Obituary of Leslie R. Edwards

Lake George: Leslie R. Edwards, 87, of Schuyler St., passed away peacefully, Sunday, December 29, 2019 at his home following a brief illness. Born July 18, 1932 in Gloversville, he was the son of the late Clayton and Elsie Edwards. Les was raised in Batchelorville, NY on the Sacandaga Resevoir. He was an only child who was adored by his parents. Les attended Hartwick College at the age of 17 where he met the love of his life Peg Wardner as her brother in laws were in his fraternity. They were truly a ‘match’ and lived an amazing life together. After getting married and graduating from Hartwick College Les soon applied and went into the Navy’s Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI. After his graduation they packed their car and 2 week old Sheryl and moved to Jacksonville Florida where he attended flight training. This was the beginning of their life adventures. Les became an antisubmarine helicopter pilot flying off aircraft carriers. They lived all over the country including Pensacola, Key West (Scott’s birthplace), Fort Worth Texas (Leigh’s birthplace), Monterey California, Virginia Beach, North Kingstown Rhode Island and Newport Rhode Island. Along the way he continued to love flying and became the executive officer of a helicopter squadron followed by becoming the commanding officer of a helicopter squadron. It was an illustrious career. He retired as a Navy Captain and with Peg decided to move back to her home town of Lake George and settle in the house she grew up in. This house and Lake George truly became their home in every way, the community was their community. They renovated the house and traveled the United States and the world. Les lived a full life filled with so many friends and people who loved and adored him. He is survived by his wife Margaret, children Sheryl Edwards of Dryden, NY, Scott Edwards and his wife Lisa of Orange, VT, and Leigh Furnkranz and her husband Dan of Moravia, NY; grandchildren Nick Edwards and his fiancé Anna Mueller of Boston, MA, and Brad Edwards and his wife Ashley and their children Charlotte and Mackenzie; as well as several nieces and nephews. Friends may call on Leslie’s family from 4 to 6 pm, Friday, January 3, 2020 at the Alexander Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg. A funeral service to celebrate his life will be conducted at 10 am, Saturday, at the Caldwell Presbyterian Church, 71 Montcalm St., Lake George. Interment with military honors will be in Evergreen Cemetery in the spring at a time to be announced. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Caldwell Presbyterian Church of Lake George, High Peaks Hospice, and Hudson Headwaters Health Network. Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences, and directions.