On July 13, 2020, Les (LR) Alexander left this world to go be with his wife of 74 years, Francis Alexander, who passed last October.

In his 99 years of life, Les demonstrated how to be a strong foundation for his family and a loving faithful gather, and grandfather. He was a pillar of the community and an example of how to live a life with both honor and dignity.

Les was born May 1921 at The Bean Place, a mountain ranch close to the family Mill at Willow Ranch near Lakeview, California. The son of John Raymond and Bessie Alexander, Les had three siblings — Darrel, Jack, and Bernie, who resides with her husband Lester Carr to this day in Texas.

In 1940, Les lost his father in a logging accident and in 1942 he was drafted into the service with his brother Darrel. Les served in United States Army WWII 157th Tree regiment and was awarded an infantry combat badge, bronze star, American theater service medal, a European theater service a theater medal and a good conduct medal. He was an expert in small arms, the machine gun, the submachine gun and the bayonet. He was a driver, a mechanic and a Liberator of Dachau Concentration Camp.

Once stateside Les married Frances Lucille Archer on December 31st, 1945, and they began the family that survives them to this day.

He had two children — Raymond K Alexander (1947) and his wife Janice, and Trudy L. Rink (1949) and her husband Alan — and four grandchildren — Les Alexander (1969) and his wife Adriana, Ross Alexander (1971) and his wife Patty, Ron Alexander (1972) and his wife April, Melinda Meeks (1977) and her husband Tracy, and Amanda Lewis (1983) and her husband Nathan — as well as 14 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

He was also a pillar of this community. He was a founding member and vice president of Associated California Loggers (1976), a president of the North Coast chapter (1976), and state president in 1977. Also: Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons Master (1977) and Shrine Club president (1976).

He opened Mad River Hardwood in 1974. He worked tirelessly to advance this community.

Les earned his pilot’s license in 1976. Both Les and Frances enjoyed the outdoors, backpacking, hunting and golfing. Together they traveled to all 50 states and at least 40 other countries around the world.

Les spent the twilight years of his life next to his wife’s side, being lovingly cared for by family at the Ranch out in Freshwater. It was on July 4th, 2020, when he expressed fully the deep sadness of being apart from the love of his life. After experiencing a firework show that he said he would never forget, a few days later he slipped off peacefully to be with her.

Leslie R. Alexander’s life was a life to be celebrated and remembered. He touched so many people in his life, and we would like to give you the opportunity to remember him with us.

We will be gathering Sunday, July 26, at 1222 Freshwater Rd., Eureka.

A viewing will begin at 12 p.m.

Service will begin at 2 p.m.

Celebration of life will begin after the service.