B.C., Alberta, and the Oregon coast; plus other trips to Arizona, California, Mexico and Hawaii.
Pre-deceased by his parents Emma and Leslie; brothers Reg and Terrey; brothers-in-law Jack, Bruce and Norm; sister-in-law Gail and nephew Tavis.
Les will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 9th at 1:00 p.m. at Valleyview Funeral Home, 165 Valleyview Road.
