Leslie "Les" W. Hench, Jr.

Les was born in Camden, New Jersey on December 17, 1932, the son of Leslie Walter Hench, Sr. and Hazel Sachse (Bailey) Hench. Les grew up in Collingswood, New Jersey and after graduating high school, joined the United States Air Force where he fell in love...with flying! From the moment his feet first left the ground, he never looked back. He flew the F86 Sabre and the F105 Thunderchief. After being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Les became a commercial airline pilot. He began his career with United Airlines in 1956 and never wanted to leave. Not many people can say, "I've seen every place in the world that I've ever wanted to see." Les said many times and was always the first one to tell you what a lucky man he was.

While flying for United, Les met H. Darby Cowles and fell in love again. They were married in October of 1966 and began raising their family in New Jersey. In May of 1968, they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Liesl Darby Hench. And in April of 1970, they completed their family with a son, Eric Leslie Hench. From New Jersey they lived briefly in Ohio before finding their home in Colorado in 1978.

Les would always say that if you were lucky enough to find a job you loved, you'd never work a day in your life. Les loved being a pilot, but after over forty years, Les retired from United Airlines. Les and Darby built a new house in the foothills overlooking Colorado Springs where they enjoyed spending time with their children, grandchildren and their beloved dogs.

Les was a hard-working, dedicated man of integrity. He touched many lives and was loved by all who knew him. Les will be dearly missed. Les passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 16, 2010.

Les is survived by his loving wife, Darby. He also leaves his three children to cherish his memory; Liesl McArthur and her husband Robb of Colorado, Eric and his wife Kathy of Indiana, and Mark and his wife Victoria of Minnesota. Les will also be missed by his grandchildren; Alycia, Brett, Brendan, Stephen and Christopher who will never forget their Pop-pop.

Less will be interred at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado with military honors.

Arrangements under the direction of Swan-Law Funeral Directors, Colorado Springs, Colorado.