1949 ~ WALDBAUER ~ 2013

Leslie (Les) Laurence Waldbauer passed away unexpectedly at home doing what he loved on Sunday, June 2, 2013 leaving behind the legacy of ranching in the beautiful Cypress Hills. Les did not need, or even want, the best of everything, but was happy to make the best of everything. He was certainly not a simple man, but content to live a simple life. Family, the hills and his cows were the center of his everyday life and happiness. Les was a member of the Chinook Club which meant a great deal to him. He was the epitome of husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather. His smile, sincerity and friendship will certainly be missed by all that knew him including family, friends, and neighbors.
Les was born on February 18, 1949 in Medicine Hat, Alberta to Laurence and Joyce (Vivian), their first of four children. He grew up in the Graburn area of the Cypress hills. Even from a very young age, Les was eager to learn all that he could from his father, uncles and many of the established ranchers in the community. He always told many stories of these men who had played such an important role in his life. In turn, Les was able to pass his knowledge and love of the land on to his son and family.
After many long and adventurous trips across “The Bench”, he married Linnette Ulrich on November 7, 1969. They lived in many places over the years (Medicine Hat, Edmonton, Hilda) before returning to ranch with Linnette’s family in the Manyberries area. In 1983 the hills beckoned and they returned to the Graburn area to establish their own ranch, where the family currently resides.
Les was predeceased by his father-in-law, Albert Ulrich; brother-in-law, Lloyd Hamilton; and nephew, Jay Hamilton. He is survived by his loving wife, Linnette; son, Clint and his wife Leslie (Pierce) and their daughters Lexie and Raquel; daughter, Christy and her husband Curtis Anhorn and their daughter Kennedy; parents, Laurence and Vivian (Joyce) Waldbauer; sister, Alice Hamilton; brothers, Brian (Karen) and Gordon (Jan); mother-in-law, Irma Ulrich; brothers-in-law, Stan Ulrich (Shannon) and Dennis Ulrich (Kim); as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
Those wishing to pay respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, on Friday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at HILLCREST EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH, 3785 – 13 Avenue SE, on Saturday, June 8, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. David J. Carter officiating. The lunch will follow immediately in the Church Hall. Friends are welcome to join the family for the interment to follow at the Graburn Cemetery (junction of the Graburn Road and the 515).
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Les’s memory may be made to HALO, 12 – 49 Viscount Avenue SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5G4, or to the Community Response Team c/o Walsh and District Fire Department for a community defibrillator. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Les Waldbauer. Radio funeral announcement can be heard on Friday around 12:35 p.m. on 93.7 Praise FM. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599