HAMPDEN – Leslie H. VanTasel, beloved husband of Betty L. VanTasel, went home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ Monday, May 29, 2006, in his home, after a long illness. He was surrounded by loving family and friends. He was born Nov. 17, 1935, in Houlton, the son of Carl O. and Helen A. VanTasel. Les was a graduate of Houlton High School, Class of 1955. He joined the U.S. Army and served his country from 1955-1958 in the Korean War. He drove motor coach for the B&A Railroad Highway Division for 25 years, during which time he and his wife moved from Houlton to Bangor, and finally settled in Hampden where they raised their family and where he was a member of the VFW. He then worked for Cyr Bus Lines in Old Town for 17 years, during which time he received an honorary membership to the University of Maine, M Club. In January 1999, he received a safety award for driving 3,000,000 accident-free miles. He was loved and respected by his family, his peers and by the thousands of passengers that he served. He loved his family and friends, his profession as a motor coach operator, and the country that he served. Less was predeceased by his parents, Carl and Helen; sister, Edwina V. Scott; and brother, Richard C. VanTasel. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Betty L. VanTasel; son, L. Todd and wife, Stephanie, of Carmel; son, Jason S. VanTasel; and daughter, Lisa B. VanTasel, both of Hampden; grandchildren, Joshua, Katie Joy, James, Benjamin and Samuel; devoted sister, Ruthann Grant of Houlton; brother, George W. VanTasel of Springfield, Mass.; longtime friend, Bill Dietz; and special pets, Simba and Trixie. Visiting hours will be held 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, at the Hampden-Gilpatrick Funeral Home, 45 Western Ave., Hampden. A celebration of Les’s life will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, June 1, at Abundant Life Church, 1404 Broadway, Bangor, with the Rev. Darren Farmer, pastor officiating. As a special honor to Les, a Cyr Bus motor coach will be taking Les and his family and special friends to Houlton immediately after the service, where a military graveside burial will be performed. Messages of condolence or memories may be shared through www.hampdengilpatrick.com
LESLIE H. VANTASEL
