Obituary of Leslie Bayliss

BAYLISS, Leslie (Les) 1932-2014 – with heavy hearts, we announce the sudden death of Leslie Bayliss at home on October 14th at the age of 81. He was predeceased by his parents Richard and Helen Bayliss, brothers: Lyle (Beth), Clarence and Larry, half-brothers: Murray, Lawrence (Millie), and Howard; half-sister Helen; and brothers-in-law Roy, Earnie, Orne Bayliss; Jacob, Joseph, Andy, and Peter Knelsen. Les will be lovingly remembered by his beloved wife, Maryanne of 54 years; his son, Jeffrey of Regina, and daughter Michelle (Dion) Pfeifer, Grandsons: Noah and Reid Pfeifer of Yorkton; brothers: Richard (Lenore), James (Glenda), David (Fran); sisters: Nellie Doerkson, Shirley (Marcus) Burtnick, Carrol (Larry) Raaen, and Judy Flack; Brother-in-law John (Barb) Knelsen; Sisters-in-law Karen, Helen, and Grace; many nieces, nephews and their families; along with numerous friends. Les was born Christmas Eve on his family farm close to Miami, Manitoba. He always said he was the best Christmas present his mom ever got. Les grew up on the family farm, attended Milton school, and at an early age, working alongside his father and older brother, he took a keen interest in farming and repairing. His first job was with the RM of Thompson, and working for local farmers in the area. He came out west in the mid 50’s and worked in the oilfields for several years. He worked at Shaw’s B/A Garage as a mechanic. On October 28th of 1960 he married Maryanne Knelsen. They made their home and put down roots in Pennant, SK. In the later 60’s he took his Journeyman’s in motor vehicle and heavy duty repair. Soon after, Les and Dale Farnsworth took over the John Deere dealership in Pennant for 3 years. In 1968 they were extremely happy when a son, Jeffrey, came into their lives. In 1970, he started work at Co-op Implements in Swift Current and worked there until he retired. In 1972 a daughter, Michelle, was added to complete their family. In 1984, Les bought his first quarter of land and fulfilled a dream of owning his own farm. In the following years he added more land which gave him many years of joy and satisfaction. He had an interested in community. In 1969 he began serving as a village councillor and in 1988, became Mayor of Pennant and was currently holding this position. Les became a grandpa in 2002 for the first time and again in 2004. These two boys brought a lot of joy and laughter into his life and they picked up all grandpas’ little tricks to make people laugh. He enjoyed watching them grow, visits to Yorkton and the lake, and watching their hockey games. Les loved to fish and golf. He curled for many years as his work schedule allowed, and in the later years he enjoyed watching sports on TV. The farm was his favourite place to be. He could keep himself busy all day starting his tractors and tinkering in the yard. We will miss his sense of humour, kind nature, ability to help us figure things out, and his always helping hands. Fond memories will be cherished by all his family and friends. The funeral will be held at the Pennant Community Hall, Pennant SK on Friday, October 17th at 2:00 pm. Donations in memory of Les can be made to the Pennant Community Hall, Box 57 , Pennant SK. S0N 1X0. For further information or to sign the family book of condolence, visit our website at www.parksidefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home.