Jack Lesh

I met the Leshes at the Gustavus Inn while doing several travel articles for the Saturday Review ca. 1970 and remember them and the whole experience ever fondly. Somehow the name of a delightful dish Sally made has stayed with me--Halibut Caddie Ganty, if I have it right. David Butwin

Jack Lesh was a caring man whose sweet smile encouraged and cheered anyone happening to have the good fortune to run into him. I always enjoyed going to Gustavus and visiting the Inn. In those early days there was a small bar where one could drop in and have a raspberry shrub- a fine libation and very traditional. The berries to make the shrub came from the copious raspberry patch at the Inn. Dinners at the Inn were also a delicious. Sally and Jack cooked many "tradional American" dishes we...

We met jack and Sally in 1984 when we were in Gustavus for an Alaska Discovery kayak trip over to Chichagof with Alaska Discovery. We stayed at the Gustavus Inn and met assorted other Leshes. We eventually bought a cabin and have been going up to Gustavus every summer since. We will miss Jack as we have missed Sally but their spirit will always be in Gustavus.

Mi treege bedaris legi pri la morto de Jack Lesh, kaj mi ege bedaras anka tion, ke mi ne havis kontakton kun li dum multaj jaroj. Mi neniam vizitis lin en Gustavus, kaj nun mi verajne neniam povos. Ve.

Jack is one of my fondest memories of summers in Gustavus. He had a way of making a person feel very special. He will be greatly missed but always admired for the love he put into Gustavus. Please, Jack, greet Sally for me.

Back in my ranger days at Bartlett Cove, I called on Jack when we had three hypothermia victims from a fishing boat sinking. He was right there with instructions and I am certain he was responsible for saving the life of one of them. He was a good man and a good friend.

Jack and Sally Lesh were remarkable people. They, and their wonderful family , meant much to Southeast Alaska, and indeed, to all of Alaska. It was an honor to have them as friends.

Jack accomplished a lot in his 98 years. He was a fine medical d0ctor, and I wish he had practiced longer; I am proud to say he delivered my youngest daughter, Laura, in his time of practice, in 1962. He was a very good Director of Public Health for the State of Alaska, also.

I...

Jack was my sister JoAnn's father in law. I have many memories of visiting with him in Gustavus. He was memorable because he was always happy and comfortable being around the kids and offering advice and encouragement. I had the distinct pleasure as a teenager of going on a week long group Alaska Discovery kayak trip with him, where he was the guide, cook and all around keeper of fun and morale. What fun that was and I learned so much. What a genuine life he led and demonstrated for all...