We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of the beloved patriarch of our family, Edward Les, on April 24, 2024. Ed passed away peacefully at Peach Arch Hospital after a short stay and wonderful care by the doctors and nurses there.
Dad is dearly missed and forever loved by his children Lori (Joe), Ted (Caroline), and Tim; his grandchildren Briana (Miles), Stephanie (Ethan), Jayden, Oliver and Julia; as well as his two great-granddaughters, Poppy and Sienna. He is also survived by his brothers, Jan and Rien and sisters, Tannie and Sari, all living in Holland leaving just 4 of the 8 siblings born to Jan and Jannete Les.
Ed was born in Oude Tonge, Holland on March 15, 1937. He did not have an easy start to his young life having to endure living close to the horrors of World War II and then surviving the Great Flood in Holland in 1953. In 1956 at just 18 years old, Ed decided to make a new start in Canada where his brother Chris and wife Leny had moved to just 5 years prior. In 1957 Ed met the love of his life, Diane Bowden, at their mutual employer, Buckerfields and almost immediately Ed was determined to make her his wife. Dad was not one to give up easily and so the two of them were married on June 25, 1960. After a short time of living in Vancouver they built their dream and forever home in Coquitlam, BC. It was living in that home that they brought home their three children, began and grew their other ‘baby’, their business, Eddi’s Wholesale Garden Supplies, and lived for the entirety of their 55 year marriage. Sadly Ed’s wife and our mother Diane Les passed away on February 10, 2015 after a courageous 6 month battle with cancer. Dad mourned her passing from that day to his very last.
Ed and Diane had a celebrated history of philanthropy, donating many hours of time and multitudes of dollars to charities and hospitals. Most notably The Royal Columbian Hospital, the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of Canada, The Hope of Lights Display at St. Paul's Hospital, The Cancer Society, Crossroads Hospice Society and Aspira Peninsula Retirement Living, the Marina Renewal Project in Gibsons BC and many, many, many more small and independent charities, families, employees and companies. They were always very humble and were not interested in accolades for their generosity but just genuinely wanted to help those in need.
We would like to ask you to join us in celebrating Dad’s life at Newland’s Golf and Country Club from 11 am – 2 pm, Friday May 24, 2024 in the Conservatory Ballroom.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation which was close to their hearts, and the Peach Arch Hospital Foundation who cared for dad so compassionately in the end.
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