Mr. William Lester Becker "Les"

William Lester Becker was born in Chehalis, Washington, to parents John and Eva (Morgan) Becker on June 13, 1917. He was raised in Rochester, Washington. In his young life, he was a Boy Scout and proudly achieved the honor of Eagle Scout later serving as a Boy Scout leader. He graduated from Rochester High School.

Les served as a cook for the US Army during WWII. Following the war, in the late 40’s, Les worked in the logging industry. Les was severely injured while working on a logging project in Roseburg, Oregon; he was caught in a firestorm and a tree fell on his back. During his lengthy rehabilitation, Les decided to pursue a different career path. He later taught as a higher math instructor and drafting teacher at Oregon Polytechnic Institute (now PSU). Les’ primary career was as a Civil engineer for Federal Highways and he was involved in the planning and design of many important and noteworthy Oregon roadways and major projects including the I-5 project, Oregon route 18, just to name a few. He retired in 1977.

He married LaRayne Shade on December 20th, 1958, in Gresham, Oregon. They had two children, daughters Tami and Dawn Rene’.

Les spent much of his life in the service of others. He was a proud Masonic Lodge member. He ascended to the level of Master Mason in the 1970’s and was an honored member of the ‘70’s Master Masons. He was also involved in Eastern Star and Amaranth. He volunteered at the Oregon Historical Society and was involved in maintaining the accuracy of their maps. He was a 20 year Elks member. Up until his passing, he volunteered at the Senior Luncheon in Warrenton and looked forward to looking after his “little old ladies” (that were 20 years his junior). Les was an Elder of the Presbyterian Church and an involved member of Clatsop Plains Pioneer Presbyterian Church. He was a Stephen Minister and also served as a trainer for Stephen Ministry. His most proud role was as a loving husband, father, grandfather; and friend. Les, we love you and miss you, may you rest in eternal peace.

Les is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, LaRayne; daughters Tami L. Smith (David) of Tigard, Oregon, and Dawn Rene’ Becker (Kevin Conefrey) of Edmonds, Washington; grandsons MacKenzie Smith and Cole and Aeden Conefrey; and his fuzzy, faithful Shih Tzu companion, Bubbles.

A celebration of Les’ life will be held on Monday, August 27th, 2012, at 1pm in Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel, 4101 NW Skyline Blvd., in Portland, Oregon. Les will be privately laid to rest in Skyline Memorial Gardens, Garden of the Old Rugged Cross.

Please visit Les’ Internet memorial and online guestbook at www.skylinememorialgardens.com.

Remembrances in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Oregon Historical Society.