Leslie Michael Edwards, 69, died peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2020. Though he succumbed to complications from Covid19 while in the hospital, he was not alone. Through technology, his final days were filled with loving communication, music, sports news, comedy, and prayer.
Les, as he preferred to be called, was born in 1951 to his late parents, Ernesta (Anita) and Lionel Edwards in New York City. He is predeceased by grandparents, Maria and Walter Francis and Anna and David Edwards, and numerous aunts and uncles, all who loved and contributed to his development into a strong, successful, and caring black man who was always a gentleman.
Les was a lifelong learner who graduated from Power Memorial Academy High School, earned a BA in International Relations from the University of Wisconsin, and a MA in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Minnesota. He received advanced training in Finance from the University of Virginia and New York University.
Les was a sports fan who listened to Stephen A. Smith daily. He enjoyed listening to music, especially Miles Davis, James Brown, Jay-Z, and Nina Simone, to name a few. He loved Harlem, New York City, and enjoyed art and entertainment. Keeping fit was very important to him, so he was a regular at the gym and enjoyed walking in NYC.
Les held various positions of increasing responsibility at Fortune 500 companies and non-profit organizations. He traveled for business and pleasure, which afforded him the opportunity to explore the United States, South America, Africa, and the Middle East.
He is the recipient of numerous awards including: the David Rockefeller Fellowship Award, NYC Chamber of Commerce, George F. Peabody Award, Emmy Award, Robert F. Kennedy Award, and WCCO-TV (CBS) Graduate School Fellowship at University of Minnesota.
Les is survived by his Aunt Betty (Rebecca Harvey) with whom he had an especially close relationship, Uncle Thomas Edwards, Cousins Teri Harvey, Beverly Scarborough, Keturah Scarborough, Phoebe Scarborough, Tabitha Scarborough, and numerous family and friends. Les is also survived by his special friend, Angela Wong, who he shared a close and loving relationship.
Leslie had such an extraordinary and beautiful presence about him that will always be remembered by all whom he encountered. His is a life well lived!
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