Obituary of Leslie O. Burton

Leslie O. Burton (62) lifetime resident of St. Maries, ID, died September 27, 2012 at his home from complications following a courageous four-year battle with ALS/ Lou Gehrig's Disease. In his own words, Les was "conceived in St. Maries and transported across state lines against his wishes". He was born on August 9, 1950 to R.W. "Bill" and Beverly (Seifert) Burton at Long Beach, CA. As a toddler, he returned to St. Maries with his family where he attended school. As a boy, he worked for the Spokesman Review delivering newspapers. He also worked for the Gazette Record selling subscriptions. Les also worked as a delivery boy for Ray Manning Meat Market. He graduated from St. Maries High School with the class of 1969 where he was on the wrestling team. While in high school, he worked for the Idaho Dept. of Lands fighting fires during the summer. Following his graduation, he worked for the Milwaukee -St. Paul -Pacific Railroad with the section crew out of Avery, ID. Les enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1970 and served in Vietnam aboard the USS Oriskany CVA 34 as a jet mechanic. He was also stationed at Cubi Point in the Philippines with the Military Police. He was also stationed at Lamore Naval Air Station before he was honorably discharged in 1978. He then served 8 more years with the Navy Reserves. In 1978, he went to work for Comet Trailers at Spokane, WA. He worked there for 5 years before going to work for Freezing Systems, Inc. for one year. In 1986, Les returned to St. Maries and went to work for Edwards Mill. He left that position to go to work for Potlatch Corp., St. Maries Complex in 1992. He worked in all phases of the mill's operations. His illness forced him to retire in 2008. Les had two marriages that ended in divorce. He married Mary Middleton on July 20, 2002 at St. Maries. Les was involved in many volunteer activities including Abate of Washington and Idaho. He was a hunter safety instructor, He worked on Computers for Kids program as well as Free Prom dresses for young ladies program. Les was active with the Pro Moto Rodeo and a past coordinator for the St. Joe River Riders. Les was a member of V.F.W. Post #1435, St. Maries Eagles Aerie # 2012, The Paralyzed Veterans of America, Bike Pac of Idaho and the North West Classic Motorcycle Club. Les enjoyed riding his motorcycle with his wife Mary and they traveled extensively through out the Pacific Northwest. Les is survived by his wife Mary at the family home. His mother Beverly Jean Kennedy lives in Spokane, WA. Also surviving is his son Jon Burton of Lake Osweep, OR. daughters Jogee Campbell of Aloha, OR., and Crystal Crum of St. Elmo, IL. Les is also survived by brothers William, Pat, and Greg Burton, Sisters Chris Smith and Jeanne Christensen all of Spokane, WA. 9 grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by: his father R.W. "Bill" Burton, Grandfather Bill W. G. Seifert, Grandmother Elise Seifert, Step-father Ed Kennedy (2007), uncle Fred Seifert (2002) and Uncle Irvin Burton (2009) There will be a memorial service in St. Maries on Saturday October 13, 2012. A motorcycle "Missing Man" formation will start at Cabin City at noon (organized by the Northwest Classic Motorcycle Club). For information regarding the ride, call 509-294-1249. They will travel down Main Ave. to the Loggers Memorial where balloons will be released and the St. Maries American Legion Color Guard will present honors. People will then travel to the Eagles Lodge (motorcycle parking in the parking lot only) for a slide show and "Remembering Les" tribute and meal. A (one hour) silent auction will follow the service with the proceeds going to, ALSSO, Hospice and the Sr. Meal Site. Les planned his own memorial service and would be honored to have you attend. Visit his online memorial and sign his guest book at www.hodgefuneralhome.com Read Leslie Burton's Obituary and Guestbook on www.hodgefuneralhome.com.