We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Lester here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.
Les was the very definition of a "good man". I had the honor of working with him at BHHS and will never forget his child-centered focus and generosity. Les took graduation photos of so many young people who otherwise would not have had them. He was always kind and calm and I learned so much from him. My prayers for his family in this difficult time.
Carole Fetke
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Carole Fetke
February 4th, 2021 at 1:13pm
Les and I started our careers together in May of 1974 at Riverwood Community Mental Health Center. We'd both just graduated with our Masters degrees, he in social work, myself in psychology. Les worked with kids and I did intakes and emergencies. Joshua had just recently been born. Les and I became good friends. He went on about 18 months later to work at St. Joseph schools and I stayed at Riverwood. Les would always get passionate about whatever he was into at the time. In the time I knew him he was into archery, photography, guns, fly fishing, wood stoves, antique cars, organic gardening, canoes, and mountain bikes. Les got me interested in canoeing and biking, two activities I still do to this day. His interest in helping kids never abetted, giving of himself above and behind what the job required. Les had tremendous energy. He was a good friend. As our paths in life diverged and we saw less of each other, we could still pick up our relationship whenever we encountered each other. I always enjoyed Les and will miss him.
Phil Carter
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Philip Carter
January 31st, 2021 at 5:57am
Audrey you and your family are in my prayers. I was so sorry to know that Les had left us. But he is in a better place now. Love you and praying for the family. God bless.
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Josephine Smith
January 30th, 2021 at 12:08pm
Audrey,
All of us at the Prairie Historical Society are very sorry for your loss. Sharon has a lifetime of memories of her classmate and friend and their K-12 adventures. - Pat & Sharon Harvey
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Patrick Harvey
January 30th, 2021 at 11:33am
Dear Audrey
My thought and prayers are with you now in this time of loss and grief. The Lord has called Lester home yet he will remain alive in your heart and in your memories. God be with you now and in the days to come
Love...Julie obrian
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Julie obrian
January 29th, 2021 at 11:58pm
For Les, it was always about the youth. He was always willing to share his views on what our teens needed and how those needs could/should be accessed. And he didn’t just ‘talk the talk’ he put his talk into action in his years at BHAS. I remember fondly many lunches we shared at the former Establishment in Benton Harbor. I was fortunate to count him as a friend and pray that Audrey and his children have wonderful memories to sustain them. Rest In Peace my friend! Tom Nelson
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Tom Nelson
January 29th, 2021 at 7:37pm
How do you describe Les? Provocative, challenging, sometimes in your face, and for me always in my heart after our down-to-earth conversations about God, public schools, and life obstacles he helped many youth navigate through. We didn't always agree but we had very honest discussions and I thought the world of him. Deep prayers for you, Audrey. You, too, are one of God's very special gems. Bob and Betty Braman
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Bob Braman
January 29th, 2021 at 5:58pm
Les was good man who I got to know through work. He had a passion for young people and helped me in some challenging situations. We lost touch many years ago (as I moved away from BH), but I remember him with fondness. My condolences to his family. Paul Lindemuth
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Paul Lindemuth
January 29th, 2021 at 5:49pm
?? In sympathy
Georgia Ann Moss, Muskegon, MI.
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Georgia Ann Moss
January 28th, 2021 at 10:17pm
