Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Lester Wallace Salute




Lester Wallace Salute

This year Wolf Laurel has lost some wonderful long time residents, each of whom has positively influenced our community with his or her own brand of personality and individualism.  One passing, in particular, almost escaped our knowledge. 

 Lester Wallace most recently of 100 Hampton Gap and prior to that, Eagle’s Nest, died on May 25, two days after celebrating his 97th birthday. 

Wolf Laurel Country Club members from 1997 may remember assisting Lester and his wife, Mildred, as they rushed in and out of the club, removing countless golf bags, in an attempt to save them from being padlocked inside a bankrupt club. Others may remember Les for the dramatic story of his survival of the USS Mt Hood explosion in 1944. Still others may recall the excellent parties he, Mildred and Mac Miller would throw to celebrate whatever occasion was handy!  On an even more poignant note, they may be reminded of the time Les and Mac joined generously forces to purchase, at auction, the home of a Wolf Laurel resident and friend, thereby allowing him to spend his last years in dignity.

Personally, I will always remember a fine man, who even as his body was letting him down, had a razor sharp mind which thrived on stock reports, world news and lively conversation. My final memory is of a “take out” dinner Wayne and I took to share with the Wallaces during the last year Les was able to make the trip to Wolf Laurel.. What an evening; a joyful, raucous time was had by all!

In closing, I feel I can speak for all who knew Lester Wallace, as I salute the positive impact he and Mildred had on our beloved community.   

1 comment:

Deede Walker said...

Les was a special person and Wolf Laurel is a better place for his having been part of our community.

-- Deede and Denny Walker