Leslie “Les” E. Draper, age 90, of Wolf Point, MT passed away of natural causes Thursday, June 11, 2009 at Faith Home in Wolf Point.
Leslie E. Draper was born in Moroni, Utah on August 24, 1918 to Ellis A. and Reva Draper.
He moved to Wolf Point, Montana at the age of 16 and graduated from Wolf Point High School.
Les worked on the construction of the Fort Peck Dam for a period of time to get enough money saved to start farming and ranching in the Nickwall community.
On September 15, 1941 he married Irene S. Gagne, who preceded him in death in May of 2002. To this marriage three children were born.
Les was an excellent animal nutritionist and judge of livestock; he took great pride in the condition and confirmation of his livestock.
He thoroughly enjoyed going to horse races and trying to pick the winners. In later years when he was unable to attend the races he followed the sport on the TV.
Les and Irene farmed, ranched, and entertained family and friends in the Nickwall community until their retirement in 1982. Upon his retirement he took a keen interest in golfing which he enjoyed until his health failed.
He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Wolf Point Elks Lodge 1764.
In 1986 Les was diagnosed with prostate cancer which took its toll on his body for the remainder of his life.
On June 4th 2004 Les entered Faith Lutheran Home as a resident with a smile on his face and jokes on the tip of his tongue. He looked forward to the pinochle games with Lyle Andres. He would tell anyone who wanted to listen, “This is not where I want to be, but it is where I belong, and I will make the best of it. I am thankful for the care I get; they take pretty good care of me.”
Les is survived by Janet Bruskotter of Great Falls, MT, Robert (Marsha) Draper of Wolf Point MT and Mary (Ron) Pipal of Billings, MT and 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made to the Faith Lutheran Home, 1000 6th Ave N, Wolf Point, MT.
A Vigil Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Sunday, June 14, 2009 at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 15, 2009 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wolf Point with Father Steve Zabrocki as celebrant. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Wolf Point. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.stevensonandsons.com.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.