Baker City, Oregon
Leslie Roy “Les” Erwin, 85, of Baker City, died Aug. 29, 2003, at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise.
His graveside service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Mount Hope Cemetery. Pastor Lennie Spooner of the Baker City Church of the Nazarene will conduct the service. After the memorial service, a luncheon for everyone will be served at the Nazarene Church Fellowship Hall. Coles Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Erwin was born Jan. 26, 1918, at a home in the Missouri Flat area of the Baker Valley. His parents were James and Vera Shulenbarger Erwin. He went to school in the Baker Valley until the eighth grade.
On June 11, 1939, he married Ruth Pettit in a small ceremony at Weiser, Idaho. The couple lived in Baker City for their entire married lives.
Les served in the U.S. Army during World War II, stationed in Alaska. He then came home and worked in lumber and construction, and he also was a shop foreman at the Valley Motor Garage for many years. He also owned his own service station for a short time. He was a member of the Baker City Church of the Nazarene.
In his retirement, he enjoyed working on his daughter and son-in-law’s family ranch, gardening, woodworking, hunting and fishing. He never missed any activities of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He made an effort in his later life, traveling great distances to participate in his family’s life.
Les had an endearing sense of humor. He loved to tease and visit with everyone. He had a special and unique relationship with his late son-in-law, David Williams. He always had a kind word for everyone.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ruth Erwin; children, Barbara Williams of Baker City and Darlene Wolfe of Salem; six grandchildren: Robin Jones, Karen Williams, Mike Williams, Lisa Rockenbrant, Chris Rockenbrant and Misty Wolfe; great-grandchildren, Brianne and Kellee Jones, Emmi and Tori Williams, Ashley and Stephanie Rockenbrant and Tyler Witherspoon.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers; one sister and a grandchild, Larry Rockenbrant.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Senior Center where Les and Ruth have spent many memorable hours with many wonderful friends. This may be done through Coles Funeral Home, 1950 Place St., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, September 5, 2003
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor