On March 3, 2020 Leslie Duane Bestul Sr. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with PRCA and dementia. He was born on July 17, 1936 in Woodside Township (Fertile), Minnesota to Florence & Arthur Bestul. He had fond memories of his childhood on the farm with his sisters. The family moved to Cottage Grove, Oregon in the early ’50s and eventually settled in Eureka. As a teenager he worked a few odd jobs delivering singing telegrams and setting bowling pins. He attended Eureka High School and as a senior started his career in the timber industry at Holmes, Eureka. He had a work ethic that we all have learned by, always with the intent to provide for his family from a very young age. Loader operator became his expertise, and eventually he owned his own log export business, retiring in the early 2000s.

Les was blessed with a son Leslie Jr. from his first marriage. On December 31, 1965 Les married the love of his life, Roxie, and along with her children Jerry & Donna they became a blended family of five. Cheryl and Dawn were born, and the family grew to seven.

Over the years Les was awarded many trophies for log loading competitions, bowling and pool tournaments. He enjoyed many family outings at Swimmers Delight with picnic lunches of bologna sandwiches or fried chicken, potato salad and cream soda, also agate hunting at Patrick’s Point and salmon fishing in the ocean. He loved cutting firewood and taking a scenic drive. We never knew where we might end up! Nothing brought him greater joy than visiting with his family, whether it be sparring with the kids, going to a Giants game, or watching one of them in their many sporting events or just giggling in play. Family get-togethers brought him complete joy! Les loved antique cars and never missed the Fortuna car show. He liked the big cars for his long legs! There were other wonderful memories of playing ping pong in the back yard, shooting pool in the pool room out back and walks to the bay to hunt for crabs or catch a few perch off the fishery docks.

Les was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Florence Bestul, sisters Marilyn Pittman, Laura Woolsey, Beverly Young, and stepdad Dellard Graves.

Les is survived by his wife Roxie of 54 years, sisters Linda Strawn, Bonnie (Guy) Lampley and Dorothy (John) Walton, sons Leslie Bestul Jr. (Sheri), Jerry Shepherd, daughters Cheryl Niles (Mark), Dawn Kasper (Mike), Donna Adams (Eddie). Grandchildren Nick Bestul (Sarah), Blake Bestul (Zarina), Ruby White (Josh), Ashley Niles (John), Amber Massey (Christian), Dillon Kasper, Dalton Kasper, Roxie Held (Cameron), Jolene Guillen (Zeke), Ed Adams Jr (Alicen), Alicia Olson (Dan) and Josh Shepherd. Great grandchildren Dakota and Jesse Bestul, Earl, Waylon and Loretta Bestul, Sonny, Gunnar and Mason White, Trenton and Analiese Massey, Jarrett and Ryan (Madison) Held, Alexiss, Karinna and Natalia Guillen, Michaelyn, Naveah and Gabe Adams, Anaiya and Gavin Rau, and Addison Campbell.

A special thank you to the family and friends that checked in on Dad and to the caregivers that showed endless compassion. In lieu of flowers we would like to request a donation be made to Hospice in honor of Les. A celebration of life potluck will be held at the Sequoia Conference Center located at 901 Myrtle Ave. Eureka on March 14 at 5:30 p.m. All who knew him are welcome to come celebrate Les and share a story!

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Les Bestul’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.