(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Leslie “Les” Harrison of Kenosha went to be with the Lord peacefully in mid-afternoon on July 24th, 2021, surrounded by his loving family. Les was 88 years old. He was born on March 31, 1933, in Sunderland, England, the oldest son of Leslie and May Harrison (nee Pallas).
Les spent his childhood growing up during the war years of 1939-1945. Because he lived in the ship-building city of Sunderland, he was evacuated for three years and sent to live with a family he did not know in a safer part of the country. Once his evacuation ended and he returned home, within a short time his house was bombed. His father also died of injuries sustained at Dunkirk. His mother then decided to send her boys to a boarding school (Bisley), where Les and two of his brothers remained until graduating from what would be the equivalent of high school in the United States.
Upon leaving Bisley, Les was recruited as a cornet player for the British Army Band. However, after four months he was discharged for poor eyesight.
On a recommendation from his brother, Rolf, Les eventually tried out as a low bass for the BBC Choral Group. He was accepted and enjoyed several years singing under the direction of Sir Colin Davis. During this time, he had the opportunity to sing at such venues as Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral. He also was privileged to sing for Queen Elizabeth, the queen mother.
In 1972, Les came to the United States and married a Wisconsin girl he had met in London. They had three children, Anne Elizabeth, Mark Jerome, and Matthew David. They divorced in 1990.
On October 16th, 1993, Les married Annette Marie Wank (nee Voll) at Ridgewood Baptist Church in Brookfield WI, an organist he had hired. They shared more than 27 inseparable and wonderful years together.
Les loved being a musician – as a cornet player, a low base chorister, and church music director. He was a music purist, always striving for perfection in any musical endeavors he pursued. He was honored to be a member of The Master Singers of Milwaukee, and enjoyed being a part of The Grandsons of The Pioneers.
Les is survived by his wife Annette Harrison; five children: Anne (Scott) Eppler, Mark (Erin) Harrison, Matthew (Michelle) Harrison, Andrew Harrison of England, and Stephen Harrison of England; and by three stepchildren: Laura (John) Stumbo, Thomas (Elizabeth) Wank, and Timothy (Emily) Wank. Les is further survived by 22 grandchildren, 2 future great grandchildren, and a brother, Keith (Jeannette) Harrison of New Zealand. He is preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers – Ian Harrison and Rolf Harrison.
The family would like to extend an invitation for all to attend a memorial service honoring Les’ life. This will be held on August 7th, 2021, at CrossWay Community Church, 13905 75th Street, Bristol WI, where Les was a member. Visitation will begin at 3 P.M., with the service at 4 P.M. A dinner will follow at 5 P.M. A burial service for the family was held privately.
Casey Family Options Funerals and Cremations
Stephen P. Casey, Funeral Director
(262) 653-0667
www.CaseyFamilyOptions.com
Mon - Fri: 8AM - 4PM
(262) 653-0667
3016 75th Street, Kenosha, WI 53142
Chris and Linda Owens says:
Les and Annette have been our neighbors for 7 years and have been a wonderfully sweet couple. Seeing Les sitting on their patio and his wonderful smile would have made anyone’s day. Our little dog Coty loved him, actually them both.. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Annette and the entire family on the loss of Leslie. May the Peace of our Precious Lord surround them in this very difficult time.
Annette Harrison says:
Dear Chris and Linda … I found the note you left here today and just want you to know I did read it. Thank you, too, for your lovely card (received today also) and the kind words. I am incredibly sad and will never get over his loss. I will miss my wonderful husband for the rest of my life. Nothing will ever be the same again. He was the love of my life.
Dan Ball says:
I had lost touch with Les and Annette after my jewelry store closed and after I retired from the Master Singers. I had such a great time talking to Les about England and he was just the best friend I had at MSM. Great sense of humor, great voice and always the gentleman. Annette was always a delight in her enthusiasm for my jewelry store. As soon as I saw the photo of Les above, I knew that was one I took in August 2005 at a Master Singer picnic at Lee Henning’s house. I am honored that you used my photo. Always a delight, he will be sorely missed. He still brings a smile to me and the memories are strong.
Annette Harrison says:
Thank you, Dan, for these kind words. You also were a good friend to both Les and me. I am wearing a gold chain and diamond pendant you designed and have worn it since he went into the hospital, hoping to wear it until he came home again. But that was not to be and now I may wear it the rest of my life. Thanks so much for all your friendship and kindness over the years!