Tribute

On Tuesday September 8th, Mr. Leslie John Shingler passed away peacefully at the Moog & Friends Hospice House.  Graveside service will be held at 12:30 PM Tuesday September 15, 2015 at the Okanagan Falls Cemetery. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 P.M. at the Oliver Alliance Church.

Les will be lovingly remembered by his sister Lorraine Teschke of Chilliwack as well as his sister-in-law Ruby McRae from Vernon, and brother-in-law Eric (Irene) Nickoli from Armstrong, and many wonderful and deeply loved nieces and nephews. Les was predeceased by his parents and many siblings, as well as his beloved wife Rose, his brother Wes, sister-in-law Catherine, and most recently, his nephew Darryl Teschke. 

Les was the 11th of 12 children born to Nick and Nellie Shingler, in Columbia Valley. He was the eldest of him and his twin brother Wes. The twins were born at home with the assistance of their eldest sister Helen.  After working very hard on the family farm, milking cows, plowing, seeding, and haying, in 1952 he decided to go the Bridge River Valley for work. He drove truck there for about 8 years. He met his beautiful Rose who was teaching there and after a time of courtship, they married.

In August 1960 they moved to Oliver, BC and bought their little home and settled there together for 49 years.  During that time, Rose taught school and Les worked in a small packing house and part time at a furniture store. He then was hired full time at the furniture store and worked there for 8 years. During that time, he learned upholstery and carpet and flooring installation. Eventually he became self -employed as an upholsterer and flooring installer. He continued this for many years until he had an opportunity to work for the Oliver School District as a janitor. He did this until he retired.

Les made friends everywhere he went. Even in their travels to Europe and the United States, he and Rose made friends that they kept in touch with over the years. Some of their dearest friends were also their neighbors. His coffee friends from A&W provided much laughter and companionship especially after his Rose passed. Les had a sense of humor that would have everyone giggling. Children and adults alike enjoyed his company.

Les faced many difficulties, loss of loved ones, and a diagnosis of cancer. However, none of these things compared with the loss of his beautiful wife Rose in 2009. He was brokenhearted. He set an example of courage and determination as he faced life each day without her beside him.

In 2010 he sold the house in Oliver and moved to Cawston, B.C. where he could be closer to his niece and her husband.  Many wonderful memories were made there with family and friends. He busied himself with small building projects as well as visiting friends for coffee, scrabble, and cribbage. 

Les moved into Moog & Friends Hospice House in April 2015. He made the very best of his time there. He found the staff and volunteers were professional and so caring. He regaled them with jokes and his playfulness. He appreciated everything they did for him.

We wish to thank the Drs., nurses and volunteers who made Les’s  difficult and arduous journey so much more manageable.  We especially want to thank Dr. Catherine Rooke and Dr. Crofts for their excellent care.

Donations gratefully accepted for Moog and Friends Hospice House.

Condolences and tributes may be directed to family by visiting nunes-pottinger.com