Lester passed away peacefully in Vernon Jubilee Hospital on December 20th, 2016 at the age of 95.
He is survived by, Erna, his loving wife for the past 66 years; daughter, Bernadette (Alan) McDonald of Banff, Alberta; two sons, Ken (Anne) Kelly and Rod (Viv Morris) Kelly, all of Vernon; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and many dear friends. Lester was predeceased by his parents, a stillborn daughter, 5 brothers and 3 sisters.
Lester was born, baptized and confirmed in Biggar, Saskatchewan. He joined the army in 1942 and served until the end of the war in England, France, Germany and Italy. After the war, he started farming, but three years of drought and grasshoppers had him hitching rides to Sudbury, Ontario to work in the mines during the winter months to pay the bills. He married Erna Strasser in 1950. They started mixed farming while he worked nights for the CNR. They moved to Vernon in 1967 and he worked for the City of Vernon until 1985. Lester enjoyed retirement, taking numerous trips around North America with friends and family, gardening, playing cards, cross-country skiing and backcountry horse adventures in the Rocky Mountains. He had a “never-give-up” outlook on life and enjoyed God’s great outdoors. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
The Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 29th, 2016 at Peace Lutheran Church. Rev. David Hunter officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall.
Arrangements have been entrusted to PLEASANT VALLEY DIGNITY FUNERAL HOME, 4303 P.V. Road, Vernon, B.C. V1T 4M4 Phone: (250) 542-4333. Condolences may be offered at www.pleasantvalleyfh.com