How do I find the words to honour this man who was so much a part of me and whom I miss more than I can even begin to put into words. This quiet man who had such an infinite abundance of patience, courage, humour, and gentleness and who by his actions showed so much love for me. Les wasn't one for flowery phrases. His actions spoke much louder than mere words ever could. And now I still have the gift of his beautiful music which comforts me and which I shall treasure always.

Les loved music so much throughout his entire life and was also a very accomplished dancer. Life can be cruel as attested to by the fact that this man should end up afflicted with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Every girl or woman I have ever known, both in our teen years and later years as well, would always choose him as a dance partner in a split second once she knew what it was to dance with him. He made his partner a much better dancer than you actually were as he led you across a dance floor. I think I first fell in love with him as a teenager on a dance floor as a matter of fact. That love only grew stronger as I actually came to know him as a man. 

The last few years he suffered more than anyone should ever have to bear and yet he never complained, and in fact tried to mask the pain he was enduring both from his Rheumatoid Arthritis and later from his Lung Cancer trying to make things easier for me. In all that time he never indulged in anger, self pity, or even impatience and believe me, living with me would at times try the patience of a saint. 

 I miss him so much but I do know he could not, or should not, have had to endure more than he had already endured, and so, mixed with the loneliness and infinite sadness is a sense of relief that he is now free of that horrific ordeal and at peace.

 I shall miss him as the sun rises and as it sets. In the chill of winter and in the rebirth of spring. In the summer's warmth and in the beauty of Autumn. When I am weary and in need of strength. When I feel lost and sick at heart or when I have joys I wish to share with him. 

One thing I know for a certainty. As long as I live, so will he, for he is a part of me and I shall remember and miss him always. The young man of our youth and the man with whom I shared the years as we weathered the storms of our Golden Years. My love, my best  friend, and my soul mate.

Rest my love, knowing we will be together again. Time passes quickly at our age. Wait for me knowing we will share eternity together.