May 3, 1930 - September 24, 2003
On the morning of September 24, 2003, God said to Leslie, "It's time for you to come Home," and ever the obedient servant, Leslie went immediately.
Predeceased by brothers George and Chester, and sisters Florence, Hazel, Myrtle, and Pearl.
Leslie leaves behind to look forward to their eventual reunion in heaven his dear wife of 44 years, Carolyn; son Larry (Melanie) of Bothell, Washington; daughters Marilyn (Mark) Henderson of Abbotsford, and Lisa (David) Johnston of Langley; 12 grandchildren; Austin, Alan, and Andrew Grove; Chad, Ian, Bryan, and Melissa Freisen and Steven Henderson; Megan, Brooke, Amy, and Drew Johnston, brother Stan (Jean) Grove of Surrey, sister Helen Lindsay of Red Deer, Alberta, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Leslie was born on May 3, 1930, in Rich Valley, Alberta. After accepting Christ as his Savior as a young teenager, Leslie strongly felt called by the Lord to full time ministry as a pastor and church-planter.
In 1957, Leslie followed God's call to Japan where he continued his life's mission to bring people to the Lord. At a mission conference in Japan the following summer, he met Carolyn, and after their marriage in 1969 they worked there together until 1975, when they followed God's leading and moved their family to Brazil to work with both Japanese and Brazilians.
After retiring in 1995, Leslie and Carolyn went back numerous times both to Japan and Brazil to help in various capacities, including encouraging many pastors in their work. It was on their most recent trip of encouragement to a young pastor and his family in northern Brazil that God called Leslie Home.
Memorial services were held for Leslie in Abbotsford Evangelical Free Church on Friday, October 3 at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions to White Fields Mission would be appreciated.