NIEMIEC, LESLIE PAUL September 12, 1957 July 1, 2009. Mr. Leslie "Les" Paul Niemiec died suddenly on July 1, 2009 in Littleton, CO. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend, but above all a unique person whose life brought joy and pride to his family and light upon this world. His death is an immeasurable loss to his family, who cherished him for the beautiful love he had for us. Les left us much too soon; words alone cannot convey the devastation we feel. Our memory of him, his free spirit, and our faith gives us strength. Born in Vicenza, Italy, to Francis E. and Karin Niemiec (nee Bruhmann), he was the son of a career Army soldier and lived in many places in the United States and Europe. He graduated from Waynesville High School, MO in 1975 and the University of Missouri, Kansas City in 1979. He began his 30-year career with the Department of Veterans Affairs in Kansas City, MO. He also worked in Columbia, MO, and Lakewood, WA, before moving to Colorado in 2003 to work at the national level. Les was loyal to the needs of America's veterans and widely respected and recognized for his knowledge and dedication. For his VA colleagues his loss leaves a void, both personally and professionally. Mr. Niemiec is survived by his mother Karin of Olympia, WA; sisters Tracy A. Niemiec of Olympia, WA and Valerie K. Niemiec of Seattle, WA.; brothers Colin J. Niemiec of Herndon, VA and Bryan F. Niemiec of Olympia, WA; nieces Chelsea G. Niemiec of Olympia, WA, Tara & Leah Ruby of Port Townsend, WA, and Rachel P. Niemiec of Herndon, VA; nephew Nathan J. Niemiec of Herndon, VA, and many relatives in the United States and Germany. He was predeceased by his father, Francis E. Niemiec. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 11 at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary & Cemetery, 6601 S. Colorado Blvd., Littleton, CO. Internment will be in Washington State. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to veterans' organizations.


Published in Denver Post on 7/9/2009