Our condolences to the family. We share your sorrow at your loss. Our prayers are with you.

nicely put momma but i did help you tear down that shed,you have such a great memory so many good times.I agree if we look at the positive as how happy and content he was before his passing that we know there was a sort of satisfaction as he loved his boys so much,and so proud to be a grandfather,and found the woman he always wished to share his life with at his later days unfortunately. Make us know hopefully he found contentment

As for me so difficult to accept such a great loss being his little brother. Knowing I have no choice as this is the cycle of life.i love and cherish the memories and good times we have shared as I was wishing for so much more I love you bro you were a great man and a great brother,son ,grand parent,parent,loving uncle,and boy friend of a fantastic woman which loves you so much

Buffy you were one of the best things which les had in his life,I saw the happiness every time I seen him which he sought for.

Les was my cousin, but he was more than that to me. He was my big brother, my protector, my best friend as we were growing up.

I have very few memories of my teenage years that Les is not a part of. When we weren't together, we were often talking to each other on the phone. 

We both grew up, changed, and moved on to very different lives, but I always knew that the bond we shared would always be there. I knew I could always count on him if I needed him, and I hope he knew the same of me.

He was such a good friend, and I will treasure my memories of him for always.

Our hearts and prayers go out to us and his family and friends for his loss he will be deeply missed.... Eric and Rhonda

So sorry for you loss.  Thank you for sharing this raw and candid share and tribute to your son.  He was blessed to have such a supportive family and many loved ones by his side. 
I unfortunately didn’t know him well, but if memory serves correctly, he is the cousin  I always referred to as the “one at the swings, pushing two blonde boys.”  I admired his commitment as a father doting on his little boys.

Leslie was my little 5# baby born on my birthday.  He grew into a strong man who trained his sons to be good and loving fathers.  Tyler, you may not be a father yet but you show great training with your niece and nephew.  I looked at a picture of Les with long hair. I remember our deal that he could grow it as long as he wanted and could bleach it(remembering California).as long as he did not turn it purple or pink. I forgot don’t shave it off, but that wasn’t popular then.  I remember cutting hair of Les and a couple others (not Sam)) Les favorite was Metallica but one of his wonderful friends gave me my first BonJovi tape. No Ozzy allowed. We had badminton tournaments and built an ice house. The guys together built a meeting clubhouse (shack) that I alone personally toreand kicked down and made them clean up for unknown reasons. What fun! Shawn.   Scott.  Ben.  Ryan.  Sam.  Joe.   I wish I could remember all of your names.  Supper: Sometimes it was only hot dogs.  One night I made bean soup or white chicken chili for supper.  I did not think you all would eat it .  You guys ate the whole huge soup pan full Usually  I had to freeze half of it because I always made too much   In later years Les had become quite a hermit but he spent a great deal of time with his boys and his grandchildren.  He also spent a lot of time with his second family, Buffie and her two daughters who he loved very much.  They helped give him so much peace and happiness in the past few years and we are so greatful for them.  We may not have been able to see quantity in years to ccme, but we were given the time to see the quality of the relationship we saw him have with Buffie and the two new girls in his family, the new
activities he enjoyed,the new happiness on his face. Thank you Buffie and your daughters for the new joy you brought him.We will never forget. You three girls were every thing we prayed for, that God would send to this wonderful son of ours.
Leslie was a good son who was in a happy life that we had hoped and prayed for him. We are so greatful for the care he received at the Spectrum Heart Center. The Doctors, staff and nurses did everything and more.  They always took my calls from out of the country those days when we were gone.  The nurses were so kind and compassionate.  Thank you Dustin and Tyler and Buffie for the calls we put you through. 
We know that everything is in Gods timing.  At our ages,we certianly wish that we could have changed places.  God,I know does not work that way.  Our trust is in Him. God showed us Himself how to lose a Son. We are in acceptance. We love and miss our son.

Eleanor and Duane - we are so sorry for your families' loss.   I cannot imagine the grief you must be feeling.  He had to be a very special and precious son.   Your entire family will be in our prayers.  Mel and Ev Bajema

Lit a candle in memory of Leslie Alan Ritsema

...there is so many memories with Les, saying that being friends with him for twenty years was amazing, but having him by my side as a partner through so much is a blessing. Les ritsema thank you for loving me and my girls in a way we have never felt before.you are absolutely the love of my life. We miss you!

OBITUARY

Leslie Alan Ritsema

October 13, 1972 – February 20, 2019

Cook Funeral and Cremation Services

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