Leslie W. Hill

1927 - 2025

Emmett - Leslie Willard passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at St. Lukes hospital in

Boise, Idaho.

Leslie W. Hill was born on August 27, 1927, at home, to Richard and Amy Hill in

Wheaton, Minnesota

After High School, Les joined the Navy from 1941-1943. He was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. He was in charge of Supply in Okinawa and with security detail in Guam. After his tour with the Navy, he came back to the family farm to help his folks before heading west for more adventures. When he arrived out west, he had a chance to be in the movie "Paint Your Wagon" but had to grow the beard he never wanted. He then worked in Hells Canyon, Little Goose and Lower Granite Dams. He was also a carpenter, mill worker, reflexologist, avid hunter, fisherman, trapper and guide. In his later years, he became proficient in dowsing, for water and minerals. He won many awards for his shooting skills, and taught Hunter Education to many youth over the years. He also trapped around the Gem County area and in the Nevada/Oregon desert areas and won many awards for excellence at fur shows.

Les is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Richard and his wife Phyllis. He is survived by his sister, Betty Hawkinson of Annandale, MN; a cousin, Roy Hill of Redmond, OR; and longtime friend and companion Pamela Parks. He also leaves behind a niece, Dorothy Hawkinson and five nephews, Steve Hill, Dean, Dale, Dwight and Dwayne Hawkinson from Minnesota.

Les was known to many as grumpy and hard of hearing, but to those who loved him, knew he had a heart of gold, was a kind soul and always helped others in need. There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at the Gem County Senior Center in Emmett, ID (719 South Johns Ave, Emmett, ID 83617), from 2:00-4:00 PM and all are invited to attend.