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Leslie Soper Obituary
Leslie L. Soper
He grew up learning a rock solid work ethic and at the age of 14 drove the school bus for Marysville School as the last student on the route. He also worked with his father at the family mill and shingle business, which was located at Kruse Junction in north Marysville.
Les joined the Navy during WWII as a Seaman First Class and served on the USS Petrof Bay as a member of the gun crew. During his service he helped make naval history in the South Pacific theater and participated in several famous battles including the landings of Iwo Jima, Okinawa and the second battle of the Philippines where the Petrof Bay barely escaped four suicide planes and several torpedo attacks. The ship remained the only escort carrier engaged in the battles to emerge unscathed.
Les returned to Washington and met Dorothy Olson in a malt shop where she worked in Yakima during his training trips to the area. They started dating, eventually married in 1946 and shortly thereafter started a family.
After the war Les worked for several local businesses before opening Les Soper Chevron in 1954 on the corner of 3rd and State in Marysville, and also drove a tow truck at night for Hammerly's Towing. In the early 1960's he moved the station to Grove and State and concurrently opened Soper Towing, which he owned and operated until retirement at the spry age of 82. He was known as an honest and hard working businessman, fixer of anything, loyal and generous friend and loving family man.
Throughout life Les enjoyed the Annual Marysville Strawberry Parade as well as traveling to Montana and other local destinations in his Winnebago club, the San Juanderers. His passion in life and favorite time of year was the fall elk hunting season. He began the tradition in 1948 with his father and it has continued to present day with over sixty family members and friends traveling to the same camping site to hike and hunt the same draws as those who came before them. Those who knew Les knew him as a pioneer of Marysville, an icon in the community and an ElkDuck legend.
Les is survived by his three children and their families, Leon and Leslie Soper, Linda and Tom St. Onge, and Patti and Dennis Roodzant; eight grandchildren, Aaron, Jessie, Anna, Charlie, Leon, Roger, Kaitlin and Vance; and three great- grandchildren, Novalee, Andrew and Lauren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Grace; his wife, Dorothy; brother, Neil; and sister, Norma.
Thank you to Pat Hartman and the aides at Compassionate Care in Marysville, Dory, Brenda, Pam and Nicole. We appreciate you taking care of our Dad as you would have cared for your own. You made his last few years comfortable and enjoyable.
A memorial service for Les will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 16, 2011 at the Church of the Nazarene on 64th Street in Marysville.
As a Life Member of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, any kindness in Les's honor is greatly appreciated. Donations can be sent to Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Attn: Michelle Tucker, 5705 Grant Creek, Missoula, MT 59808.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leslie Soper
April 22, 2011
Please know that our thoughts are with your family. May God give you peace as youremember him. You will be in our prayers.-Dean's Towing, Ellensburg , ( Dean and Connie Tatro)
Steve Carr
April 22, 2011
Les will be missed by all who knew him. I used to see him as he would drop off vehicles at Roy Robinson's when I worked there. He always had a big smile and seemed to just enjoy life. I am happy to have shared time with him!
April 17, 2011
I have nothing by loving thoughts for Linda, Leon & Patti's families, and thousands of wonderful memories of great times with the Soper clan! Growing up as a neighbor and one of Linda's best friends, I was treated as family - taken on great road trips, included in hunting trips and bailed out by Les more times than I can count! Les was a wonderful man and an inspiration to me to this day. Laurie Abercrombie Stroud
April 17, 2011
To the entire Soper Family,
The story I want to tell (some of you have heard it) is the day I broke down at the north end of Shoultes Road. I called Les, he came immediately. He took the Mustang & me home. I pulled out my checkbook & asked how much I owed him. He said "nothing". I said, I have to pay you for what you did. He said, no, Smith you don't & this is why.
A few years ago some old fart stopped by my house & fixed my kitchen sink faucet, when I asked him how much I owed him he said, "nothing, I don't charge my friends for doing them a favor". Les said, something about paying him & that guy said, just pass the favor on, that's payment enough. He went on to say that just a couple of weeks later that "old fart" died & I've waited all of this time to pass on the favor, you don't owe my a thing.
A great man, a true friend, with a kind heart, a generous spirit & integrity was "towed" into Heaven on April 9th to be reunited with his Dorothy.
RIP, Les.
"Smith" as he always called me.
April 16, 2011
Patti, Linda, Leon and Families,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your dad and grandpa, we are thinking of all of you.
Mike and Wendy
Sammie Messer
April 16, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr Soper was such a nice man. One time many years ago my car had broke down and I did not have enough money for the tow. Mr Soper towed me home with a smile and a funny story! He was a very kind and generous man. May he Rest In Peace.
