Les Winn

Leslie Orson Winn, 72, of Idaho Falls, passed away August 11, 2016, at Huntsman Cancer Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah. Les was born August 28, 1943, in Sacramento, California, to Orson John Winn and Winona Alberta Johnson Winn. He grew up and attended schools in Sacramento and graduated from Sacramento High School in 1962. On March 7, 1964, he married his high school sweetheart, Priscilla Elaine Poindexter in Sacramento, California. As Les grew in faith with the Lord his desire for an eternal family increased. He solemnized his marriage and was sealed to his children in the Oakland LDS Temple August 7, 1971. Les was very passionate with any endeavor he pursued. Early in life he knew he wanted to be a firefighter. In 1967 he served his community with the Pleasanton City Fire Department for a year and a half and was promoted to Lieutenant. From 1967-1978 he served as Captain in the Sacramento County Fire Department in Florin, California. During those years he attended both Chabot College and American River College in California and received an associate degree in Fire Science. He shared stories throughout his life of experiences during these years. He risked his life many times to save others and these experiences defined who he was as a person. He was proud and honored to serve. In November, 1978, they moved to Idaho Falls and purchased a home in the country. He taught his four sons good work ethics while owning land with horses, sheep, goats, and cows. He loved living in Idaho. He loved hunting, fishing and exploring the outdoors with his family. In 1980 he gained an Associate of Applied Science in Radiation at Eastern Idaho Technical College. From 1980-1984 he worked as a Health Physicist for EG&G and RAD Services. He then changed careers and worked as a Security Police Officer for the INL and retired in 2012. There were three greatest loves of his life: he loved the Lord, he loved the Gospel, and he loved his family (especially his grandchildren). An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Les served in various capacities over the years, including Bishop’s counselor and High Priest. He served a Stake Mission in 1973, then an 18-month mission with Elaine in the Washington, Spokane Mission in 2012. At the time of his passing Les and Elaine were serving as church service coordinators for Teton Acute Care & Rehab Center in Idaho Falls. Les was passionate about family history and spent countless hours researching genealogy with Elaine. They submitted thousands of names to the temple, where he also served year after year with great conviction and faithfulness. Les studied the scriptures continuously. He possessed great desire to be a missionary with everyone he met and was fearless in his many efforts to do so all through his life. Les loved his wife and children. He spent most of his life working hard, long hours providing for his family. He was generous and giving to people in need. He was always willing to help when the situation called for it. He was dependable, honest, and a man of high morals and integrity. He loved good food and family dinners. He enjoyed spending time playing and teasing his grandchildren. The grandchildren often called him "Jelly Belly" because he always had jelly beans to share with them. Those who knew Les also knew his witty sense of humor that could make people laugh to tears. Les will be dearly missed and we await seeing him again with an eternal joyous reunion. Les is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Elaine Winn of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Steve (Paula) Winn of Idaho Falls, ID, son, Greg (Kristi) Winn of St. George, UT, son, Richard (Jill) Winn of St. George, UT, son, David Winn of Idaho Falls, ID, sister, Joanne (Art) Upton of Shingle Springs, CA, brother, Ken Winn of Idaho Falls, ID, brother, Richard (Paula) Winn of Idaho Falls, ID; and 19 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Orson and Winona Winn; brother, Melvin Winn; sister, Jean Winn; grandson, Trevor Winn; and granddaughter, Jamie Winn. Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 20, 2016, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 South Ammon Road, with Bishop Erik Larson of the Idaho Falls LDS Woodruff 3rd Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., both at Wood East Side Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery.

Funeral Services will be held