1947
2017
Leslie Dale Slavens was born to Edward Dale and Viola Elaine (Selbe) Slavens on October 12, 1947 in Johnson Hospital in Cortez. Les is survived by his wife, Sandra A. Slavens of Cortez and daughter, Karla Robson of Dolores, her children, Joshua and Rachel, Crystal and Billy, and her eight grandchildren, of Cortez; and by his sister-in-law, Tammy "T" Helland of Huxley, Iowa. Les is also survived by his mother, Elaine Slavens; his brother, Gary and wife, Nova Slavens, their daughter Stacy and husband, Shawn and their children Kenyon, Dashall, Wesley and Zoe, all of Cortez; his aunt, Daisy Mae Black and her children, Debbie and Tony Hamilton and their children, Kylee and Kenin and families of Cortez and Dove Creek, Dennis and Joy Black and their children, Colby and Calan of Scottsdale, Ariz., Karen Pickarts and her daughter, Carmen Hallock and family of Colorado Springs; and by his aunts, Janet Black of Louisville, Colo., Lilian and Dave Cash and family of Greeley, Colo. Les was proceeded in death by his grandparents, Basil and Estie Slavens, and Homer and Jessie Selbe; his dad, Dale Slavens; his uncle, Lymon Black; and his son, Christopher Leslie Dale Slavens.
Dale and Elaine lived in a small house near Myler Corner and soon after Les' birth moved into town to their home on Beech Street where he resided until he graduated high School. Les enjoyed baseball, football, basketball, softball and skiing. There are home movies of him skiing as a toddler. Les had the heart of an adventurer and loved to experience life. Les spent free afternoons sweeping and doing odd jobs at the hardware store. Les graduated from Cortez High School in 1965. He went on to CU Boulder for a year before being drafted into the Army. On September 6, 1967 Les received an expert rating, the highest mark a soldier can achieve on his rifle qualification test. He spent one year in Vietnam. After the war he spent some time traveling with friends across Europe. Les returned to Durango and took classes at Fort Lewis and did ski instructing at Purgatory. Les then started working for his dad and granddad alongside his brother, Gary at the hardware store. Les and Gary purchased Slavens True Value Hardware from their folks in 1991, and continued to operate as partners all these years. Les loved working at the store and helping people.
Les met Sandy and they were married June 23, 1979 at Echo Basin in Mancos. They enjoyed boating, skiing, horseback riding and 4 wheel drive mountain roads in Les's 1977 Ford pickup. Les and Sandy resided on Henry Street in Cortez, where Karla spent her summers and where they welcomed their son Christopher in 1982. After 20 years in Cortez, they purchased property on CR P and built a home. They had enough land to have their horses, some hay and pasture. This always kept them busy. Les has always been involved in community events, donating generously to most anyone in need. Les had a wonderful, caring heart of gold and seldom did he turn anyone away empty handed. Les coached soccer and baseball during Christopher's youth. Les was on the board of directors for First National Bank Cortez, and was the Chair for the Ute Mountain Gaming Commission for many years. Les lost his 10 year battle with cancer on March 14, 2017. There will be a celebration gathering at the Farm Bistro on Saturday, April 1, 2017 from 1:00-3:00. All will be encouraged to bring a written story for the family, and/or share a story while having light snacks. A celebration of life for Les will be held at Ryman Creek, in warmer, dryer weather, possibly early June. Please continue to check Ertel's website for a date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Four Corners Child Advocacy Center, 140 N Linden, Cortez, Colo., 81321
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Ertel Funeral Home.
Les was a army buddy and friend for life. We traveled together hitching around Europe for 3 months after fort Carson. He was, is, and always will be in my heart and soul. Never lost contact for 47 years and in a way I'm still in touch today.
