The Obituary of Richard D. Lesh M.J.

1927 - 2007

May He Rest In Peace

LESH-Richard D., passed away Thurs., 2/1/07 following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born 5/3/27 in Grand Island, NE to Ethel Darling and Charles Wesley Lesh. He grew up in Omaha and graduated from Benson High in 1945. Following graduation from the University of Denver, he married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn White on 6/19/49. They lived in Denver while he completed his MA at D.U., and he accepted a position as an art instructor at Wayne State College in 1951, teaching drawing, painting, art history and design.

Together they raised 5 children in Wayne until he retired to Ft. Collins, CO in 1982. He was a member of Mizpah Lodge #302, Scottish Rite Temple, Omaha, El-Jebel Shrine and a Jester, Denver, CO. He was also a member and former president of the NE Arts Council and had his paintings exhibited throughout the Midwest.

His favorite passion was Sherlock Holmes and he became hooked on the stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle at the age 11. He was the founder in 1963 of the Maiwand Jezails, a society within the International Baker Street Irregulars. He was most recently honored for his contributions at a Maiwand Jezails meeting in Omaha in Oct., 2006.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marilyn; his children, Linda (Dan) Payton, Ft. Collins, CO, Dr. Kurt (RosaMery) Lesh, Colorado Springs, Lisa (David) Bey, Lori (Alfred) Willett, all of Cedar Rapids, IA, Kipp Lesh and partner, Hallee Fish, Longmont, CO; sister, Darlene (Terry) Reynolds, Omaha; 9 grandchildren, Harrison, Emma, Ross, and Julia Payton, Ft. Collins, CO, Kevin and Jennifer Lesh, Colorado Springs, Emily Bey, Amy and Clayton Willett; 3 step-grandchildren, Kathy Towe, Craig Bey. all of Cedar Rapids, IA, Suzanne Hilton, Scottsdale, AZ.

A Private Family Service was held on Sat., 2/3/07. Memorials may be made to Shrine Children's Hospital or American Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent online to http://www.goesfuneralcare.com