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In memory of
1956 - 2016
Robbi Magnuson
May 9, 2024
On the eighth anniversary of Les's passing, I can say I have thought of him often, dreamed about him and continue to miss him every day. I also hope that his beautiful family have been able to find some peace.
Sandra Kernerman
May 26, 2016
The shock of hearing about Les' illness and now his passing is hard to take. Like so many who have shared their remembrances, I had relatively few interactions with Les over the years. We served on the Spokane Symphony board together. I had the unmitigated pleasure of being a witness to a Les versus Ned Barnes verbal sparing match in the halls of Witherspoon, which was hilarious (and a little inappropriate - Ned, also grievously missed). Les always remembered me, despite our infrequent meetings, which I felt was a true mark of a gentleman. We will feel his loss for a long, long time to come. All of my prayers and condolences to his wonderful family.
May 26, 2016
Tonight I am reading from a letter Leslie Weatherhead wrote in 2002 related to the passing of my father Judge James M Burns.I am reading it at a Federal Bar Assoc dinner in which professionalism awards are bestowed in my father's name. I will proudly reference Leslie as lawyer who would have been a likely candidate for such an award. Leslie's letter is sweet and elegant. I was hoping to reach out to Leslie so that he could re-visit his words and kind thoughts. I'm sorry I missed him. My thoughts and prayers are with Leslie's family and friends. If I could get an address, I would be happy to share the letter. I can be reached at [email protected] Molly Burns Herrmann Portland, Oregon
Donald Dowie
May 25, 2016
It's difficult to find much more to say than has been said. Les was in a league of his own as both a person and as an attorney. I only worked with him for a relatively short time back in the early 1990s at the Witherspoon firm, but he left an indelible imprint on both my life and my practice of law. You see, Les was one of those few, special people who knew the meaning of integrity. As a lawyer, I never knew him to be without a copy of the Constitution - which he took very seriously. In the same spirit, he always looked to do the right thing. And as a person, he was never without the compassion and understanding that separated him from the crowd. I have carried his example and his many lessons with me these 20-some years since I left Spokane, and they have served me well. I - and of course so many others who knew and loved him - will miss him tremendously.
Beth Bollinger
May 25, 2016
He was a great mentor and friend. What a help he was to me, when I first arrived in Spokane in 1994 as a new lawyer a little over my head at the federal defender's office. It matters, what you do. That was Les. So sorry for your loss. It is a loss to all.
May 23, 2016
Les Weatherhead
A good and rare man died last week.
If you didn't know him you don't know the pain
But you are the lesser for it.
If you knew Les you would know the pain
Of a good and rare man gone.
I didn't have the times with Les that I wanted.
A few minutes in the bank's elevator or in the bank lobby.
His wit was so quick that he seemed to have
A script for the occasional meeting.
His laugh could also cut you in two if that is what it was meant to do.
But it was never intended for me in that way.
It was meant to only have a good laugh together.
We represented the alumni in the area of our respective schools;
He of the Oregon Ducks and I of the Oregon State Beavers.
That gave years of occasions for light confrontations in football season.
Les, of course, always had the advantage of a better team and took care to use it.
Gently, of course, but the battles always ended with that penetrating laugh.
As much as I will miss his laugh and wit,
The pain of those who knew him more will last as long as they can remember.
Anali, his family, and his law associates who could often hear his laugh
In their offices hurt today more than I want to know.
I feel sorry for your pain but you benefit for knowing Les the best.
Paul and Susan Kennedy
May 21, 2016
Randy Smith
May 23, 2016
I realize that the family will not know me and wonder why I am signing this remembrance. However, Les and I were Ninth Circuit lawyer representatives together so many years ago. He was representing Washington, and I was representing Idaho. What good times we had together, working to help the Ninth Circuit. What a super personality and an extreme intellect for an Idaho potato farmer to meet and enjoy; I shall never forget it.
Our lives have drifted a part since that time, with him living and practicing law in Washington and me in Idaho. However, it was always the best time to go to Ninth Circuit events and see and visit with him. I also remember so well the excellent representation he gave his clients in the Ninth Circuit before panels on which I served.
My prayers go out to his family and friends! My deepest sympathy to you, the loved ones of a wonderful friend.
Robert Cooper
May 21, 2016
I had the privilege of learning from Mr. Weatherhead as a student at Gonzaga University School of Law. His passing comes as a shock. I will remember him for his insight, his suprising wit, and the energy he brought to the room. His advice follows me still. My deepest sympathies to those left behind.
Rick Kester
May 20, 2016
Anyone who knew Les knows the shock and grief I felt when I learned of his passing. My next reaction was a smile as I thought back on the times we had spent working together. I have worked with a number of attorneys as an expert witness, but never with one better, nor enjoyed the process more than with Les. He was one of a kind, and will be missed. Go Dux
May 20, 2016
My friend Les was a bright and decent man. An achievement that transcends even his legal success.
