Leslie Gregory Cunnington

1942 - 2017

Lifelong Walla Walla resident Leslie (Les) Cunnington, passed away peacefully at home on September 1, 2017, he was 75 years old.

Les was born April 3, 1942, to Mildred and Jake Cunnington and was raised by Mildred and stepfather, William (Bill) Wolin. Les attended Berney Elementary, Pioneer Jr High and graduated from Wa-Hi in 1961. Les initially met Linda McFarland in the 4th grade while at Berney and later reconnected at Wa-Hi. The two were married on June 3, 1962, and shared the next 55 years together.

Shortly after graduating Les took a job as an auto mechanic which he loved, but didn't want his hobby to be his profession. At the age 19 he started working for local retailer, Low Cost Drug, where he spent the next 32 years until the business closed in 1993. Les started at Eastgate behind the camera and sporting goods counters. A few years later he moved to Southgate, then to Book Nook where he produced the stores weekly newspaper sales flyers, as well as managing the store. Les then went to work for Bi-Mart. He enjoyed 9 years in the sporting goods department where he got to know the regular customers, stay up to date on hunting and fishing hot spots and help newcomers with tackle selections and techniques.

In his early adult years Les was active in the NW Motorcycle Trials scene and competed in events across the Pacific Northwest earning various awards and commendations. Les also volunteered many hours in local Walla Walla youth sports, coaching Little League and youth soccer.

Les's highest priority for activities was spending time with family and close friends. Camping, boating, fishing, motorcycle riding, mushroom hunting, and cutting firewood were all big activities for the Cunnington family and their friends. Playing with grandchildren and great-grandchildren became a favorite activity beginning in 1987.

Les is survived by his wife, Linda; children, Greg Cunnington, Lisa Baxter (Bryan) and Jason Cunnington; nine grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; brother, Larry Cunnington (Tiny); and sister, Deborah Townsend (Randy); as well as a large extended family.

Les was preceded in death by his father, Jake Cunnington; mother, Mildred Wolin; step-father, Bill Wolin; granddaughter, Katylynne Cunnington; and daughter-in-law, Terri Cunnington.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 24, 2017 at 10:30 AM at Fort Walla Walla Park. Those of you who knew Les know he was a jean and cowboy boot kind of guy. Please take your cue from Les and dress casually.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Counseling Ministries through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla.