June 17, 1940 - December 2, 2016

Writing her name brings such a wide array of emotions first and foremost a true sense of LOVE. Love, Joy, Happiness, Admiration, Pride, Optimism, Adoration, Comfort, Safety and Trust - all words that make you feel like you are wrapped up in a cozy blanket in front of a warm roaring fire. She did this to people. To everyone she met and to those who were lucky enough to be the recipients of her unexpected kindness. And certainly to those in need of a little boost and that hug at just the perfect moment. She did this to people. Her concerns were never for herself and always for those around her including her husband, four children, eleven grandchildren, and closest friends. And for her not-so-dear friends, neighbors, even the retail employee across the counter whom she had just met. There were donuts and orange juice for the plumber/electrician/gardener having a tough day or the deep concern for the homeless man who had given up hope for any sort of positive attention. And yet more was the sage advice for the young student wanting to illustrate children's books, her special smile for the waiter taking her order for Tomato Soup and enduring love and admiration for her adoring caregivers. The list goes on and on and on. Those who knew her were far richer for it. Leslie Ann Wickland was born on June 17th, 1940, the precocious only child of handsome Colonel Daniel Wickland and the beautiful Thais Schofield. These three made quite an unforgettable family. Les' memories of her early childhood, which she writes so eloquently about in her book "Life LinesThings I Want My Children To Know Before I Go" are entertaining and fun. Her father was the American stationed in Belgium after the war and her mother fit the part of the Colonel's wife perfectly. Leslie was 12 when they returned to Alexandria, Virginia where her father was stationed at the Pentagon. Three years later they moved to Santa Monica where Leslie attended high school graduating with very high marks and a deep love of art, literature and writing. Nicholas Frazee and Leslie Wickland. their happenstance meeting in college in 1958 would be life-changing for both. They were brought together by a bike's flat tire and a coincidental pick-up, both literally and figuratively, on a deserted Claremont, CA road. He the dashing football player for Claremont Men's College and she the shy journalism and art student at Scripps College. She later became Leslie Wickland Frazee on August 19, 1961. Their love was unsurpassed and beautiful.out of a storybook. Not too long ago someone asked about the depth of their love. How did they get there? How did they stay there? And the answer was simple. This is what we witnessed growing up and have continued to witness for the duration of their marriage: Love, Commitment, Trust, Respect, Laughter and Patience. Not in any particular order but intertwined. That's how they got there. That's how they stayed there. Fifty- five years full of everything life can throw at you.and then some. So much of it so amazingly good combined with the countless lessons learned by those lucky enough to witness their love. They have done it right, in sickness and in health.Her loves, again in no particular order except for the first. Nick/Dad/Papa. All Things Green, Driftwood, Old Trucks, Her Green Truck, Animals, and Stray Dogs (she had a true knack for finding these). Reading, Running Marathons, Writing and Writing more, and Kids (hers and everyone else's). Hana, Collecting, Sea Glass, Storms (preferably with Rain), Cozy Fires, Wish rocks, Birdhouses, Creating, Fleurs, Tuna Salad Sandwiches, giving back to The Armed Services YMCA, Seasons, Oceans, Lakes, Rivers, Bigfork, Montana and Golden West Lodge, Green Point. Scottie and Ordean, the Less Fortunate. Big Hugs, Succulents, Exclamation Points!!, Fireflies, Country Music, Gardening, Quiet Moments, Friends, and her exquisite handwriting. Yet another list that goes on and on. Her Alzheimer's diagnosis over 15 years ago did not stop her love and zest for life. It wasn't easy for anyone involved. It never is. But we have been able to find unexpected joy in the journey. Joy because this amazing woman who in the later stages with no memories of her own, was able to give us the beautiful gift of our memories of her. She gave so many things to so many people over the years. Not material things, but the things we all need to help us through the little realities of lifeher time and energy, humor and laughter, HUGE heart, compassion, empathy, sense of security, and unwavering and unconditional Love. Yes. Here we are at LOVE again. She was the best at making us all feel loved.what we all want when all is said and done.Leslie passed away on December 2, 2016, surrounded by her closest loves. Her memory, wisdom, amazing heart, and raw courage for this thing called life will be with us forever.A special excerpt from Leslie's beautiful book "Life LinesThings I Want My Kids to Know Before I Go":"There comes a time when, if we are smart, we willingly accept a reality in our lives: the reality of growing older. It's not a threatening truth unless we allow it to be.because it acknowledges where we have been, where we are going and all of the memories of a life well lived in between. Yes, as we grow older there are sorrows which accompany the joys, good times to remember and not so good. But being able to grow old with these memories is a giftand I cherish that gift. As we grow older, dotage, however maligned, broadens our horizons.and puts palms on Alau Island in my Hana, Hawaii. Good-bye to what I now consider my beach until we meet again."