Bob & Ginger Oliphant
April 15, 2011
Leon, Linda and Patti, our thoughts & prayers are with your families during this time of loss. As a 16 year old kid, Les gave me my first job pumping gas at his station in 1972. He was a great first boss and a lot of fun. Through the years I would stop by his shop now and then to say hi and he was always the same - friendly and happy to see me. I have a lot of memories and good stories of those times that still make me smile. His friendly nature lives on in his children. He lead a long and happy life and I am very glad I knew him.
April 15, 2011
So sorry to read of your father, grandfather and friend passing on. I always got a big kick out of him & know that the world was a better place because of him
Carmen Boob
April 15, 2011
So sorry to read of your father, grandfather and friend passing on. I always got a big kick out of him & know that the world was a better place because of him
Phillip Day
April 15, 2011
Les Soper, what a great guy.
I had the fortune of working for Les at Soper Chevron. Les was a great person; I learned plenty from Les through his willingness to help others. I remember Les as being tough but fair. He lived a full life and will be missed, My condolences to his family.
Suzy Langley
April 15, 2011
Anna -- After working with you & getting to know you I can only imagine what a wonderful & amazing man your Grandfather was. I was lucky enough to have the same kind of Grandfather myself so I truly understand your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. May you find peace in your heart through the memories you have of this special man.
Tom Dry
April 15, 2011
Leon, Linda and Patti, I was so sorry to hear about your father. He was loved by so many. Back in the good old days he got myself and brothers out of quite a few situations, Yes he was always there for us. And I will always remember how he would greet me at the Coffee Shop with a big smile,handshake and great story. Les will be missed by many people. He always brought a special Glow to the room wherever he was.
April 15, 2011
On behalf of the City of Marysville, I want to convey our sincerest condolences to all of the family. I also want to publicly thank Les for his many contributions to our City during his long and fruitful life.
Sincerely,
Jon Nehring (Mayor)
April 15, 2011
Soper, St.Onge and Roodzant Families ~~
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of your father and grandfather. I've heard many stories of Les rescuing the Dry boys in their younger years!! I'm sure his words of wisdom and advice still ring in their ears!!! Although I didn't know him well, I know he left a great legacy and family to carry on his traditions. Remember that he lives forever in your wonderful memories and always in your hearts.
Our thoughts are with all of you ~~
Teddy and Jodie
April 15, 2011
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad and grandfather,are thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Dave and Debbie Richardson
Bob Landon
April 15, 2011
Les, was a very special person who really cared deeply for people. He made a real difference!
When he took over from Bob Hamerly in the towing business, he worked hard to to be of service to people and help them. He was able to to get many cars going again and sent lots of people safely on their way
Linda (Williams) Jones
April 14, 2011
Leon, Linda and Patti - Condolences aren't adequate to convey our grief at the passing of your father. When one became a friend of any one of the Soper family, they became part of a large extended family. I personally will never forget the kindness and generosity shown me by your parents. It is easy to see how you acquired your values. Dotty is reunited with her man and the angels are rejoicing. Enjoy the reward you so richly deserve, Les.
With love and respect,
Melissa & Chuck Holiman
April 14, 2011
We have been so lucky to have spent family gatherings and holidays with such a special family. I feel so fortunate to have heard Les tell his stories and see the twinkle in his eyes. We will all miss him.
Jim & Joan Hill
April 14, 2011
We are sorry to hear of your loss. I remember working for Les in the 70's at the Chevron. Joan would see him at Roy Robinson years later (with a tow) and he always would say hi. I can still remember seeing him promptly showing up at motor vehicle crashes,(a tow) he would ask "How's Jimmy today?". We just think he was a great guy, quick with a smile. A hard working man.
Pam Baldwin
April 14, 2011
Patti, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. you just never think it will happen. I have some great memories because of him. He was very good to me as a bratty kid. Thanks for sharing him.
Ted and Jeanie Lawe
April 14, 2011
Leon, Linda, Patti and families.....we would like to express our sadness of losing a great friend, he always had his words of wisdom and straight talk. Often in our travels people would see our Wash. plates and ask where in Wash. we would say Marysville, some would ask if we knew Les Soper, then we would listen to a story about him, always good. I worked for Les at the 3rd and State station, what a great experience with a wonderful man. You have to be so proud of your dad.
Steve Sherman
April 14, 2011
Leon, I was sorry to hear of your loss. Less was truely a Marysville icon and he will be missed. He will be kept alive and enjoyed around the campfire with the rest of our fathers.
April 14, 2011
Leon, Linda, Patti and families.............We are so sorry to hear of the
passing of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bruce & Sue Udman
Margie
April 14, 2011
Les and Daddy are up there doing what they did best. Les will be missed by many people and he was loved by a lot. He was part of Marysville and he raised a great family. Love Margie
April 14, 2011
I drove School bus on Soper Hill Road for many years, retired 25 years ago and appreciated the tribute to this wonderful person. sorry I never got to meet him. So very sorry for the loss to the family.