He was also funny! The sort of funny that's instantaneously responsive to what's going on and hilarious. I met Les, when he and I, already seasoned Washington lawyers, spent a few days in Boise sitting for the Idaho bar. From those days on I so enjoyed our often chance meetings where we shared the "wit and wisdom" of our respective Irish and English heritages. "Michael me boyo" he would start off as a greeting, before lecturing me about the terrible error of his British ancestors in ever having allowed the Irish to sing. Indeed Leslie, we'll be missin ya.
Mike Myers
Doug Badger
May 19, 2016
I was honored to know Les as a fellow board member of the University of Oregon Alumni Association. He was always somebody I looked forward to seeing, and I could never have enough time with him. I am truly saddened by his passing, but I am heartened to know how many people will celebrate his remarkable life.
My prayers go out to his family and friends. I will miss his wonderful presence, quick wit, and hearty laugh. He left his mark on me, and I'll remember him fondly.
Rest in Peace, Les, and Go Ducks!
Manny & Carolleone Eres
May 19, 2016
Anali, we were so sad and devastated to hear about Les' passing. So young and so talented. Its amazing we both had remembered just a few days ago of Carolleone calling to wake him up for his flight to Guam when the two of you were getting married. So many years have passed and so many of our friends have all passed away. We lost two friends this past week. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family. We are both no getting along very well so we won't be there for the service.
Comdolences to Anali, children and rest of the family.
Manny & Carolleone
May 18, 2016
Mother and I send you watt thoughts . Gunvor and Ã…shild
Lydia Beckett
May 18, 2016
I attended South Eugene High School with Les and was so impressed by his pursuit of excellence in school. I don't think I know anyone else who chose to take as many AP courses as Les did. It amazed me. Not only a very smart person, but he was also a kind person. I looked forward to seeing him at all the reunions. He remained kind and was a great conversationalist. My condolences to his family. He left this world at a young age, but in his short time here he touched so many lives. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
Roger Fruci
May 17, 2016
I have seldom felt such a strong impact upon hearing of someone's passing. Everything inside just stopped. It seemed almost an impossibility that such a wonderful, powerful, kind and deeply human person was gone. I was not aware of Les' illness, so the sudden news had even more impact. Usually, news of a friend passing causes a momentary pause, and then, the immediacy of the experiences of life closes back in, and I move on. In this case, time after time I felt the impact of this event. It is like something stopped inside me.
What makes it more interesting, is that Les and I hardly ever saw each other, and really never spent much time together. I've only spoken to Les perhaps a dozen times, or two, over my life. Yet I always felt a strong connection with Les, as I do now. Yes, he was very intelligent, fun, interesting, charming, charismatic, and positive. And his speaking voice and style was a delight to me. But what always really struck me about Les was that he seemed to be an incredibly kind person. All his shining and wonderful characteristics just seemed like a kind of surface dress a very wonderful surface dress, but it did not really seem to get to his essence. Being with Les, I almost always felt a very deep, strong connection to something very, very good. Something very kind, and emanating from someplace very deep.
In reflecting on this as I write, it seems that perhaps the feeling I have of impossibility that Les is gone is because what I was connecting to in Les cannot be gone. It does not end. It's that spiritual source and center we all seek and feel in ourselves. Because I felt that so strongly in Les, it doesn't make sense that he could be gone.
Still, his presence in this world will be deeply missed. As a young friend of mine said: He was a great man. She is so right. He actually was a great man. A loving, kind, joyful, and great man.
All condolences to Anali and her/his family.
Steve Myers
May 16, 2016
I was a year behind Les in high school and college. He was always an outstanding student, scholar and gentleman. Although I found it impossible to mimic him in my own scholastic life, I used him as a role model -- his academic dedication and scholarly methods -- for my own children ... and they have achieved far beyond me. I will always be indebted to Les for this inspiration.
Cari King (Albert)
May 16, 2016
I feel so sad to hear that we lost such a beautiful spirit. Les was an incredible human being and I am humbled to have known him. He always had a bright smile on his face, a kind (and often extremely funny) word and a warm hug, every time I saw him. What a gift to this world and all those, whose lives he touched. I will miss him deeply.
My heart and prayers go out to Anali, his kids and his family. I know there are no words to say to truly soften the pain and sadness from your loss. I just hope that time, family and friends, surround you and bring you the love, comfort and support you need. Take care.
Sherril Pierson
May 16, 2016
So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Robbi Magnuson
May 16, 2016
I have known Les for years and had the added privilege of working with him closely him as a lawyer. As everyone knows, he was brilliant, funny and very good- hearted both in the courtroom and out. It was certainly a privilege to have him as a close friend.
I have met just a few people like Les who are truly exceptional and whose essence is very hard to capture in words. However, his family did as fine a job as I have ever read in authoring his obituary. My deepest condolences to his beautiful wife, Anali, and their wonderful, gifted children who will carry on the Weatherhead legacy. I know Les was extremely proud and grateful to be a loving husband, father and friend to such a wonderful family.
