Send Flowers

Life story

" Lester “Les” Brayshaw was born to James and Carol in California on November 2, 1958. During his youth he was an avid baseball player, record setting pole vaulter, runner, surfer, Civil Air Patrol member and extremely talented saxophone player. He received several awards and scholarships for his incredible saxophone skills which he was always too humble to admit. It is even rumored that the man played with the likes of Van Halen at a ‘battle of the bands’ event.

After graduating from high school, Les attended college and ran his own house restoring company while waiting on a placement with the U.S. Air Force or what he called his “free ticket to see the world.” Les obtained his bachelor’s degree with the U.S. Air Force while successfully completing several tours of duty to include Korea, Japan, Oklahoma City and Operation Desert Storm.

Dressed in brown flared out slacks, suspenders, cowboy boots, a 70’s collared shirt and a belt buckle that would make your eyes water, he walked into one of of Japan’s many local noodle shops and met Wilma who unknowingly would become his wife of 36 years. Their first date was at a McDonalds where he forgot his wallet and Wilma had to pay the bill. It should of course be noted that he would later make up for this by gifting her with a large watermelon and a perfume bottle called ‘Babe’. Together they had four children- Lyra, Kristian, Shayne, and Jonathan.

After 10 years of serving the U.S. Air Force his dream to see the world did not end as he accepted a position with the U.S. Department of State as a Senior Foreign Service Officer. Upon his retirement he was presented with the Secretary of State’s award “in recognition of 36 years of distinguished service to the United States from 1983-2019 and with appreciation for extraordinary achievements in Milan, Mexico City, Bangkok, Minsk, Quito, Jeddah, Tbilisi and Washington D.C.”

Throughout his life he was a member of the U.S. Civil Air Patrol, American Radio Relay League, Veterans of Foreign War, The American Legion, Boy Scouts of America and participated in several jazz bands around the world. He was a volunteer baseball umpire and coach as well as saxophone teacher.

Of all the achievements and awards he received throughout his life, Les believed his greatest were his four children, grandchildren and riding his Harley Davidson through the deserts of Saudi Arabia, the mountains of the Republic of Georgia and the entire length of the U.S.

Les believed in family, serving one’s country, music, volunteering, traveling to experience culture, the 4th of July, a good movie, cold beer, history in general, Star Wars, Starship Troopers, Star Trek, the Beatles, and teaching unsuspected guests how to properly eat a pumpkin pie at his Thanksgiving dinners.

Les left this world surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest. It Is without a doubt that he will be missed by many.

“Trust but verify” and “be open-minded” were quotes he used often.

He leaves behind his wife of 36 years, his four children, his 5 grandchildren and his 4 siblings.

A cremation will take place on May 11, 2021 however, due to the restrictions of Covid-19 the service will be private.

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