Reginald Leslie Horton

HORTON, Reginald Leslie May 7, 1921 December 18, 2010 Les Horton was born in Victoria and spent his early years in Port Renfrew and Royal Oak before moving to the farm at Cobble Hill in 1929 with his parents and brother, Colin Horton. One day he asked a friend to introduce him to Winnifred Hearn, that pretty girl playing badminton" in the Cobble Hill Hall. Les and Win were married at St. John's Cobble Hill on February 15, 1947 and celebrated their 60th anniversary before Win's passing in 2007. Les was known for his hard work and ingenuity, his sense of humour, and his stories and knowledge of the Cowichan Valley. He told many fascinating stories of the changes he had seen in his lifetime. He liked to reminisce about helping his father deliver milk around Shawnigan Lake and earning $1.50/day using his team of horses to plough neighbours' fields. He bought his first tractor in 1942 for about $1000, then bought several bulldozers and used them to clear land and log during the 1950's, 60's and 70's. Throughout their life together, Les and Win also operated their farm in Cobble Hill, growing hay and raising beef cattle right up until 2006. They came to know many great people around the valley through farming, bulldozing and logging. Les was very proud of his family. He will be deeply missed by his children: Barbara (Lindsay) Prescott, Margaret (Ray) Belot, Ken (Sheelagh) Horton, Carolyn (Jeremy) Webb; grandchildren: Erin Prescott (Darrin Charmley), Ryan Prescott (Heather Eggleston), Charlotte Belot, Gerome Webb, Olin Webb; great grandson, Jesse Charmley; sister-in-law, Leona Hearn, nieces, nephews, and cousins. A very special thanks to the caregivers who looked after Les so well in the last four years, especially to Aggie, Anne, Alison, Aleasha, Susan, Connie, Dr. Wilson and all the nurses and others who helped him in his final days at home. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 29th at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Anglican Church, Cobble Hill. Donations in his memory can be made to St. John's Anglican Church, 3295 Cobble Hill Road, Cobble Hill, BC V0R 1L6 or to a charity of your choice. 613338