Leslie Anson

Leslie James Anson was born Oct 28, 1944 in Mountain View, Wyoming. He was the youngest of six children born to John Arthur Anson II and Blanch Durrant. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was ordained to the office of High Priest, but his favorite calling was that of a Primary teacher. He loved being with the children.
Les served in the United States Army from 1964-1966. While he never spoke much about this time in his life, he was proud to have served his country. Shortly after his discharge he met the love of his life. They dated for 14 months and on Aug 9th, 1968 he and Janeen were married by Judge Walker, father of the bride. This marriage was solemnized exactly 35 years later in the Logan Utah Temple. To this union was born Thomas Arthur Anson, Michael Richard Anson, and Brian Dean Anson.
Les and Janeen always wanted more children but it wasn't to be. Les especially wanted a daughter but as that didn't happen, he found a special place in his heart for each of his and Janeen's 24 nieces.

When the boys started bringing friends home he added a rec room to his home and it was frequently filled with the lively music and chatter of kids. A few of them stuck around for a short time, others like Stephanie and Jason were "adopted" into the family. Melanie married into the family, and to the joy of us all is still with Brian. Les loved her as his own and their relationship was forever sealed when she gave birth to not one, but two beautiful granddaughters.
Les' family always came first. He loved to hunt, fish, camp, and ride his 4-wheeler but he was never happier than when he was doing those things with family. He loved having the grandkids around him and frequently took them to the cafe, played on the floor, read books, and watched Winnie the Pooh. Les considered it a privilege as well as a great responsibility to raise Spenser but it also brought a huge amount of joy. As his health deteriorated he often expressed his appreciation to Spenser for being there to help Grandma.
Les' early life was difficult for him. His Dad died when he was 9 years old. His home burned shortly afterwards. He and his mother moved several times and eventually were in Lyman where he completed his junior and senior years of high school graduating in 1963. During that time his mother married Jack Hamblin. Les soon learned to love and appreciate Jack and worked with him spraying trees and working cows.
Because of the fire that destroyed not just one, but two of his homes as a child, he had a great appreciation for the Fire Departments in Bridger Valley. He joined as a volunteer rookie and retired 35 years later as the chief. He was instrumental in laying the ground work for the consolidated departments we have today.
Les worked at General Chemical for 8 years. He then went to work for the Town of Lyman maintenance department. He retired after 18 years. He was named Citizen of the Year in 1994 for his service to the community both as Director of Public Works, and as Chief of the Lyman Fire Department. His service didn't end there. As owner of the Valley West Motel he was forever giving aid and assistance to all who came looking for help. He gave many, many hours to family, church, community, and even strangers.
Les was preceded in death by his parents, sister Elaine Youngberg, and brother John Anson. He is survived by his wife Janeen Walker Anson, 3 sons Thomas, Michael, and Brian (Melanie), sisters Pat (Bob) Sims, Kaye Behunin and brother Richard Anson, 9 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews and one very special brother-in-law who was the other half of the Righteous Brothers duo, Larry Youngberg.


Funeral Services will be held July 10th at 2 pm at the Lyman LDS church.  A view will be held at the church on Wednesday evening from 6-8 pm as well as one hour prior to the service on Thursday. Internment will follow at the Lyman Cemetery.