Former longtime Juneau civic leader Les V. Spickler died Nov. 4, 2023 in Olympia, Wash. at the age of 93.
He was born in Hemet, Calif. July 21, 1930 and grew up in Chehalis, Wash., graduating from Chehalis High School in 1948.
Les married his High School sweetheart Betty Gifford in 1949. He worked for Northern Commercial Company in Washington which brought the couple to Juneau before statehood, in 1959.
He helped form Alaska Pacific Assurance Company and lived in Anchorage, Boise, and Snohomish. He began his final career with New York Life in 1983. His son Scott joined him in 1984 and his daughter Linda in 1987. He enjoyed helping his clients, many who became long time friends.
Les served on the Juneau School Board, was president of the Bartlett Memorial Hospital Board, was active with the State Chamber, and Rotary Club. He served on the Alaska Pipeline Education Committee where he travelled across the country promoting the Alaska Pipeline Construction Project.
He shared his great sense of humor throughout his life with his many friends in Alaska and Washington. If a suggestion was made to him and he responded, “That’s a good idea, I’ll think about it,” that was his polite way of saying thanks, but no thanks.
In 2003 Les retired and he and Betty moved to Tumwater, Wash. Les continued to be an an active member of his Homeowner’s Association. He enjoyed sports and was an avid Mariners, Seahawks, and Huskies fan. He enjoyed attending many Chehalis High School football and baseball games.
He was preceded in death by his parents Samuel and Mary Spickler, and his wife Betty, sons in laws Dennis Egan and Jim Vigesaa.
He is survived by his sister Arlyss Bell, daughter Linda Egan, his daughter Teri Vigessa, his son Scott (Sandy) Spickler, his daughter Coral Spickler, granddaughter’s Jill (Sandy) Egan-Vergano, Leslie (Tyler) Malstrom, grandsons Patrick (Kellie) Rhodes, Kyle (Stacee) Spickler, Kasen (Amanda) Spickler and ten great-grand children.
“He was a wonderful Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and husband to Betty. Most of all he was a terrific role model and we will miss him dearly,” the family wrote.
At his request, there will be no services. Friends are welcome to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Betty or a charity of their choice.
Les and his family lived next door to our family on Behrends Ave back in the 1960’s. I recall that Les was very kind and always a Gentleman.
Les was a gentleman first and foremost. He had a gracious style that left you knowing you were in good hands when he helped with financial planning.
Many folks did learn from Les and his infectious smile.
Juneau lost a leader and a community builder.
We were honored to work with him.
Patty and Jim Weber
Les was a nice man, quick with a smile and warm hello. He did a lot for Juneau.
I was blessed to have been one of his clients through the years. He was one of the classic, dignified, patriotic sort of men that would always provide warm inspiration. Our community of Juneau is diminished this loss, as is our nation by the loss of his kind. I pray to meet him again in resurrection so I may enjoy his fellowship once again…. in the name of Yeshuah… bin Yahweh… Amen.
I was blessed to have been one of his clients through the years. He was one of the classic, dignified, patriotic sort of men that would always provide warm inspiration. Our community of Juneau is diminished by this loss, as is our nation by the loss of his kind. I pray to meet him again in resurrection so I may enjoy his fellowship once again…. in the name of Yeshuah… bin Yahweh… Amen.
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