Leslie Lefler

Leslie Lefler died peacefully in his sleep April 30, 2014. Les was born to Harold and Esther Lefler in Bentley, June 2, 1922.

Les proudly served his country as a staff sergeant in the Headquarters Battery of the 117th Field Artillery Battalion. This unit was attached to General Patton's Third Army, and saw combat from Normandy to Germany. Les was awarded the Silver Star for gallantry in action near Weimer, Germany.

Les never spoke very much about his Army experiences, but he did mention that he shook Gen. Patton's hand in Bastogne, and after liberating a chimney full of cognac in France, he was the most popular man in the unit. He enjoyed cognac for the rest of his life.

Following his discharge, he married the love of his life, Linda, April 25, 1946, in Midland. They moved to Tarrytown, N.Y., where Les attended RCA electronics school. Les and Linda enjoyed their time in New York, commuting to New York City for work and entertainment; they attended the original "South Pacific."

In 1957, Les started Lefler Television in Midland, repairing radios and televisions. In 1984, Les retired at age 62 and on the next day, drove with his wife, Linda, to Ventura, Calif., to find warmer weather.

Les spent 30 years in the Ventura Marina Park. While at the park, Les was the "turn to guy," producing the "Notas de la Laguna," since June 1993, with Linda as his trusted proofreader until her passing in 2011. Les produced 240 of the monthly bulletins before retiring in October 2013. He organized the movies on Channel 10 that he aired until recently.

Les served as bartender at park events, updated the residents' listings on the board at the front of the park, created the park telephone directory and locked up the clubhouse every night. He was a longtime valued member of the golf club, winning numerous awards for both his play and service.

Les is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Linda Lefler; son, Peter Lefler; daughter and son-in-law, Leslie Ann and Tim Goodrich; grandsons, Dennis (and Leah) Lefler, David (and Mary Ellen) Lefler and Benjamin Goodrich; granddaughter, Emily Goodrich; and great-grandsons, Matthew and Nolan Lefler. In addition he is survived by his sisters, Genevieve Khotz and Ila Jean Fahlsing; sister-in-law, Lucille Lefler; and many nieces and nephews. Les was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; brother, Harold; and sisters, Grace (Costley) and Gladys (Fahlsing).

Per Les's wishes, services will be private. The family would like to thank Livingston Hospice, Janet Coleman and Aegis Living of Ventura for their care and support during the final months of Les's life.

Arrangements are in the Care of Camino del Sol Memorial Center and Funeral Home, A Heritage Life Tribute Center, Oxnard (805) 483-3443.