Leslie Edmund Beeston

BEESTON, Leslie Edmund Passed away peacefully in the early hours of August 17, 2006. Les was born on October 10, 1927 in Nelson, BC. He was predeceased by his sisters Monica Letica and Elaine Orkney. He is survived by his loving sister Shirley Litwin, and his many fond nieces and nephews: Michael Litwin, Lisa Nicholson, and Susan Garvey, in the Victoria area, Michael Hodgson, Winnipeg, Tony Hodgson, Orillia, Malcolm Orkney, Rob Orkney, and Garth Orkney, in the United States, and Tremaine Letica in South Africa. He is also survived by many cousins, grand nieces and nephews around the world. After growing up in Victoria, Les served in the US Army, in Germany, then obtained his Masters in Education from Western Washington University. He taught for many years in Salinas, California, before returning to Victoria to enjoy his retirement. Les loved the outdoors and enjoyed biking and hiking with the Over the Hill gang. He pursued his interest in travel and lifelong learning with many Elderhostel adventures. Les loved music of all kinds, was passionate about jazz, and performed for many years with the Swinging Strings ukulele group. Les will be remembered for his gentle humour, his consideration of others, his inquiring mind and his constant friendships which meant so much to him throughout his life. A Memorial Service for Les will be held on Wednesday, August 23, at 2:30 pm at McCall’s Sequoia Gardens Memorial, 4665 Falaise Drive, off Royal Oak Drive, Victoria. In Les’s memory, a donation to Victoria Hospice, an organization he supported, would be appreciated in lieu of flowers.