Cheryl Deckard
April 14, 2011
Leon, Linda, Patti and families:
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Les. He was a person that everyone knew, and for some us, we knew him forever. When I think of Les, so many things come to mind, but I do remember all the years I worked with Les during Strawberry Festival.When the Trike Races first began, they were held on State Street and parking was allowed on State Street at that time. Les just loved to sit and wait until 4:00 pm, the deadline for cars to be moved off State Street. Les would start towing and parking cars left on the street. There he would be, big smile, baseball cap in place moving cars all over town, not telling anyone where he put them. Les was Les and there will never be another like him..he was one of a kind. My family feels your loss, as so many do who knew Les. You and your families are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tim Dry
April 13, 2011
Leon,Linda and Patti,I'm very sorry for your loss,Less helped me out of alot of bad situations and gave me good advice that usually took.I am better to have known him.
April 13, 2011
Leon: Sorry to hear about your dad. He was a great person and friend, I'll miss seeing him and talking with him over morning coffee. He'll be missed by everyone who ever knew him. Dennis Westergreen
April 13, 2011
Our thoughts are with you and your extended family at this time.
Love, Donna Algeo and family
Sue Galde
April 13, 2011
Leon, Linda, Patti & families,
A wonderful obituary paying tribute to a great man of our area. May you share many stories, much laughter and a lifetime of smiles while remembering the leader of your pack.
Thoughts & prayers to you all.
Dennis Kendall
April 13, 2011
To the family of Les. He was always a respected leader in our community. Our prayers are with of you in your time of mourning.
Dennis & Sue Kendall
April 13, 2011
To the family of Les, we are so very sorry,
to hear of your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all.
Jim & cindy Psaradelis
April 13, 2011
My heart goes out to the entire family, i love you all, i will cherish the memories and my nicknames i was blessed with by Les.
April 13, 2011
My condolences to the family.
Les was a good friend and a great neighbor.............
Dave Shore
April 13, 2011
My condolences to the family.
Les was a good friend and a great neighbor.............
Ron Ball
April 13, 2011
Leon,Linda,Patti.
I'm very sorry to hear about You're Dad. In just a short time Elkduck has lots it's two founding Fathers.
I haven't been over there in a long time but still have great memories of being there. I still also have great memories of working with Les and learning tricks of the trade of the Towing business.
Now Les and My dad along with You're Mom & mine are Up there watching over all of Us again just as they did when We were Kids growing up.
April 13, 2011
Leon, Linda, Patti, and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Les was a great man who will truely be missed by all who knew him! You are in our thoughts and prayers...
Lori Lawe-Crook and Family
Bud Barton's Glass Fred Thompson and Crew
April 13, 2011
To the Family of Les,
Just want to send our condolenes to you all. Your Dad was an amazing man and we will all miss him. Please know that you are in our thoughts....
Dan Paulson
April 13, 2011
It is with deepest sympathy we acknowledge the loss of a great man and fellow life member of the RMEF. I remember him attending our annual Everett Banquet each year along with the many ElkDuck family members. On behalf of the local RMEF North Puget Sound Chapter, we all feel for your loss and are very proud to have known him. Leslie Soper will always hold a special place in our history.
Sincerely,
RMEF - North Puget Sound Chapter Chair
Joe Winters
April 13, 2011
Dear Soper Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Les was such an icon in Marysville. I hardly recognized his picture because he didn't have a baseball cap on. :0) They truely broke the mold with him.
Kim (Gallant) Ripke
April 13, 2011
Aaron, I'm sorry to read about your Grandpa's passing. It sounds like he lived a fulfilling life and will be missed by everyone. I know it's still hard to see them go though. Blessings for you and your family.
Dick, Rex, Cheri, Glenna Barnes
April 13, 2011
To the Soper family from the Barnes family, we are so sorry for your loss. Your father was Marysville's best.
Steve
April 13, 2011
Leon, Linda, and Patti, I'm sorry for your loss, Les was a great person. I will always remember the little words of wisdom he would give me when he removed one of my vehicles from a bad situation. One I'll never forget was when he asked me if I lost a load of drywall mud in the middle of the street, at State and 116th St. as he was cleaning off his shoes.
John & Beth Hopp
April 13, 2011
We all have our special stories of your Dad. He would stop by the shop just to say hi or let us know some local news. I think of him often and he will be missed greatly by everyone that knew him. I am proud to have had the honor of knowing this Marysville legend. Please know that we are thinking of you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace Les.
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