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Lester Seto Obituary

Lester Edward Seto

December 21, 1948 - October 31, 2012

SALEM - Lester was born December 21, 1948 in Portland, Oregon, the first son of Mabel Wong (Seto) and Edward Seto. He died unexpectedly on October 31, 2012 as a result of complications from a long term medical condition and recent illness.

When Lester was four, the family moved to Montana. He returned to Portland's Ladd's Addition in 1954 with his mother and younger brother Wesley. His mother worked in the family restaurant "The China Lantern" - the first Chinese restaurant in Beaverton - between 1954-1963/64. His cousin Gary Wong says Lester inherited the love of cooking from his mother, at which he excelled.

Lester attended Portland public schools, played Little League baseball, and wrestled in high school, graduating from Washington High in 1966.

He received his Bachelors and Law degrees from Willamette University in 1970 and 1982, and studied in the University of Oregon Masters program for history in 1970/71. Lester practiced law in Salem his entire career emphasizing criminal defense. He shared office space with fellow Willamette classmate Candace Reed; then with attorney Jane Aiken; finally on his own for the last six years.

Lester was a voracious reader of history, politics, woodworking, computer technology, and cooking. Friends eagerly anticipated his homemade cookies or bread at Christmas, or a surprise handcrafted piece of furniture. Lester converted some of the Pacific Building basement space into a woodshop where he crafted Adirondack chairs, end tables and bookcases for gifts for friends and family.

Lester traveled through England, Scotland and Ireland in the mid-1980's visiting castles, museums and sites of ancient artifacts pursuing his love of history.

He kept a family heirloom clock displayed in every office he occupied and compiled a history of the family home in Ladd's Addition in Portland, where his brother Wesley continues to live.

Lester is survived by his brother Wesley, cousins Gary Wong, Rita Oelschlager, David Wong, and their families; lifelong childhood friends Vern Lee, Geoff Lee, and many friends and colleagues.

Services will be private for the family; a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Published by The Statesman Journal on Nov. 18, 2012.
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Memories and Condolences
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I miss my friend Lester and was stunned to recall it´s been ten years since he died. He will always be in our thoughts.

Chuck Bennett

Friend

November 12, 2022

I was just informed of Lester's unfortunate passing by a mutual friend. I will always remember Les from our Willamette University years (during which we shared an apartment for a year) and our infrequent, but enjoyable, time together after college. I will never forget Les's sharp intellect, trademark wit, and the affection that he lavished upon the trusty Mac von Wooglin.

Ed Crawford

December 14, 2012

I just learned with sadness of Lester's passing. We went to law school together and shared office space for a time. His kind heart and gentle humor made the world a better place. Terra Pressler

December 13, 2012

Lester was such a good man. He was a dear friend and neighbor to me and my children. We share many memories of our times together over the years and we will miss him.

linda bonnem

December 13, 2012

Lester was a dear friend from our meeting in 1966 as freshmen at Willamette to seeing him at lunch just a few weeks ago. I will miss his friendship, humor and great conversation very much. There are so many, many memories over the years.

Chuck Bennett

December 1, 2012

Lester was a dear friend to both Tony and me at Willamette University long ago in the early 70s. We kept in touch for many years and I especially remember sharing good old dog Mac the summer of 1974 while in Portland awaiting the birth of our first son. Over the years Lester was able to visit us in Honolulu, at Wallowa Lake, and in Seattle. He was indeed a kind and gentle man who will be missed. Love to his family.

Linda and Tony Robinson

November 20, 2012

Back in the late 1990's, I worked on many criminal cases with Lester as his defense investigator. Lester was simply a sweet guy, friendly to everyone and a man that everyone who knew him cared for him. My sympathies to his family and friends.

Richard Cone

November 19, 2012

Lester was such a wonderful man and caring friend to our whole family. I display my adirondack chair from Lester with great pride. He will be missed.

manda bednarczyk

November 19, 2012

We are so sorry to hear about Lester's death. He was a special and generous person, and we remember him fondly.

Susan Garrett Crowley

November 18, 2012

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