Les Nielsen

My belated condolences to the Nielsen Family. I trained with Les in Karate for several years. He was a good man - he is missed by many.

My sincerest condolences to Les's family. I was blessed to be able to speak with Les after almost 40 years. You see Les was my first love. I always wanted to touch base with him and after getting in touch with his brother Doug, was able to get in touch with him. It was very hard to hear he was so ill. We had a chance to catch up. Remembering his parents, and too hear about his children and mine. I believe strongly it was meant to be for us to talk one last time. Gwen and girls, I am so sorry for your loss. To Doug and family, Les was a very special man and I know he left us too soon. He will always have a special place in my heart.

Gwen, Courtney and Sarah As we shared a life long friendship as kids growing up in Richmond and had many fantastic times together doing things like playing baseball and fishing and hunting. Later sharing experiences of family life and memories from childhood. Our busy lives kept us from seeing each other as much as we would have liked to but when we did see each other it was just like we had never been apart. I will truly miss my good friend Les with all my heart and when we meet again it will be just like old times.

Dear Gwen, Courtney and Sarah: Just to let you know that you are in our hearts during this difficult time. The world is a better place because of Les. He was such a wonderful and sincere man. Always a gentleman! We feel blessed to have known such a fine man. Please take care and know that many people are holding you close in their thoughts. Love and big hugs from Pam and Gerald xoxox

Dear Les: Just in case these notes are forwarded to where you are now I wanted to thank you. Thanks for all the laughs we had in the Two Road house (where your panama hat was the crowning touch to the Christmas tree) and in The Alley with the ever-faithful Malcolm (The Toast) always at your feet. Thanks for always keeping me on your long list of friends even when I would drift off into my world and forget. Thanks showing me what courage really is and what dedication to family means. Even though we weren't in touch that much you always had a place in your heart for everyone. I was very touched by the celebration service and video that you planned for us. I knew some of the stories behind the pictures but just realize now what an incredible, rich life full of love and accomplishment you had. Thank you for sharing it and teaching me what living life "to the fullest" means. Ron PS I'm sorry that we didn't get out for that last round at Quilchena in the Fall but perhaps I can join your foursome somewhere down the road. And I did take your advice and got that colonoscopy. Thanks for looking out for me - I'll never forget.

Dear Gwen and Family: We fondly remember Les as he helped Arthur through his journey in getting his black belt in karate many years ago. He drove Arthur to the dojo, helped hone his skills through extra training. He was a wonderful mentor. We, as parents appreciated every moment Arthur spent with Les, and so does Arthur. A man lives for as long as we keep his memory in our hearts. And we sure do and will keep Les' memory alive. Please accept our condolences. We hope you find strength in the days, weeks and years ahead. Lots of hugs, Danny & Daniela Leithman

To Gwen and family; Was totally shocked this morning when I saw the obituary for Les. I had the pleasure of meeting him years ago when I worked at Richport Ford, and everyone else is right on in sharing that Les was a very kind and caring soul. He never missed the Richmond Auto Mall Golf Tournament, and was right in there to do what was needed to make it a success. Anyone who knows Les...has been blessed. God Bless!!

Dear Nielsen Family, I was so sorry to hear of Les' passing. I first met him back in the 70's when he was working for CISL Radio in Richmond with Arnie & the gang. We worked together on the Richmond Automall Golf Tournament as well. He was a very kind man and will be missed. Blessings to you all, Liz Champion

My sincerest condolences to Gwen and the girls. Though it has been many years since I had the pleasure of spending any time with Les I still carry with me the memories of so many laugh filled times we shared together. What I shall always remember about Les was what a great hearted and caring friend he was. Another good one gone far too soon. All My Best Wishes John

GWEN AND FAMILY I DONT THINK THAT WE HAVE EVER MET . I AM FROM THE OLD NEIGHBOURHOOD ALONG WITH PAT HUDSON WHO HAS ALREADY LEFT HIS CONDOLENCES. I THINK I FIRST MET LES IN THOMPSON ELEMENTARY. I WAS 2 YEARS AHEAD. HE WAS A GREAT GUY TO HAVE AROUND THE PARK AND WOULD ALWAYS JOIN IN WITH WHATEVER WE WERE PLAYING. I BELIEVE THE LAST TIME I SAW HIM WAS ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO AND WE CAUGHT UP ON OLD TIMES. I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS ANDY NIMMO

Gwen, Courtney, & Sarah; we are so sorry to hear of your loss. So many fond memories of Christmas and other family dinners with the Nielsen and Layden clans. Les was very loved and will be missed by so many. Our deepest sympathies to all of you.

