Leslie passed away peacefully with his 2 children by his side on May 7, 2020 in Victoria, BC. He was born on December 13, 1940 in Wadena, SK to Jack and Audrey Brice. Les is survived by his children Noelle (Chris) Fraser and Brent (Andrea) Brice and grandchildren Lauren and Jaime Fraser and Billy Brice and his sister Beverly (George) Carlson. He was predeceased by his brother George (Sue) Brice.
Whitey will be fondly remembered as a prolific local athlete excelling in baseball, curling, basketball and lacrosse all through school and as a young adult. Highlights included winning high school championships in curling and basketball with Vic High, winning the National Firefighters Curling Championship in 1973 and being inducted into the Victoria Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the Victoria Centennials baseball team that represented Canada at the 1970 World Championships and Pan-Am Games in Columbia.
He cofounded and was president of the Playland Curling Club in Victoria for many years. Les spent 32 years serving his community with the Oak Bay Fire Department retiring in 1997 as Assistant Chief. In retirement Les enjoyed golfing at Cordova Bay among other local courses, woodworking and watching sports from his beloved lazy boy recliner with a cold one in hand. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Oak Bay Firefighters Charitable Foundation. A special thank you to the staff at Mt. Tolmie Hospital for their wonderful care of Les during his final years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date once larger gatherings are feasible.
For those wishing to pay their respects now, condolences may be offered below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
24 Responses
To the Brice family
I offer my condolences on your loss
My mother, Wilma, was Les’s mothers best
friend when we lived in Fairfield = I remember
the entire family well = Bev was a friend = I have
now returned from VCR to Victoria
Since Les golfed at Cordova Bay = I may have run
into him without knowing it = He would have been on
the course, my friends and I were often in the restaurant,
again I offer my sympathy
I played with Les in 65 with Greaves Movers – we were lucky enough to win the championship that year’ Les was our leader on and off the field.I am sorry that |I only got to play for him the once. Probably the best coach I ever played for
My deepest sympathies to all the family. I have many found memories of Whitey from past curling adventures including our high school team and early days at the Victoria Curling Club. He was a true gentleman and will be missed by all.
My condolences to the Brice family. I had the pleasure of curling with and against Les many times. A great curler and sportsman. Always a pleasure to be around. I also liked watching ball games with him at Lambrick Park and debating the abilities, or lack there of, of the latest Blue Jay manager. (Les never thought they knew how to manage the pitching staff…needed more lefties.) A lot of laughs with a great guy. Will miss him.
Les was simply one of the great guys! Great player and always with a smile…well there was some chirping! Fond memories at Royal Athletic Park with him, Art, Harv, all the Transport Workers/Farmer Construction teams aka green hats, and Greaves ak blue hats. Great trip to Cartagena. Years beyond curling with my sister. Here’s to seeing the many many friends when the situation allows. Meanwhile to his family you can be so proud of him. RIP Whitey! Meach
R.I.P. Les, My memories of Les are a team player, advocate for the Firefighter’s, and a Kind caring and a very even tempered individual. My condolences to the family….(Nice to see the I.A.F.F. emblem)
so sorry to hear of les’s passing.we still value the great memories of the field and ice.
his name often comes up when talking ball and curling.and i guess the bar.
he will be missed by family and friends.
rip our friend
brian and joan
harvey
Les, will sadly be missed by all. We shared many wonderful memories, full of laughter. Our times together on Brousson Drive will never be forgotten. Our condolences to you all at this very sad time.
Les was a first class gentleman, and always had a smile.
His participation and contribution to our sporting community was second to none.
We extend our Sincere Sympathy to all of his Family.
John and Marilyn Bate
I am saddened by the loss of Les. Les was a kind sole with a great sense of humour. I valued his leadership at the Oak Bay Fire Department and I will miss his infectious smile and friendship. My sincere condolences to all of Les’ family.