Leslie passed away peacefully with his 2 children by his side on May 7, 2020 in Victoria, BC. He was born on December 13, 1940 in Wadena, SK to Jack and Audrey Brice. Les is survived by his children Noelle (Chris) Fraser and Brent (Andrea) Brice and grandchildren Lauren and Jaime Fraser and Billy Brice and his sister Beverly (George) Carlson. He was predeceased by his brother George (Sue) Brice.
Whitey will be fondly remembered as a prolific local athlete excelling in baseball, curling, basketball and lacrosse all through school and as a young adult. Highlights included winning high school championships in curling and basketball with Vic High, winning the National Firefighters Curling Championship in 1973 and being inducted into the Victoria Sports Hall of Fame as a member of the Victoria Centennials baseball team that represented Canada at the 1970 World Championships and Pan-Am Games in Columbia.
He cofounded and was president of the Playland Curling Club in Victoria for many years. Les spent 32 years serving his community with the Oak Bay Fire Department retiring in 1997 as Assistant Chief. In retirement Les enjoyed golfing at Cordova Bay among other local courses, woodworking and watching sports from his beloved lazy boy recliner with a cold one in hand. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Oak Bay Firefighters Charitable Foundation. A special thank you to the staff at Mt. Tolmie Hospital for their wonderful care of Les during his final years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date once larger gatherings are feasible.
For those wishing to pay their respects now, condolences may be offered below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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John Martin
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Bob Fish Our condolences to Brent , Noelle and the entire Brice family ,remembering the Cristmas Eves
with the Brice family where sometimes Les would be working but always came around in his
Firefighting uniform to wish the kids and everyone a Mery Christmas .
Sorry for your loss
Bob and Cathy Fish
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Johanna & Jan Hubacek Our sincere condolences to the family, we send prayers and strength.
I once lived on Cornwall street, next to Mrs Audrey Brice, Mother of Leslie Brice she was a dear friend and was a great support to myself and children.
I remember Leslie Brice with fondness and how he was always so kind to his mother, she always looked forward to his visits which was often.
RIP Leslie Henry Brice.
Johanna,Jan and family (Former Johanna Brouwers)
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d Lynne Craig To the Brice family
I offer my condolences on your loss
My mother, Wilma, was Les’s mothers best
friend when we lived in Fairfield = I remember
the entire family well = Bev was a friend = I have
now returned from VCR to Victoria
Since Les golfed at Cordova Bay = I may have run
into him without knowing it = He would have been on
the course, my friends and I were often in the restaurant,
again I offer my sympathy
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Tom Moore I played with Les in 65 with Greaves Movers – we were lucky enough to win the championship that year’ Les was our leader on and off the field.I am sorry that |I only got to play for him the once. Probably the best coach I ever played for
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Jack Trueman My deepest sympathies to all the family. I have many found memories of Whitey from past curling adventures including our high school team and early days at the Victoria Curling Club. He was a true gentleman and will be missed by all.
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Bruce Walker My condolences to the Brice family. I had the pleasure of curling with and against Les many times. A great curler and sportsman. Always a pleasure to be around. I also liked watching ball games with him at Lambrick Park and debating the abilities, or lack there of, of the latest Blue Jay manager. (Les never thought they knew how to manage the pitching staff…needed more lefties.) A lot of laughs with a great guy. Will miss him.
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John McKeachie Les was simply one of the great guys! Great player and always with a smile…well there was some chirping! Fond memories at Royal Athletic Park with him, Art, Harv, all the Transport Workers/Farmer Construction teams aka green hats, and Greaves ak blue hats. Great trip to Cartagena. Years beyond curling with my sister. Here’s to seeing the many many friends when the situation allows. Meanwhile to his family you can be so proud of him. RIP Whitey! Meach
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Larry Powell R.I.P. Les, My memories of Les are a team player, advocate for the Firefighter’s, and a Kind caring and a very even tempered individual. My condolences to the family….(Nice to see the I.A.F.F. emblem)
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brian harvey so sorry to hear of les’s passing.we still value the great memories of the field and ice.
his name often comes up when talking ball and curling.and i guess the bar.
he will be missed by family and friends.
rip our friend
brian and joan
harvey
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Karen and Michael Gill & Family Les, will sadly be missed by all. We shared many wonderful memories, full of laughter. Our times together on Brousson Drive will never be forgotten. Our condolences to you all at this very sad time.
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John and Marilyn Bate Les was a first class gentleman, and always had a smile.
His participation and contribution to our sporting community was second to none.
We extend our Sincere Sympathy to all of his Family.
John and Marilyn Bate
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Gord Marshall I am saddened by the loss of Les. Les was a kind sole with a great sense of humour. I valued his leadership at the Oak Bay Fire Department and I will miss his infectious smile and friendship. My sincere condolences to all of Les’ family.
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Trish Noelle, Brent and families. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your Father. I have so many memories of “the good old days”. Us as kids on Brousson Pl” back at our house after long days at the ball park. I have so many great memories of you Dad that are treasured. Sending you all prayers, and love.
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Dave Saville Really sorry to hear about your Dad Brent. I always liked him a lot. From Friday night basketball to seeing him at our games at Torquay and LP. Even remember him sinking 10 free throws in a row in a coaches competition!
Thinking of you and your family.Dave
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Bob Mabee Les( Whitey) Brice was a great athlete and man. Very competitive yet always had a smile and a laugh. It was a privilege knowing Les mainly through baseball and only a few years ago seeing Les at Lambrick Pk watching games.
Les set the bar high not just for his sports but as a human being.
All the best for his family in your grief.
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Fred Haynes Condolences to the family on a great loss
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Gerry Lister I sit hear with a tear in my eye a pain my heart and a smile on my face recalling all the Fabulous times we had together! They don’t get any better than Les Brice, Left Hander and Whitey! My heartfelt sympathies go out to the Family! Gone is a Teammate, Mentor and most important, a Friend! You will never be forgotten by your Friends and Family! You’ll be missed, but always in our hearts! God Bless You! Huddy, Huddy Buddy!
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Leanne Chamberlain (Thame) So very sorry to hear of Les’ passing, and for your loss. It was so great to your Dad last summer at the ballpark! I have many great memories as kids, with our families together, and in later years, so many stories heard and shared over cold beers with our dads, talking about the good old days…rest in peace Les, and give Dad a hug from me.
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Jason Hodge I only got to meet Les once, but finally got to put a face to the wonderful stories going around the fire hall. My condolences go out to the Brice family. Sorry for your loss.
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Ian Mitchell Noelle, Brent, and the rest of the Brice and Fraser families. Thinking of you as you fondly remember the best memories and joyful times in the life of Les Brice. Love to you all, Ian, Kristin, and Samantha Mitchell.
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Anna Scolnick Thinking of the entire Brice family on this very sad occasion.
Anna Scolnick
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Geoff Pitre Our thoughts and prayers are for the Brice family. May you find peace… Geoff and Julie Pitre
RIP Les…my condolences to the family. I enjoyed many years of playing with and against Les. He was always a competitor but really just enjoyed the competition.