March 20, 1957 - January 30, 2021
"Please don't ask me to say goodbye. If you feel a breeze on your cheek or catch some light in your eye, please feel me close by." Les, the big brother in his family, wrote the above to siblings last Christmas Eve.
Born, Nanaimo, March 20, 1957, died January 30, 2021 at Grey Nuns Hospice, Edmonton.
After many months battling cancer, surrounded by loved ones, he passed as he lived, quietly with amazing grace.
Les grew up in Courtenay. Moved to Edmonton, worked part-time while attending the University of Alberta. After three years he moved on to a position with a pharmaceutical company where he stayed for the remainder of his working life.
He became a father, Cameron born in 1980. His wife, Diane, unfortunately died soon after, and Les knew in his heart his life mission was as a single parent raising the son he loved.
Years later he met his special friend, Bernadette, sharing many happy times and some travel. She was on the horizon when his granddaughter was born. Cora was the sunshine in his life from day one.
Late in his illness he found comfort and contentment knowing the extended family values of love and support he had enjoyed all his life would pass uninterrupted to his family.
A lifelong outdoorsman, Les enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting in Alberta, especially the company of lifelong friends, work mates and family.
Les is survived by his mother, Marilyn (Dale) Jarvis, his brothers, Larry, Steve (Deanne), Geoff (Annette) and his three sisters, Gaylene Black, Cristine (Paul) Tames and Laurie Annand. Plus, nieces and nephews; Amanda. Amber, Haley, Brittany and Caitlin, Nicholas, Tyler, Kyle, Reid, Colin, Benjamin, Cole and Canyon.
The Covid pandemic made his desire for home care during the last months very difficult. But, the brothers living in Alberta, Steve and Larry, came together with Bernadette and Cameron and through kindness, love and respect fulfilled his wish.
Our sincerest thanks to the Palliative Care team of doctors and nurses, especially the Home Support Nurses.
Les has been cremated. A celebration of his life will occur post Covid.