Dec. 15, 1945 - Aug. 9, 2008

Lester "Les" Alan Helvie, 62, lost his 15-month battle with cancer Saturday. He passed away at his home in Salem, surrounded by loved ones. During his illness he displayed courage, strength, determination, love and humor.

Les was born to Norman and Jennie Helvie in McMinnville. He grew up in Carlton and graduated from Yamhill-Carlton High School in 1964. After graduation from Oregon College of Education in 1968, he entered the Army. Les completed Officer Candidate School in Virginia and was stationed in Seoul, South Korea. Upon being discharged from the Army, Les began his career working for the State of Oregon. He worked in Eugene for several years and then transferred to Salem. He retired in 2003.

Les is survived by his loving wife, Sally; daughters Allysa Boles and husband Jon of Klamath Falls, Jennifer Rake and husband Christopher of Albany, Amber Helvie and Renee Helvie of Salem; son Matt Helvie of Albany; granddaughters Emalee and Audry; parents Norman and Jennie Helvie of McMinnville; sisters Norma Wiser and husband Dick of McMinnville and Marilyn McKee and husband Bill of Perrydale; brother Dick Helvie and wife Linda of Keizer; and four nieces and four nephews. Family was the most important thing in his life, and he always enjoyed large family gatherings. Les loved being Grandpa to Emalee and Audry.

Les loved being outdoors, whether it was hunting and fishing with his buddies or working in his yard and garden, he always enjoyed time he could spend outside. He also enjoyed cooking, painting, reading, camping, traveling, flying, woodworking and going to garage sales in search of new treasures.

The family would like to thank friends and neighbors for all of their support through visits, cards, phone calls and prayers that were instrumental in Les beating the odds for as long as he did.

"We will all miss him dearly, but appreciate all that he gave us while expecting very little in return."

A service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at Calvary Baptist Church, 1230 Liberty St., Salem. Interment will be at Willamette National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the American Cancer Society or Willamette Valley Hospice. Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service is handling arrangements.