Harold Leslie, 86

On April 23, 2010, Harold Leslie, 86, was released by his Lord and Savior from the bonds of this earth and allowed to go home. Harold passed away from complications of dementia at a care facility in Great Falls. Harold was born to Samuel and Mabel (Spear) Sauerbier on Oct. 21, 1923, in Kalispell. He was educated in the Flathead Valley. He was unable to attend high school because he was needed on the family farm. As a young man he served honorably in the Army during World War II. He was stationed in Europe, working on the railroad transporting troops. It was a time he did not talk about, but once in a while he would tell stories about being transported on the large troop ships over the ocean. On June 28, 1947, he married the love of his life, Florence Cordell, in Kalispell. Harold worked on the construction of Hungry Horse Dam, a job he was very proud of. He also worked for the city of Kalispell and Flathead County as a heavy equipment operator. Harold and Florence were the proud parents of daughters Judy and Jerry. The most important thing in Harold s life was his family. He and Florence moved to Great Falls three years ago to be near family. He was preceded in death by his parents and all of his brothers and sisters. Harold is survived by his wife, Florence; daughter, Judy Crump and Tom of Entiat, Wash.; grandson, Justin Crump and Kassia of Pateros, Wash.; daughter, Jerry Zahller and David of Great Falls; grandson, Jeff Zahller and Holly of Monroe, Wash.; great-granddaughter, Genevieve of Monroe; and grandson, Matt Zahller and Kimber of Boise, Idaho. Harold Leslie was a cowboy at heart. His favorite things as a child were riding his horse, hunting and fishing. He loved the Flathead Valley and his family with all of his heart. He loved to go camping and be in the woods. He instilled in his children a love of the outdoors, the smell of pine trees and the quietness of the forest. He loved dancing and singing country music, especially Johnny Cash. Harold Leslie would do anything for his wife and family, from trying to sew a Barbie doll outfit for a Girl Scout project, to gently holding the hands of his daughters between bunks in the camper when they were afraid of the dark. The love he and Florence shared was noted by many Flathead residents during the years they lived in Kalispell. They could frequently be seen walking on the west side, holding hands, or driving along with Florence sitting closely beside Harold. Cruelly, the disease he suffered from separated them the last few months of his life due to his care needs, but it never stopped the incredible love they shared. No greater compliment or testimony can be given to a person than to say that he lived honorably and always did the best he could for his family. The country song Daddy s Hands fitted him perfectly. Harold Leslie will be remembered by his family as a man of quiet courage, gentleness, loyalty and trust. The family believes he is now sitting on his horse, wearing his favorite black hat. He has ridden long and hard, the journey has been difficult, but now he sits quietly on the top of the hill, overlooking his beautiful valley again. All pain and loneliness are gone. He feels strong and good on this beautiful morning. Visitation for Harold will be from noon to 4 p.m. Friday, April 30, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home. Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, May 1, at Glacier Memorial Gardens with Pastor Todd Hart of Faith Alliance Church officiating. The family suggests memorials may be sent to Special Olympics Montana, P.O. Box 3507, Great Falls, MT 59403. May you rest in peace dear husband, father and grandfather. God richly blessed our lives with your presence and love. Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Harold s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Harold s tribute wall.