Leslie M. Stringfellow, 57

Leslie Martin Stringfellow, 57, passed away on Jan. 9, 2012, at his home in Turlock, Calif., after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born Feb. 14, 1954, in Whitefish. He was a 1972 graduate of Columbia Falls High School where he played first-chair trombone in the concert band and the Columbians. He attended the University of Idaho where he started as a trombone major and changed to vocal performance.

He was a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Minnesota/Wisconsin mission from 1974 to 1976. He transferred to Brigham Young University where he studied vocal performance and had leading roles in Pirates of Penzance, Rigoletto and La Boheme.

He moved to San Francisco in 1977 to pursue his dream of an opera career. He married Patty Johnson on Aug. 26, 1978, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. They lived in California for the past 33 years.

He was a well-known musician and sang for the first Church and second Church of Science in San Jose, two Christmas caroling groups, the Merry Old Christmas Carolers and Singing Toys. He sang as a soloist for the Santa Clara Chorale and for several Messiahs. He worked his music around his job working for United Parcel Service for almost 25 years as a package and feeder driver.

He is survived by his parents, Martin (Bud) and Arliss (Redinger) Stringfellow of Columbia Falls; his sister, Linda (Tim) Rosenlund, of Yacolt, Wash.; his brother, Larry (Rachel) Stringfellow; his wife, Patty, and children, David, Jamison (Carina) and Lindsey Stringfellow, all of Turlock; a daughter, Jessica (Michael) Robins, of Sheridan, Calif.; and two grandchildren, 21-month-old Maven and 4-month-old Gia, of Turlock.

Funeral services were held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center in Turlock on Jan. 21, where he attended church meetings. He was interred at Turlock Memorial Park.

Condolences may be sent to his family at 1702 Porter Way, Turlock, CA 95380.