Leslie Edward Snavely
June 6, 1934 – September 2, 2017
Les Snavely
Leslie Edward Snavely, 85, died September 2, 2017 at home with his wife of 61 years, Joyce M. Snavely and son Brian G. Snavely by his side.
Les was born June 6, 1932, in Bell, California; he is survived by older sister Florence Fowler, husband Glenn Fowler and younger brother Dee Snavely, and wife Kara Snavely.
He is also survived by his 3 sons, Scott Edward and wife Lisa, Brian Glen and wife DoraLee and Keith Loren Snavely. He also leaves behind his 9 grandchildren: Teixeira, Christopher, Marlaina, Bryton, Andrew, Tyler, Jonathan, Danaya, and Sophia. Also, the great-granchildren of Andrew and Teixeira Clark; Macie, and twins Camden and Paxton.
Les playing ball in Navy
Les starred on the varsity basketball team at Roosevelt High School. After graduation, he joined the Navy and served during the Korean War in Hawaii and Guam. Among his duties in the Navy he also played on his unit’s basketball team.
After the Navy, Les attended Fresno State College graduating in 1960 with a degree in Education and a minor in History.
Les and Joyce were married June 1, 1956. They lived in Fresno, Santa Barbara, Exeter and Sacramento California. Les worked for GE and the family moved in 1971 to the then remote location of Redmond, Washington. Les retired early from GE and took a job at Sahalee Golf Course where he worked until the summer of his 80th birthday.
Les was passionate about sports and was an especially good basketball player. He spent many years coaching his three son’s youth sports teams. There are many children in
Coach Les
Redmond in the 70’s that learned about sportsmanship and fair play from Les’ leadership as a coach.
Les was an avid golfer, and had several hole-in-one’s, earning him the moniker “Lucky Les”. He was a loyal member in the Westgate Masonic Lodge for 49 years and served as long time treasurer and secretary. In his spare time, he became an accomplished watercolor artist. Snavely family homes are filled with Les’ beautiful paintings.
A celebration of life will be held at Redmond Senior Center, 8703 160th AVE NE, Redmond, Washington, Saturday, September 16 from 2 – 4 PM
In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate in Les’ name to the Evergreen Hospice Foundation https://www.evergreenhealthfoundation.com/support/hospice/, click on “Donate”.
4 Responses to “Leslie Edward Snavely”
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Joyce: Les was such a wonderful man. Of all the people I remember from sorority meetings, he is the one I can recall that always had a smile on his face when we entered your home. I know you will miss him dearly. You and Les were married the same year Ray and I were, in 1956. I am happy to know you have such a large family that can be there to “lift you up” when needed.
Love, Ginny Bentson
Scott and family-our hearts hurt for you all. Please know we are thinking of you and extend our prayers for God’s peace during this difficult time. All our love, Jane & Blaire
When I think of Les, I think of a strong character, showing family love and pride, always with a ready smile and a willingness to help those around him. I remember one incident when I had a car issue blocks from his home. I called him for help (no AAA in those days for me) and, without hesitation, he was there within minutes. I’m sure many have had an experience of his helping hand.
His love and knowledge of sports is paramount. I enjoyed our conversations about our Mariners and he would come forth with such statistics, able to answer any question. We never gave up on our Mariners, always hoping for that winning season.
His legacy will certainly live on in his family, with Joyce, with his sons and their families. Les was such a loving and proud Grandparent and Great-Grandparent, as one would see when he was with them. They have been blessed to have him in their lives; we have been blessed to know him.
My thoughts and prayers are with his family. May God’s blessing be with you and comfort you in your loss.
Les and Joyce were neighbors of ours in 1970 in Foothill Farms of Sacramento, CA. He got me started in a long-time passion of mine for youth sports by co-coaching the Little League baseball team with teammates Brian and Keith and my Lance. We always kept in touch with the Snaveleys while we traveled to and from different states during our working careers. Les was a very good man and always a good distant – friend for life. Ann and I are very sorry for your loss of a very fine husband, companion, and father. But we are very blessed for having known him and will always remember him. Love you all, Jim and Ann