Farewell Les!

Long-time Railway Museum volunteer Les Handley (centre)) was surrounded by his daughters and son Dean and many friends and admirers during a special farewell luncheon at the museum held to honour his many contributions to the institution. Dean, who is the Revelstoke  Railway Heritage Society President, recalled his dad's dedication as a railroader and Executive Director Jennifer Dunkerson thanked him for his willing efforts at the museum since he retired. As for Les himself, he shrugged, smiled gently and put it this way: "I retired in 1985 and have been here ever since telling lies to tourists." Lies? Naw, I don't think so but  Interesting tales for sure. Les will be moving to Mission to live with one of his daughters. He will be missed. George Hopkins photo
Long-time Railway Museum volunteer Les Handley (centre)) was surrounded by his daughters and son Dean and many friends and admirers during a special farewell luncheon at the museum held to honour his many contributions to the institution. Dean, who is the Revelstoke Railway Heritage Society President, recalled his dad’s dedication as a railroader and Executive Director Jennifer Dunkerson thanked him for his willing efforts at the museum since he retired. As for Les himself, he shrugged, smiled gently and put it this way: “I retired in 1985 and have been here ever since telling lies to tourists.” Lies? Naw, I don’t think so but Interesting tales for sure. Les will be moving to Mission to live with one of his daughters. He will be missed. George Hopkins photo

The Revelstoke Railway Museum held a farewell Appreciation Luncheon on Friday, July 24, for long-time volunteer Les Handley who is moving permanently from Revelstoke.
“Les will moving to Mission, BC, before the end of July to live with his daughter,” Jennifer Dunkerson, the museum’s executive director, told The Current on Tuesday.
“We wanted to take this opportunity to thank him for all he has done for the museum as one of our key volunteers,” Jennifer Dunkerson, the museum’s executive director said. “Les has dedicated countless hours to being in the cab of the 5468, talking to visitors from all over the world. He has been the subject of many rave reviews for our museum and his amiable way of sharing his knowledge and experience, on a regular basis, will be greatly missed.”
Les poses with the many friends and family members who attended his farewell luncheon. Jennifer Dunkerson photo
Les poses with the many friends and family members who attended his farewell luncheon. Jennifer Dunkerson photo