Richmond was a very small community in 1960 when my family moved there. I started in grade 4 @ Thompson Elementary School in late September and that's when I first met Les...the tallest kid in the class by a long shot! Watching Walt Disney after school, learning that Les' uncle (Leslie Nielsen) was the "Swamp Fox"...boy, he was a celebrity to the rest of his classmates. Over the ensuing grade school, junior high and high school years, we developed a mutual respect for each other and a friendship. Like many of us,after the school years, we didn't stay in touch and our lives became a series of running into each other in Richmond at different times throughout the years. Les was always smiling, we would chat about days gone by...it was nice to know that we each had that connection from an earlier, lighthearted, carefree time in our lives. Having just celebrated my 60th birthday on boxing day...I was grumbling about old age. After picking up the local Richmond paper today and seeing that Les had passed, I will never grumble again and will make sure to live one day at a time. Les, you were a good man and you left us too early!

Gwen, Courtney and Sarah, please accept our deepest sympathy for you loss. Martin, Jan, Shona, Andy and Rita

our deepest sympathies at this sad time Martin, Jan, Shona, Andy, Rita

Gwen and girls, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Gwen , Courtenay and Sarah It grieves me greatly to learn that Les lost his battle. It his difficult to find the words to describe my thoughts and feelings over the past few days. He has been constantly on my mind. I regret that I am so far away and cannot be there to express my thoughts to you or to share in your grief. Les was a terrific man. His generosity and thoughtfulness knew no limits. Les was one of the finest and best men I have known in all my life. I will remember Les always and often. He was certainly a better friend to me than I was to him. The world has lost a great man far too soon. I will be thinking of you and Les over the next days and weeks. Rodney

Gwen and family. We are so sorry to hear the news of Les's passing. Les and Jack go back to the late 70's when they worked together in radio sales. Over the years their paths crossed many times. Jack and Les reacquainted their relationship during 2011 when Jack and Les were both battling cancer and going to chemo treatments at Richmond Hospital. They had many conversations of support for each other. If ever there was a belt awarded in Heaven, Les would surely have the golden golf/karate highest achievement. Be strong and remember the beautiful memories you created together. Love Jack and Cindy Simmons

To Gwen and family, please accept our deepest sympathy for your loss. Our daughters so enjoyed every karate class he instructed - well, most of them!! We will forever have him in our memories. Thank you Les - may you be at peace.

Dear Gwen,Sara,Courtney and family, We are really sorry to hear about Les. He will be missed by all of us because he was such a good and real friend. We know that now he is out of pain and is at peace. We will miss him very much. Be strong, and if we can help in any way, please let us know. your friends, Bill and Marilynne

I first met Les when he was three years old, I was six. Neither Les nor I remember that meeting, but his loyalty and friendship I will remember for the rest of my life. There is no way to measure the sadness Les' passing has caused his family and friends. We may be sad, but are joyful at having had the pleasure of Les in our lives. Les was his own man, he lived his his life the way he thought best.I am sure he will be missed by all those he touched during his life. Our thoughts and wishes for better times ahead are extended to Gwen, Courtenay, Sarah and the rest of Les' family. Goodby old friend, Rest in Peace.

Dear Gwen, Courtney and Sarah I am sorry to hear the news about Les. He was a great guy and he will be missed. I hope the love and memories you shared will warm your heart and keep strong at this time. Perhaps he'll be playing golf with Mark, wherever they are. Sending you all love, Lorraine

All our best to you, our thoughts are of all the great memories we carry with us, Les was very special to us as well. During this difficult time, please know your in our thoughts. So sorry for your loss.

Gwen and family............ My deepest sympathy to you and your girls. Take care............. Sandi

Gwen and family Sorry to hear of Les' passing. Ginny had told me he was not doing well when I saw her in November. Our thoughts are with you and your family. Sue & Skip

Nielsen family.So sorry to hear about Les,I knew him since the early 90's when he use to come and visit us at the dealership.He always took the time to come and say hello to me when he came to visit,and when he needed help in getting that new car for Gwen he made sure her needs were looked after,it was indeed a pleasure to have known him and he will be sadly missed. Sincerely Gus McBride