Obituary of Leslie Herbert Adair-Williams

Leslie Herbert Adair-Williams passed peacefully into the loving hands of his Lord Jesus Christ on February 20, 2021 in Creston, British Columbia at the age of 90.  His beloved daughter Dawna was by his side. 

Les was born on June 12, 1930 to Rev. and Mrs. A. C. Williams in Tompkins, Saskatchewan.  Along with his two brothers, Lawrence and Glen, he was raised and nurtured in a minister’s home during the tough times of the Great Depression in Saskatchewan and Michigan.  In 1952, Les married Lillian Adair, his boyhood sweetheart whom he met in Shackleton, Saskatchewan.   Les received his Mortician’s Certificate from the University of Alberta and, with partners, founded Parkland Funeral Home in Red Deer, Alberta.  Les introduced prearranged funeral services to many in central Alberta.

With his wife and three children, Everyl, Bryan, and Cameron, he moved to Penticton, British Columbia in 1964.  Eventually leaving the funeral business, Les opened the Argyle Confectionary, a small neighborhood grocery store at the corner of Scott & Argyle, where neighbors could put grocery purchases on account. Dad was always a great neighbor, with a friendly wave and a “hello”.  While in Penticton, Les & Lynne welcomed their fourth child, Dawna.  With his strong integrous entrepreneurial spirit, which he passed on to his kids and grandkids, Les then became both a Realtor and Real Estate Adjustor, first in Penticton and then in Victoria, BC. Driving BC’s Highway 3 in 1990, Les looked for the flattest roofs (minimal snow), and places able to grow fruit trees, and Les & Lynne found Creston, British Columbia. In 1992, they made Creston their home.

Les loved food.  Every day possible, he would walk to his nearest grocery store and meander down each aisle until he spotted his good deal.  His joy was to make the staff smile as he interacted with everyone.  He prepared tasty meals for friends and family alike.  Les served as head camp cook for many family and children’s camps, where people looked forward to his cooking.  At home, his gardens and fruit trees were some of his fondest joys; he checked his “ranch” several times each day, because he loved to watch things grow.  His bounty was served with love each time his family returned home. 

Les loved his churches and church families.  He served as a vocalist in many of his local congregations, and also as an elder.  When he arrived in Creston, Les was part of the team that merged two very different congregations into the Creston New Life Church.  He worked tirelessly to help New Life grow and thrive.  He loved gospel music and could often be heard singing along with favorite songs and hymns.  Les’ family thanks Pastor Gordon Lawrence for his pastoral care, and his dear friendship, especially as Les finished his earthly days. 

Les loved his family.  Although distance and the Canada/USA border often separated him and his kids, Les always travelled with Lynne to where his children were living.  Reunions were joyous celebrations of life.  Les loved his crib games, even if you beat him. He was a great husband, father, Grandad, Great Grandad, uncle, and friend to all.  Les is dearly missed. 

Les’ family thanks the nursing staff of the Creston Hospital for their kind care during his last days.  We also thank Crestview Care Village; Les loved his final home there and the care and attention of the staff. 

Les is survived by his adoring wife Lynne, his children Everyl & Kurt of Harrisburg, PA, Bryan & Lynette of McCall, Idaho, Cam & Cindy of Nampa, Idaho, and Dawna, of Creston, BC.  His many grandchildren and great-grandchildren are sad to have lost Grandad.  He was predeceased by his parents and brothers. 

Due to COVID restrictions, dad’s graveside service will be held at Forest Lawn cemetery for the family.

To honor a life well lived, the family would be delighted if you planted a tree in Dad’s memory.

We celebrate our dad’s life, and that he has finally heard those cherished words: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” We look forward to seeing him again in heaven and, until then, we carry his legacy forward.

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