Les hugging Audrey and Amy after listening to their duet, 2015.
Rhonda McDowell
May 16, 2016
Our dear friend, Les, passed much too young ~ yet modeled how to live life to the fullest! Such an amazing husband, loving father, trusted advisor, and friend . . . much appreciated second dad to our daughter, Amy. His whole-hearted enthusiasm made our family get-togethers more memorable: most joyful caroling Christmas Eve, heartiest laugh during board games, biggest cheerleader of Audrey and Amy's duets, best 4th of July playlist as speedboat captain on Priest Lake, most ardent fan of the Ducks . . . . strong, tender, wise, radiant, inspiring ~ unforgettable!
Vickie Williams
May 16, 2016
So sorry to hear this news. It was a privilege and a pleasure to work with Les at Gonzaga. He will be sorely missed.
May 16, 2016
Unbelievable , A great Man He is Missed. You and your family are in our prayers and our thoughts Jerry Perrianne and family
Teresa Neal
May 16, 2016
I'd just like to say what a joy Les was when we were students at SEHS. His unflagging silliness and good humor was enough to keep everyone's spirits up everyday. My deepest sympathies.
Kurt Krueger
May 16, 2016
A bright flame has been extinguished before its time. There is no logic in Destiny.
Les and I were inseparable friends during much of our high school and junior high years. We imprinted each other with the same humor and hijinks.
Les. I want just one day. Just one hour.
Just a short time together to reminisce and laugh. About the time I spent with your family at Woahink Lake. About riding our bikes around downtown Eugene. About the verb test in Herr Webking's German class. About backpacking and hostel-surfing through Europe together.
About the time that enraged cafe owner in Paris pitched your water bottle in to the boulevard!
Do I laugh, or cry. No telling how many people Les influenced in his life. Most certainly, I am one.
Sleep peacefully Les. So sorry I can't attend the services. My heart will be there. My deep condolences to Anali and the Weatherhead family.
stephen house
May 16, 2016
My heartfelt condolences for all of Les' family. He was a wonderful person, who contributed so much to so many, including me. His death is an enormous loss to all who knew this great man.
Ann Hawkins
May 16, 2016
I am so sad to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers are with the Weatherhead family. Keep the circle that surrounds you filled with wonderful memories and love.
Kay Coghlan
May 16, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of Les passing so young. He's from a long line of great minds. I have one of his grandfather's books in my library, Psychology, Religion and Healing. I loved listening to Les talk and banter growing up in the same neighborhood, Duckville, USA. My heart and prayers go out to his wife and children. May you find comfort in your many memories and in the love of God.
Sue (Kensler) Pepper-Reed
May 15, 2016
I am so sorry to learn of Les's passing. I enjoyed a great visit with him and Anali at the SEHS 40 year reunion. I fondly remember him in high school German class, where we called him "Herr Wetterkopf." My sincere condolences to your family. Rest in peace, Les - and thank you for your warmth and friendship.
Marissa Egland
May 15, 2016
Sharing my favorite quote to the Weatherhead Family.
"The boundaries between life and death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where one ends
and where the other begins?" Edgar Allen Poe
The Alleman's
Jason and Michelle Alleman
May 15, 2016
There are people who are larger than life and Les is one of those people. Our family is humbled by the honor of having known Les. My daughter was three when she met the Weatherhead family and she will remember Mr. Les and Miss Anali for the rest of her life, they are an indelible part of her childhood. Les was a noble friend to both man and beast. We will miss him deeply and always love his memory. The Weatherhead family will always have a place in our hearts and our home.
Shirley Grossman
May 15, 2016
Dear Anali and family,
Feeling so sad for all of you. What a treasure you lost. Sending you loving thoughts, Mrs. Grossman
Helen Spencer-Snyder
May 15, 2016
My heart goes out to all the Weatherhead clan. I have wonderful childhood memories of Les and our two families at Woahink. I'm so sorry for this loss. love, Helen
Susan Roberts
May 15, 2016
I am a new member of the alumni board, I hardly know anyone on the board, but I remember Les. He did leave a lasting impression. So sorry for your loss.
Go Ducks!
Susan Roberts
Go Ducks!
David Peters
May 15, 2016
I met Les in the 6th grade, and we have been close friends ever since. The loss of Les leaves a void that cannot ever be filled, but we are left with wonderful memories of a generous, brilliant, funny, and loyal man who touched us all.
Legacy Remembers
Posted event
May 15, 2016
May
21
9:30 a.m.
St. Aloysius Catholic Church
330 E. Boone, Spokane, WA
Legacy Remembers
Posted an obituary
May 15, 2016
Leslie WEATHERHEAD Obituary
WEATHERHEAD, Leslie R. Leslie Richard Weatherhead, dearly loved husband, father, friend, and Spokane attorney died of cancer on May 9, 2016 at Hospice House with his wife and family by his side. He was 59. Diagnosed last December, Les fought... Read Leslie WEATHERHEAD's Obituary
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