Leslie "Les" Victor Sipes

In loving memory of Leslie Victor Sipes, we mourn the passing of a cherished husband, devoted father, and beloved grandfather. Les, born on July 6, 1960, passed away on March 14, 2024, at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, the same place where he began his journey 63 years earlier. His absence leaves a void in our lives that can never be filled, but his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Les was predeceased by his father, David Sipes, mother, Lucille Sipes, and his brothers, Larry and Doug.

Les maintained a playful and witty demeanor until the very end, engaging in light-hearted banter with nurses and doctors. In his youth, Les enjoyed teaming up with friends to explore innocent mischief, often finding himself as the voice of reason among them. Additionally, he showcased his talent as a remarkable fast-pitch softball player, continuing to infuse the joy of childhood into his life and the lives of his companions throughout his adulthood.

Les had an extraordinary knack for connecting with people on a profound and genuine level. The bonds he forged were characterized by authenticity and depth, never merely superficial. It is rare to see friends that last for decades, only ever getting stronger and never fading. Les had that with his friend, Kerry Eastman, a true friendship that anyone would be enviable of. His genuine interest in others is what allowed him to forever touch the lives of countless people. Whether it was the local waitress, a neighbor, or the clerk at the gas station, Les was adored by all.

Nothing meant more to Les than his family. He fiercely loved his wife, Beth, children, Brie and Ryan, stepchildren, Joshua and Amy, and grandchildren, Kaia, Conor, and Eliana. Not one single day went by he didn’t talk to his kids or tell his wife how much he loved her. When Les wasn’t putting in 110% effort to make his grandkids laugh, he would watch videos of their giggles on repeat. His grandchildren equally adored Les and would gleefully call him by his nickname Gigi, never ceasing to demand his attention on the phone.

Les exemplified extraordinary generosity. Despite his tireless work ethic, he consistently made time to support those around him. Whether tending to the yard of his elderly neighbors, assisting with substantial projects for his father-in-law, or going the extra mile to brighten the lives of his grandchildren, Les always prioritized giving back to others.

Les always had an eye and appreciation for beauty and history. He was a true artist and craftsman. Hardly a day passed without Les immersing himself in a new project. He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to restoring his farm, ensuring the preservation of its historical significance while also striving to craft a beautiful place for his children, Brie and Ryan, to call home. He turned his house in Berthoud into an oasis, a true neighborhood gem appreciated by all, especially his wife. Les would never cut corners, but instead, created projects with intense detail and quality to last many lifetimes. Les has left the world in a much more beautiful state for all to enjoy.

Les’s father, David, was a Veteran. Les had a great admiration for Veterans and was forever appreciative of what they gave to our country. His passion for Veterans led him on a quest to one day be able to individually impact the lives of those who served. As cruel fate will have it, Les was taken from us too early to implement this dream. His family will carry out his wishes and plans to create an initiative in his name with a goal of impacting unique individuals each year, as a thank you for all they have sacrificed.

A memorial service will be held at Allnutt Funeral Home in Fort Collins on March 22 at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Tunnel 2 Towers, an organization focused on helping Veterans.