It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Leslie (Les) Lawrence Bruess after a short battle with cancer. His soul came to rest on August 14, 2023, at the Spokane Veteran's Hospital Hospice Unit.

Les was born on March 1, 1937, in Duluth, Minnesota, where he spent his childhood listening to the radio, exploring the wilderness of Minnesota, and collecting the memories that would guide him through his life. After graduation, Les spent a year in college and then opted to dedicate his life to the military. He entered Aviation Cadet Training in Harlingen, Texas, and became a navigator with the Air Force. While at Harlingen, he met his soulmate Mary Shimerka and soon made her his wife. They recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Les enjoyed a career with the Air Force serving 20 years, achieving the rank of Major with citations for the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 1 silver and 2 bronze oak leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 oak leaf cluster, among others.

During his career, Les and Mary created a family of four children and, in military fashion, moved them all over the United States, including Alaska, and even Japan.

During a remote tour in Thailand, Les met up with a special priest, Father Ray, who had started an orphanage. Les and Mary opened their hearts, adopting two sisters and offering them a life beyond what they had in Thailand.

After retiring from the military, Les returned to college and graduated from Eastern Washington University with honors. He then started several new careers and worked for another 30 years, including creating and building his own business with the help of his wife. Being one to never slow down, Les was always creating projects. He was proud of his gardens, home remodeling and in his later years, his craft work. He became a true artist working with wood, creating amazing pieces.

Les's greatest accomplishment though was his family. Les and Mary created a household filled with laughter, hard work, and independence. Together they instilled a great work ethic in each of their children and supported them throughout their lives. Les is survived by his true legacy, his family: loving wife of 65 years, Mary E. Bruess; daughter Anna Rae Goetz (Tracey), son Scott A. Bruess, daughter Ganya Moen (Todd), son Alan D. Bruess (Renee), daughter Varee McMinn (Steve); and his grandchildren, Dani, Amanda (Dallas), Tyler (Haley), Jeanna (Cody), Veronica (Matthew), Shane, Rayli, Taylor, Alaina (Tyler), and Brayden as well as 11 great grandchildren. Les is also survived by his brother Clint E. Bruess (Susan). Les was preceded in death by his parents, Ray W. Bruess and Gladys M. Bruess, and son Kenneth L. Bruess.

Les will truly be missed, but it is the love he created that lives on and breathes with each of us.

Les was a donor to many causes. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to St. Peter Catholic Church or Meals on Wheels.