Conrad Exner
Friend
July 25, 2017
Les is my eldest cousin on both sides of the family. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to spend time with him a couple of years ago in the hospital when he was undergoing stem cell replacement therapy. I will forever miss my oldest cousin. Rest in peace less. Love your cousin, Michael Johnson
Michael Johnson
Family
July 6, 2017
Les was such a great guy! We are saddened to hear of his passing. My high school memories with Les were so much fun in our French class. He touched so many lives and our memories will keep him in our hearts forever. God bless him and his beautiful family. With love, Janet & Jeff
Janet Jones (Bertwell) & Jeff
April 21, 2017
We had great times with Les and Gary and the Slavens family at Lake Powell and skiing with them at Stoner. My prayers are with you all.
Norman Johnson
April 10, 2017
So sorry to hear of Les's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Les was a great man.
Kit Schmidt
April 9, 2017
Really sorry to hear about Les. Was a good man. Remember him well from the old Stoner days when my mother cooked there. He was a good man will be missed by all.
Fred Phelps
March 30, 2017
I have many fond childhood memories of fun times with Les. We are very sad to hear of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with Sandy, Elaine, Gary, and family during this difficult time.
Rusty and Barbara Clickner
March 27, 2017
Good friend and neighbor Always had a good word. And was a great help with job questions
LaVeryle & Betty Apple
March 27, 2017
So sorry to hear of your loss. I remember working with Leslie years ago. He was a great guy. May God be with you all. Bob Bangs
Bob & Donna Bangs
March 24, 2017
I'm very sorry to hear about Les's death. We were classmates at Fort Lewis and were on a study abroad program in Ecuador together. I looked him up once when I was in Cortez and he was as friendly as ever. I hope the support of his friends will be a comfort to the family.
Mark Plants
March 23, 2017
My Thoughts are With You
Will Esselaar
March 21, 2017
Many good memories with Les.... his character holds a strong influence in many lives .
Rest in peace my friend.
Condolences to Sandy and the Slavens Family.
Ted Hutchinson
March 21, 2017
I cannot express how my heart hurts for you, but Les gave all he had. He is with the Lord and Chris now, where he wanted to be. He will be greatly missed. My love and prayers go out to you, Sandy my friend and your family. Keep your eyes on the Horizon where cometh the Lord.
KAREN DELAY
March 21, 2017
Slavens Family,
So sorry to hear about Les. He was my neighbor in Cortez as I was growing up.Thinking of you.
Jane Duncan
Jane E Duncan
March 21, 2017
My sincere condolences to your family and loved ones. My prayers are sent to you for comfort of your mind and heart. I am deeply sorry for the loss of a wonderful individual.
Alvora Ketchum
March 21, 2017
We are so sorrowed by your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
Neil and Terri Jones
March 20, 2017
Les made it possible for me to create the mural on the exterior wall of his store. He was a true patron of the arts - he loved that the piece stirred up the boulevard! He was always so kind and encouraging, straightforward, and generous to a fault. Les saw the big picture and lead by example. I will never forget his character or contributions to the Four Corners. My deepest condolences to his family and the community of Cortez.
kathleen king
March 20, 2017
les was a good friend, and taught me a lot at the store. we will miss him he was one of a kind......prayers to the family---------
arie waterman
March 20, 2017
I grew up with Les and Gary, went to church with all the Slavens family. And, Sandy, working with you at SWMH was a great experience.
I'm so sorry to hear of Les' passing and send you and your family my love and prayers! Praying for God to wrap you in His arms with His love, comfort, and strength
Joyce Armstrong
March 19, 2017
Our prayers and sympathy are with the family. Les was a fine person.
Pat Curtis Sand
March 19, 2017
Always a ray of sunshine whenever I saw Les, usually in the store. Have many great memories of time spent with him, he is at peace now.
Frank McNeill
March 19, 2017
Dearest Sandy and Karla and Gary and family, It was time. Sad for those he loved.....he will be so missed by so many. But he is now celebrating in heaven with no body to wear him down ....as he watches over you all in spirit. I so appreciated all his giving to those in need at the Good Samaritan Center and for aiding the Center with building problems over the 25 years we were there. May the Lord comfort and console you...somehow.... Love and prayer, In Jesus,
Cindy Irvin+
March 19, 2017
Sorry for your loss. Les was a good man. Thoughts and prayers for the family.
