We Remember
LUNDSTROM, John Arthur Lester “Les”
August 26, 1920 — May 30, 2021
“Les” John Arthur Lester Lundstrom passed away May 30, 2021, at Kelowna General Hospital with family at his side. Thank you to the staff from Emergency and 4 East for his care; special thanks to the hardworking staff at Sandalwood Retirement Resort for their care and compassion during this unprecedented time.
Les was born in Czar, AB, on August 26, 1920, to immigrant parents from Sweden. Along with four sisters, he was raised on a farm in Hughenden, AB. At age 15, he left home to work for the highway department, followed by work on a larger farm and on threshing crews. His next job was with the Alberta Dairy Pool in Sedgewick, AB, where he had a cream route. It was there that he met his bride, Irma. They married in Camrose, AB and soon after took a train to visit friends in Kimberley, BC. They liked it there and Les got a job with Cominco, and that became their home for the next 30 years. In 1976, they were lured to Kelowna, BC to be near family and grandchildren. In 2014, Les and Irma moved into Sandalwood Retirement Resort where they enjoyed meeting many new friends. There, he was nicknamed “the dancer”. After 74 years of marriage, Irma passed away in 2019 and his Sandalwood family were very supportive and kind.
Les always loved to garden and took pride in his yard. More than once he was presented with the “Green Thumb” Community Improvement Award.
Music and dancing were an important part of his life. From a young age he played the fiddle, guitar, harmonica, sang and yodelled. He played at dances, on the radio, at the senior’s home, and also at the Calgary Stampede, and even at the Grande Ole Opry, a highlight while on a trip.
He saw so many changes in his life, and we enjoyed hearing about the “good old days” on the prairies and how mining was done in Kimberley. He maintained an interest in local and world affairs right to the end. He was the ‘go to guy’ if you forgot specifics about an event.
Les always wanted to reach 100 (you did it Dad!). He was a cup half full kind of guy who always chose to look on the bright side and live one day at a time.
Dad, Gramps, Poppa will be missed by daughter Brenda (Rick) Langhorn; grandsons Darin Langhorn and Darcy (Amanda) Langhorn; and great-grandchildren Cory, Claire and Eric Langhorn (aka ‘the little squirts’). We were fortunate to have him with us for so long.
In accordance with Dad’s wishes and Covid 19 restrictions, a private family graveside will take place on June 11, 2021.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Hi Brenda, Rick and Family So sorry so read about your Dad. He sounds like he was a fun loving guy. It is tough losing a parent at any age but my goodness it appears he had a great life, for that we should be grateful. Take care of each other. Hugs to you. Syd Caig PS I still reflect back on the BHE days, “Freddie the Frog” and the fun times 🙂
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
Hi Brenda, Rick and family. I am sorry to hear of your loss.. I was always amazed with how well he kept those old vehicles he had in Kimberly. I remember walking down the street from my grandparents place on Fortier Street to visit with Irma and Lester . Thank you for the memories and my thoughts are with you and your family..
Brenda Ric and family, sorry to hear of your dads passing. He made it to 100 what a goal, way to go Les. Hugs to you all and what great memories you will all have to remember…I will remember a few good ones as well. Love to you all
Brenda, Rick and family. I’am so sad about the of your Dad, And Grandfather. In my time at Sandalwood he had become an adopted Dad of sorts to me. First time I met on my first day he gave me a hug and told me I was fit in just fine. And I did. I will miss chatting with him while I cleaned his room but most I will miss his vibrant smile. He was amazing. Stay strong Langhorne family and I’am so sorry for your loss. RIP Les
I work at Sandalwood cleaning Les and Irma’s home. Les was a breath of fresh air! Always laughing or walking around. I will miss him very much but now he is dancing up in heaven with Irma!!