Les was born July 1, 1920 to William and Anna Keller in Culdesac, Idaho.  He grew up in Culdesac enjoying the outdoors with his older brothers and many friends.  He graduated from Culdesac High School in 1938, and entered the University of Idaho where he studied botany until enlisting in the Army Air Corps in 1942.  During World War II, he served in England, and was honorably discharged in 1946.

After leaving the Army, he studied pharmacy at the University of Washington, graduating in 1948.  During this time he met the love of his live, Irene Muscat.  They married in Lewiston, Idaho on August 31, 1946 and lived in Bellevue, Washington until Les graduated from pharmacy school.  They moved to Port Angeles, Washington where Les worked as a pharmacist.  It is here he began his life-long love of saltwater boating and fishing.  Les and Irene’s two children, Leslie Ann and Terry, were born in Port Angeles.  In 1957, the family relocated to Bellevue, Washington where Les continued his work as a pharmacist.  In 1958 until his retirement in 1982 he was the owner/manager of Lake Hills Drug in Bellevue.

Les’ life revolved around his family, his business and his friends.  He and Irene loved traveling, whether just a weekend visit to nearby family or their almost annual trips to Hawaii. They also doted on their dogs.  Les loved hunting and fishing, especially with his brother Bob, Leslie Ann and Terry, and later his beloved grandchildren. He never learned to pilot a plane, but enjoyed many adventures with his long-time friend Don Spawn, traveling in Don’s airplane.

After retirement, Les and Irene continued to travel, particularly enjoying a road trip with friends Howie and Frannie Johnson to Nova Scotia and the east coast.  Prior to Irene’s death, her declining health kept them close to home where Les provided loving care and was at her side until her death in 1991.

In 1995, Les moved to Boise to “escape the big city” and be closer to his grandchildren.  His focus became baseball games, choir concerts and Sunday dinners with the family.  He continued to catch lots of fish, but his itch to travel diminished in recent years and he was happy just staying at home.  Even as his health failed in his final months, his wonderful spirit shone through as he made many new friends at Wynwood @ River Place.  He continued to touch the lives of all his family and friends as well.

Les was preceded in death by his loving wife Irene, his parents, his brothers Bob Keller and Bill Keller.  He is survived by his sister, Emily Dissmore, his daughter Leslie Ann (Everett), his son Terry (Karen), and grandchildren John (Kristen), Ryan (Stacey) and Rebecca.  He also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks for the great care Les received from the doctors and nurses at St. Luke’s, especially Doctors Tenley and Duerr, and Medenne on 3-tele, as well as Rachel and Megan at St. Luke’s Hospice.  We can’t begin to thank the staff at Wynwood for their care and comfort of Les and support of the family. Our heartfelt thanks to Anne, Nancy, Tina, Christina, Debbie and Christine for their support and comfort throughout Les’ stay.  You truly are angels.

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