Paul & Elida Leslie
March 19, 2017
So sorry for your loss. Les was a very nice and gentle soul! Y'all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Valentina Lopez
March 19, 2017
Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Slavens family. He was a very kind, generous and friendly man who appreciated every customer. He fought a very courageous battle-may he rest in peace.
Leo and Janet Dennison
March 19, 2017
Sandy and Karla,Gary and Nova, So sorry for your loss. Les was a longtime friend, always helpful whether I needed ski equipment, hardware, advise or a few moments of time. Our condolences, Bruce and Donna Dyer
Bruce Dyer
March 19, 2017
Sandy, Karla, Aunt Elaine, Gary and Nova. We offer our sincere sympathy for the loss of Les. May God grant all of you mercy and strength.
Dennis and Joy Blac
March 18, 2017
Elaine and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Les's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Herma
Herma Watson
March 18, 2017
I worked at Slavens True Value for many years. It was an honor to know Les. He was always fair with his employees and truly enjoyed working with his customers; some which became his lifelong friends. Condolences and blessings to the Slavens family.
caroline utley
March 18, 2017
I met Les over 20 years ago upon moving to this area. I will forever be thankful for his genuine smile, kindness and handshakes. My sincerest condolences to the Slavens family upon your loss. God Bless.
Bob Wilson
March 18, 2017
Hi Karla, So sad to hear about your Dad's passing. You and your family will be in my prayers. Nancy Mantell Centurion Inc.
Nancy Mantell
March 18, 2017
Prayers go out to everyone in the family. Good Friend And classmate.
Jim Lynch
March 18, 2017
I knew Les for a long time, but not well. I first met him at a work day at the Stoner Ski area and later of course at the hardware store. He always had a kind word and a friendly handshake. I am sorry for his passing, but glad I knew him. He is missed.
David Sanford
March 18, 2017
Rest in peace old friend.
Vergil Gray
March 18, 2017
My prayers go out to the entire Slavens family. I remember going into Slavens with my father Tex Ward. Everyone was so friendly and nice. May god be with you all during these tough times.
Brian Ward
March 18, 2017
So sorry to hear of Leslie's passing. He will be remembered and missed by many. He was a great guy, very friend and always am to please at Slavens Hardware. Love and Condolences to the whole family.
Rosemary Donahoo
March 18, 2017
So sorry for your loss. Jess Dufur
Jess Dufur
March 18, 2017
sorry for your loss the slavens family. sending my prayers to all the family
mickie
March 18, 2017
Worked at Slavens all through high school. Prayers for you all
Eddie Tyler
March 18, 2017
Sandy, so sorry to hear this. You have been such a good influence on so many of us. My deepest condolences!!!
June Grove
March 18, 2017
Les was a great friend, boss and father-in-law. I will miss him.
Dennis Robson
March 18, 2017
Our love, thoughts, and prayers. Rodney and Joyce Tanner
Rodney & Joyce Tanner
March 18, 2017
Sorry to read about the death of les.
Robert Lyle Fredrick
March 18, 2017
So sorry to hear about Les's passing. He was a fighter! Last time I saw him was at Body By Design. ..working out in 2015. What a trooper! Prayers to you Gary & Nova and family! God Bless you!
Teresa Bishop
March 18, 2017
One of the sweetest men I have ever known. You fought the fight with dignity and strength my friend. R.I.P. now and we will look after your sweet Sandra. Love you always.
Melissa Soden
March 17, 2017
Les was a great man and wonderful boss. I was very blessedâ to get to work for him for many years. Karla and Sandy you are in my prayers. Les will be greatly missed.
Kendra Barker
March 17, 2017
Elaine and family of Les: Sorry for your loss. Les will be missed by the many friends the Slavens family have made throughout the years. Elaine, we share fond memories of skiing, the kids growing up together and our years together in high school. Please call me if I can help you.
June Head
March 17, 2017
LIving in Durango it was fun to go skiing at Stoner Ski Area in the late 50's & early 60's. I met Leslie there & have fond memories of trying to keep up with him. I tried to copy his technique & became a better skier & racer because of him.
Mary Jane Matis Aaby
March 17, 2017
Showing 1 - 48 of 48 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more