Leslie A. Mize

1945 - 2024

Leslie A. Mize
10/12/1945 - 04/04/2024
Longtime Marinwood resident, Les Mize passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at the age of 78, on April 4, 2024, after battling multiple health challenges. Deeply committed to his family and his community, Les leaves a legacy of service and love that will continue to inspire all who knew him.
Born in San Francisco and raised in Mill Valley as one of eight children, Les graduated from Tamalpais High School in 1963, became the youngest member of the Mill Valley Lion's Club at age 18, proudly served his country in the Army Reserves, met and married the love of his life, Patty Vaio, and moved to Marinwood to begin a family- welcoming six children and many dogs.
A gifted salesman, Les excelled in the commercial print industry. Initially with George Lithograph Company, he retired in 2016 after 40+ years with Fong Brothers Printing, Inc.
His passion for collecting all things Mickey Mouse paired well with his love of Christmas. Les and his family turned their house into a holiday destination for generations of visitors known as the Mickey Mouse Christmas House.
Les and his family shared a love of Lake Tahoe and purchased a vacation home in Chamberlands in 1978. Since then, Les remained active with the Chambers Landing Beach and Mountain Club and the Rec Association and was instrumental in creating the Chambers Landing Pier Company.
His longest running commitment was to Lion's Club, with a total of 59 years of perfect attendance. Les founded the San Rafael Las Gallinas Lion's Club in March 1980, and served as Charter President. He earned many distinctions as a Lion and was proud to serve as District Governor for his District 4C-2 during the 2017-18 term.
Les was a man of character, faith, and family. He was a collector - of things and memories. He had a hard time letting go of anything, a quality that gave him the fight to persist when his body was failing. The Mize family wishes to thank the many doctors and health care workers, particularly through his many stays at Marin Health Medical Center.
Les Mize is predeceased by his parents, Marie and Robert Mize; four brothers; and two sisters; and is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Patricia; his six children, Eileen Mize, John (Tricia) Mize, Karen (Jeremiah) Gill, Megan (Sean) Albright, Scott (Danielle) Mize, and Ryan (Hilary) Mize; nine grandchildren; his brother, Charles (Piedad) Mize; and many nieces and nephews.
All are welcome to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at 1 p.m., at St. Isabella's Church, (1 Trinity Way, San Rafael) with a reception to follow. Gifts in memory of Les Mize, may be made to the Las Gallinas Lions Club at www.lasgallinaslions.com.
Les will be forever missed and never forgotten. In the words of his hero, Walt Disney, "If you can dream it, you can do it." And echoing the words of his pal, Mickey, "Oh, Boy!" Did he ever! Read more about Les at www.monteschapelofthehills.com.
Assisted by Monte's Chapel of the Hills, San Anselmo.