Sam Eugene Lesher was born 14 April 1929 in Akron, Washington County, Colorado and died 18 Oct 2010 at home in Portland, Oregon. He was attended by his wife and children. In his own words, he had a really good run of 81 years.

Sam served his country in the U. S. Army. Afterward he joined the Foreign Service with postings in the Netherlands (where he met his wife), Cameroon, and Canada. Later he left the Foreign Service to join the Department of Housing and Urban Development where he served as a senior officer. He helped create thousands of homes for low income families. In retirement, he succeeded in real estate investment.

Mr Lesher is survived by his wife of 51 years, Helena “Lillian” Buisma; a son, Carl Lesher; a daughter Elisabeth Lesher Miles; a son-in-law, David Miles; granddaughters, Laura and Claire Miles and four siblings, including Valera Lea Holtorf of Akron.

He was a very special man and we shall miss him so much. At his request, no service was held.

Sam was buried in Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Multnomah County, Oregon.

Akron News-Reporter, November 17, 2010
Foreign Service Journal, February 2001, Vol 88, No 2, pp 80-81