Leslie Candler Jr.

Leslie Leroy Candler, Jr., 71, of Bay Center, WA, passed away peacefully on March 5th, 2023 surrounded by loved ones. Les was born to Leslie and Agnes Candler on November 18, 1951 in Barron, WI. He spent his childhood in Dallas, WI where he spent his free time exploring and being outdoors. After graduating from high school, Les worked in various capacities within the fields of agriculture and food processing. His work brought him to Owatonna, MN and Cordova, AK where he made many friends and was an active member of the Moose Lodge. In 1990 Les relocated to Washington where he lived out the remainder of his years. In addition to his work as a licensed electrician and involved with the Raymond Elks Lodge, Les was an avid gardener and sportsman. He was known to harvest his own meat, seafood, and produce to preserve throughout the year. Les loved traveling and was planning to spend his retirement visiting new places as well as old favorites.

Les was predeceased by his father, Leslie Candler, Sr., sister, Patricia Rich, and wife, Kathleen. He is survived by his mother, Agnes Wagner of Rice Lake, WI; siblings Richard, Marilyn, Lewis, and Barbara; children Peggy (Owen) Netzer of Bismarck, ND, Janice Hawkins of Shoreview, MN, Leslie Candler, III of Auburn, WA and Raymond (Corrina) Candler of Raymond, WA; grandchildren Megan (Jacob) Gochnauer, Mason and MaryJean Hawkins, William and Mara Netzer, and Aaliyah and Adeline Candler; great-grandchildren Ryder and Gracie Gochnauer. In lieu of a funeral, Les requested a celebration of life be held in his honor. We invite all of Les’s friends and loved ones to join us in celebrating his beautiful life at the Raymond Elks Lodge #1292, 326 3rd St, Raymond, WA on Friday, June 2 starting at 4:00 p.m. Among his final wishes, Les asked to have his children scatter his ashes at Montague Island near Cordova, AK, a spot that was meaningful to Les for several reasons; this will take place at a later date.