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LESLIE LESTER ANDERSON
Born: Mar 11, 1914
Date of Passing: Dec 20, 2015
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryLESLIE LESTER ANDERSON Sadly we announce the passing of our father Leslie Lester Anderson, aged 101, in Deer Lodge Hospital on December 20, 2015, after a long and happy life. He is survived by children, Barbara Hartwell (Ken), Richard Anderson (Eileen), Judi Sewell (Steve) and Marilyn Grey (Jim); son-in-law Stu Cumming; and sister Patricia Tomlin. Les was predeceased by his parents; his siblings, Ed, Rod and Dorothy; his beloved wife Helen; and cherished daughter Joyce Cumming. Born March 11, 1914, in Chapeau, Ontario, to John and Emma Anderson, Les attended school in Nipissing Junction. He married Helen Perry in Port Arthur, Ontario, and they remained devoted to each other for 68 wonderful years! Les proudly enlisted in the R.C.A.F. in the Second World War, as a member of 426 and 431 Squadrons, based in Croft, England. His harrowing missions and survival after being twice shot down, aided by the Belgian underground, and eventual capture by the S.S., are recounted in his memoir "Days of Laughter Nights of Fear", which many friends have enjoyed reading. Les was decorated at Buckingham Palace for his war efforts, and received the Distinguished Flying Cross. Returning from war, Les had a 21 year career with Air Canada as an aircraft electrician, where he encouraged a love of travel in his children. Les and Helen maintained friendships from the war years, with remembrances abroad, and the many squadron and prisoner of war reunions he attended as recently as 2012. He loved his luncheons and involvement in the Wartime Pilot's Association for many years. Dad was also very active in St. Vital United Church, and the United Church in Meadowood, in different men's affiliations. He also leaves many dear friends at Dakota House. Les' life was enriched by his 12 grandchildren, Roderick, Shauna, Lisa, Kristi, Nancy, Jeff, Brock, Jill, Blake, Lauren, Patrick and Carly and 24 great-grandchildren. He enjoyed introducing them all to Les' Loft at West Hawk Lake, a labour of love for 53 years. The family would rendezvous there every summer for days of swimming, sailing, canoeing and berry picking...and of course Scrabble! Dad was a kind, honourable and respected gentleman, with a wicked dry sense of humour. We miss him. Rest in peace, Dad. The family is most grateful for the wonderful care and compassion of Dr. Nadine Lecuyer, Family Matters Medical Center and Dr. Hasdan and the nurses on 3E and 6T of Deer Lodge Hospital. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, January 8 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Church in Meadowood, 1111 Dakota St., with a reception following. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 26, 2015
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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Les was an amazing man who touched all of our lives. Gentle, kind, caring and humorous. We made a point of calling him every Remembrance Day to thank him for his incredible sacrifices. We are very sad to learn of his passing, especially nearly two years later. So sad to have to search out such a thing on the web. - Posted by: The Stewart Family (LIFE long friends) on: Sep 19, 2017
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Anderson Family, On behalf of every member of 431 Sqn I wish to pass along condolences to your family members on the sad loss of Mr Les Anderson. I can only imagine how difficult it for all of your family to lose such an amazing man. I am sure his strong values of family and friendship have influenced many generations of family and friends including myself in our meetings when he visited the Sqn and the times I visited him in Wpg. I have had the pleasure to meet many people in my years of service and I can easily say your father strong character, sense of family and wicked sense of humor has made a very strong and lasting mark on myself. Please be sure that our thoughts and prayers are with we you and your family in this difficult time. I will continue to share my great memories of my cherished time with your father to all Sqn members. Respectfully, CWO Alan R Blakney - Posted by: Chief Warrant Officer Alan R Blakney (431 Squadron Chief ) on: Jan 04, 2016
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Oh the memories, from early times in Winnipeg where his kids grew up, to the times In Montreal where he and Helen hosted us flight attendants who missed Winnipeg, and he would occasionally greet us on the ramp as we came in on flight, to the hospitality at West Hawk Lake, to his (their) visits to the Twin Cities, and to watching his sheer delight when playing bocce for the first time at our house, and winning!! And, his extreme modesty in publishing his book he thought no one would be interested in, but wow, we certainly were! He will be so sadly missed by so many. Rest in peace with dear Helen, Les! - Posted by: Judy Taylor (Friend of his daughter Barb) on: Dec 28, 2015
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Barb - your parents were like our second family - the friendship spanning almost 50 years. We too have enjoyed our trips to Les's loft. We loved them both. We send deepest sympathy and love Joan and Reid - Posted by: Reid and Joan Billig () on: Dec 28, 2015
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Remember your Dad and Mom well. Your Father was a kind and loving man and a good friend to both my parents. I have a signed copy of his book at my home in Palm Springs, and many of our guests have read it and commented on your Dad's eventful life. May he rest in peace and be together with your Mom and all his many friends who have passed before him. - Posted by: Candace Groberman (Daughter of friends Louis and Emma Mourant) on: Dec 26, 2015
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I had the honour and good fortune to be one of the neighbourhood kids. A wonderful family. When I grew up, I ran into Les a couple of times and had a chance to get to know him a little better. He didn't speak to me of his wartime experience but I certainly will find the book. The family has every reason to be proud of the life he led and that I know will be celebrated at this difficult time. - Posted by: Murray Parker (friend) on: Dec 26, 2015
