Leslie Kenneth Hydle (herein referred to as Les, Dad, Big Papa or simply "the man") was born in Los Angeles, California on April 6, 1951. He was one of 6 kids (R.T., Shirley, Craig, Suzanne and Lanette) born to Ralph and Nan Hydle. Growing up Les, always had a love of music. He played in bands as a teenager, and continued to communicate with friends who he used to play with. He always wanted to be a radio DJ, and never passed up an opportunity to have a conversation about music with anyone who would listen. He related to the world through music, everything was filtered through a familiar song and he played it continually. Les...
Leslie Kenneth Hydle (herein referred to as Les, Dad, Big Papa or simply "the man") was born in Los Angeles, California on April 6, 1951. He was one of 6 kids (R.T., Shirley, Craig, Suzanne and Lanette) born to Ralph and Nan Hydle.
Growing up Les, always had a love of music. He played in bands as a teenager, and continued to communicate with friends who he used to play with. He always wanted to be a radio DJ, and never passed up an opportunity to have a conversation about music with anyone who would listen. He related to the world through music, everything was filtered through a familiar song and he played it continually.
Les found a love of the Rocky Mountains at a young age and moved to Colorado. Here he was married to Susan for 34 years and discovered his passion for the mountains and of skiing. Not only did he teach all his kids how to ski, he volunteered for the National Sports Center for the Disabled for over 30 years. He used this program to inspire in young kids the excitement for skiing, so they could experience the same joy he had for the mountains.
His last love was a passion for riding his motorcycle. Les starting riding again about 30 years ago and used to take his kids for rides on the back of his bike. Although his grandkids were still too young, Big Papa would let them sit on his bike – one could see that rides were going to be in their future too.
Les's final day was Saturday, June 9th. It was a gorgeous, hot, blue bird Colorado day and he was out riding his brand new, to him, 2008 Yamaha Venture. He spent the morning introducing his youngest grandchild, Rylan, to his very first sit on a motorcycle. He was showing off the stereo system on the bike to his daughter and even joking how all the radio stations were programmed in Spanish, from the previous owner, and he just couldn't figure out how to reprogram them. After taking some pictures with Rylan and Keeghan, another grandson, he rode off to visit Greg and show him his (in the words of Greg) "Sexy" new bike.
He was so excited to be riding and spending some overdue time with his son. They had a wonderful visit listening to music, swapping stories, and catching up. Sadly after revving his engine one last time and saying goodbye to his son, he rode only 2 blocks from Greg's house before a car going the other direction made a left hand turn across his lane in front of him. Les did everything he could to slow down and avoid the collision, but it was not enough. He suffered a devastating, traumatic brain injury and while the surgeons tried to save his life, the damage was too pervasive and just too severe. His children followed his wishes and removed him from life support on Sunday, June 10th. He died peacefully at 10:00 pm, surrounded by his family and joined on the phone by his sisters and brother.
Les is survived by his children; Sheila, Jeremy, his wife Mary, Jessica, her husband Jimmy, and Greg. Grandchildren; Daniel, Keller, Keeghan and Rylan. His siblings; R.T., Shirley, Suzanne and Lanette. More friends than can be counted.
A Celebration of Les's life will be held on Friday, June 15th, 4pm, in the Pavilion of Reflection located on the grounds of Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, 7777 W. 29th Ave., Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make donations in the name of Les Hydle to one (or both!) of the following non-profit charities:
Abate of Colorado: www.abateofcolo.org
Randy Run Grant: This is a fund that supports fallen or injured bikers and their families. The organization also sponsors the "Look Twice and Save a Life" effort as well as many other motorcycle education and safety movements.
National Sports Center for the Disabled: www.nscd.org