Lester Ray Wood, 87

Lester Ray Wood passed away Jan. 15, 2024, at Mountain Valley of Cascadia in Kellogg, Idaho.

Les was born April 20, 1936, in Yellow Jacket, Colo., to Early and Dorothy Wood. The family moved to Kootenai, Idaho, in 1947 and lived there a year before moving to Hope, Idaho. Les attended Hope Elementary School and graduated from Sandpoint High School in 1955. Out of high school, he went to work at Safeway in Sandpoint for several years.

Les married Donna Young in 1972. Their daughter, Sandy, was born in 1973. Les later adopted Donna’s two daughters, Doris and Sherry. During their marriage, they resided in Laclede and Post Falls. After a divorce, Les returned to the Sandpoint area. He worked different jobs in the area including eleven years at Schweitzer before he retired. 

Les enjoyed his boat, water skiing and fishing. He never did catch a big Kamloop Trout but was proud of the 4-pound crappie he caught in Denton Slough. Les was very artistic and liked woodworking, in addition to model cars and electric trains.

Les was preceded in death by his parents and brother Robert.

He is survived by his daughters, Sandy (Robert) of Valrico, Fla., Doris of Rathdrum, Idaho, and Sherry of Texas, his sister, Roberta (Aaron) Davis of Sagle, Idaho, and Del Wood, Sandpoint, Idaho.

A special thanks to Milissa Jones who out of the goodness of her heart took on the role as a mentor/advocate for Les through his years at Hearthstone Village and Mountain Valley of Cascadia. She is appreciated. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.