Leslie MECHEM

MECHEM, GRIFFIN, STRUM

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 6/19/2014 at 20:50:55

January 12, 1937 --- May 25, 2014

Leslie Mechem of Berthoud, Colo., passed away May 25, 2014, in Mount Dora, Fla. He was vacationing with his wife at their daughter’s home when he became ill. After heart surgery and rehab treatment his heart gave out. Les was born January 12, 1937, in Clarion, Iowa. He grew up on the family farm and attended the Clarion public schools. He went on to attend Iowa State University with an emphasis in Agriculture/Farm courses. In 1959 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served until 1962. He met his wife, Connie, while he was stationed at Fort Carson in Colorado Springs, Colo. The couple married on January 1, 1964. At that time they moved back to Iowa and farmed the family farm until 1979. Leaving the farm the couple moved back to Colorado, settling in Berthoud. Les gained employment with the Regional Transportation District and retired from that company after 20 yrs. From there he worked part-time as a driver for the Mead Coop in Mead, Colo., for the next eight years.

Les was a member of Masonic Cyrene Lodge of Clarion, Iowa, for 49 years. He also was a member of the Berthoud United Methodist Church, 085 Mobile Squares and the American Lowline Association. His love for music was encouraged by his mother as she was a music teacher. His interest ranged from classical to country western. The couple learned to square dance early in their married life and attended many festivals, TV shows and conventions across several states. Les’ love for animals started at an early age. He was a 4-H and FFA member as well as being on a livestock judging team. When his children got interested in showing horses, he transported them to many shows in several states. After he retired he didn’t slow up as he became interested in a cattle breed that was new to the U.S., the American Lowline, from Australia. By breeding and raising these calves he again traveled to many places such as the Iowa State Fair, Des Moines, IA and the NILE show in Billings, Montana He also showed them for 14 consecutive years at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. He and Connie were able to travel to Australia & New Zealand to see the origin of the cattle. One of the highlights of the trip was attending the famous cattle show The Sydney Royal, Sydney, Aust. Les made many friends and sold his calves from coast to coast across the United States. He diligently passed his knowledge and love for cattle on to his granddaughter, Bailey.

He was able to check off another item on his ‘Bucket List’ by traveling to England. His heritage came from that country and he was thrilled to see where his grandmother and many cousins called home. After a busy day outside a person could always find him in his easy chair with a book in his hands. He loved to read action filled novels.

Les is survived by his wife Connie, daughter Deb (Virgil) of Mount Dora, Fla., son Brad (T.J.) of Torrington, Wyo., granddaughters, Taylor (Jeff), Bailey, Carly, Nicole, grandsons, Braden, Cody (Sara), Bo (Jaquel), five great grandchildren, sister Eleanor Griffin, Waxahachie, Texas, brother Frank (Mary) Mechem, Clarion, Iowa, sister-in-law Loydene (Mark) Strum, Littleton, Colo., and many nieces and nephews.

His memorial service will be held on June 10, 2014, at 10 a.m., at the Berthoud United Methodist Church, 9th and Lake, Berthoud, Colo.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Berthoud United Methodist Building Fund.