Karen and family,
Just found out yesterday.
I am so sorry to learn of Leslie’s passing. Although we hadn’t seen each other for years I always remember his sweet and gentle nature.
His tributes tell a lot about how wonderful he was.
In another life we will find each other. Fly high dear cousin.
Vicky
2
I had the pleasure of working with Les for over 25 years including my first years right out of school. To me he started out as an Engineer that I would work close with on projects and go to for advice or assistance. He was extremely knowledgeable about anything to do with Electro-Mechanical designs.
Fortunately we became friends along the way and I continued to look up to Les as a talented engineer but more importantly as a friend who was ALWAYS willing to help in anything you brought to him.
Les' was extremely proud of his family and although normally a man of few words, would speak proudly and loudly of all of his kids. I will miss his stories and his friendship but I know the health challenges that he has pushed through and take solace that he is no longer in pain.
A life well lived my friend and Thank you for allowing me to be a friend to you.
1
2018, Commerce Township, Commerce Charter Township, MI, USA
0
1958, Bentley High School
Yearbook Photo - Leslie P Thomas
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Les and I we’re married 22 yrs.He was a sweet loving man. Some of my favorite memories were in Las Vegas, his parents home. I will miss him until we meet again ..Life was amazing with him. Rest in Peace my love.
1
Les was one of the great ones. He was quiet but if you wanted him to talk just ask him about fixing something. Then he could talk.
When our boys were young and Karen and Les lived on 5 acres and had not had LT and Kari yet. Once a year Steve and I went to a convention for he weekend and Karen and Les keep our sons. The boys always looked forward to going there. He let them watched as he fixed things in the garage. Their favorite is when he would ride them on the snowmobile. Les and Steve could talk shop all the time and go off and show each other what they were building or remodeling. He always had a project
We Remember him gleaming when LT was born. Thats my son. He was proud. LT you are alot like your dad. Not that much of a talker but definetly a doer. He gleamed when Kari was born. His little princess. Kari was always in his lap and well she is the talker right. She was always telling about her day and what she did and on and on. He would just smile at her. Kari you got the softer side from your dad.
But all you kids knew if you needed him. He was there. He loved you all and was proud of all of you. When we think of him we will think of him with a smile.
Hugs and love! Always and Forever in our Hearts.
1
My favorite memory is when one year we drove up from Florida and our son Archie followed us up in his truck. On the way up, Archie’s truck developed an electrical problem. Les, being an electrical engineer figure this would be an easy fix, so he and Archie proceeded to tear the dash apart. Something went wrong and the dash caught on fire. While Archie frantically tried to put the fire out, Les calmly walked over to the garage. He came back with the largest fire extinguisher we’ve ever seen strapped to his bad. He turned it on and proceeded to cover the entire cab and Archie with white powder. Needless to say Archie wasn’t too happy, but we laughed till we cried. We had many great times, in both Michigan and Florida.
1
Dad,
From my earliest memories you were always proud of me, I loved visiting you on your lunchbreak and how you used the words "My son" to introduce me to your co-workers with such pride. Even as I grew up and you met my friends, coworkers, and teachers you always said those words with pride. I have always felt loved and know that you just wanted us to be happy. Seeing you build many awesome things and fixing any problem yourself is what made me determined to become an engineer at a very young age as all I ever wanted was to be as good an engineer as you.
Love you, your son,
LT
1
Dad, where do I even begin. I have so many fond memories of you. You always knew how to put a smile on my face and most importantly, always made me feel so loved. I will forever cherish all the time we spent together. You were a man who loved staying busy and you made sure we did plenty together from boating. camping, fishing. long walks, tennis playing and so much more. Even though you were a man of few words to most, you always opened up with me. I will miss all of the quality time we spent together from our lunch dates all the way up to the last week you were here with us. I am so thankful for all of the time I shared with you and so proud of the man that I got to call dad. I will miss you terribly but I find such peace in knowing that you are with Jesus where you have no more pain and suffering. I love you Dad.
Until we meet again,
Your little girl,
Kari
3
Dad, you will be missed. The memories of camping, incredible breakfasts and fun outdoor adventures are something I hold close to my heart. We know you are among the angels now. Rest In Peace.
2
Growing up, I was very close with my cousins. L.T. and I were forced best friends for a big part of my life that I constantly remain nostalgic for.
The one and, unless my memory fails me only, time we spent as children out at Uncle Les's house always reminds me of a perpetual golden hour. The park by his house was filled with imagination and joy, and the glow of fading memories; misremembered certainly, yet imprinted forever.
A random fleeting memory I have of Les follows one of the neverending excursions to the park. When the seemingly everlasting evening turned into the to the night, we decided to go to a movie. The movie we intended to see, that of which I cannot remember, was sold out. Instead, Les, Karen, and a bunch of children they were caddying around were suggested to go to an R rated movie staring Jay and Silent Bob. Five minutes in we were bombarded by F bombs and not safe for work jokes, prompting Les and Karen to escort us out, yell at the manager, and take us to the Planet of the Apes instead.
As insignificant as that memory was, and as flawed as the accuracy to it is, it's still something my mind wonders to frequently.
Les, I didn't have a strong relationship with you personally, but I would not have become the person that I am today without everything you built and created. I'm so very grateful for your children and I hope you rest easy and rest earned.
May we meet again ❤️
1
I first knew Les as a co-worker. When he became a member of my family, he quickly became a friend. He was such a kind and giving guy. Everyone enjoyed the Easter Egg Hunts, the BBQ's, and the pool parties. They were some great get-togethers.
Yes, he wasn't a man of many words but I found ways to make him talk to me. One way was to literally jump in front of him when he was walking down the halls at Diamond. It forced him to say hello or talk to me. I always got that quirky sly smile from him when I did. lol.
He had such a sense of humor as well. When Kari was a baby and Les was holding her, I would ask to hold her. He would quickly turn with her and act like I was a crazy or scary person and tell her to stay away from me. It's a wonder Kari grew to love me.
Lastly, I will never forget him coming to my house when I got divorced and was afraid for my life. He installed a phone line in my bedroom and a lock on the door for me. He didn't talk much that day, as always, but that is when I knew how much he meant to me and how much he cared about me.
I hope my words make his family smile. I send prayers and hugs to you all. It was a treasure to have known him. So long, not goodbye, my friend!
1
My father, my mentor, my supporter who I will miss more than words can say. I find comfort knowing my loving father is now free of illness and finally at peace. My love and memories of my father will last a lifetime.
1
Such a brilliant man. A son of God. You will be missed by many.
2 Corinthians 4:17-18
For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
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Dad: I will miss you. I remember fondly working and playing with you as a child. You told me I was smart and beautiful all of the time. I remember special times going to one of the plants where you invented the equipment and bringing home chickens. You built a house and fence for the chickens. I remember you inventing motorized vehicles for my sisters and I to drive around the neighborhood. I remember you teaching me how to drive a standard car. I remember our camping trips - you loved camping and the outdoors. I remember you walking me down the isle. I remember you always helping anyone who needs help. While I will miss you here, I am happy you are with Jesus. I love you. Trish
1
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