Leslie Conrad Akre

Leslie Conrad Akre whom most of you know as Les, was born on September 6, 1950, in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil to Leslie and Evangeline Vickery. While his father was working for Pan-Am airline. In his youth he moved with his family to the states, and they lived in Redwood City, California. Leslie Sr had his last name changed to Vickery when he was adopted. Les, in his early adult years changed his last name back to Akre.  He is survived by his two sisters Leanne and Sandy.

He served two years in the ARMY as a hot radar repair instructor in Huntsville, Alabama. He was honorably discharged. Les then attended the San Francisco Community College and completed his freshman year. He found his first love Betty and had 2 sons Brian and Brennan. He then found love with Elisabeth and had 5 sons and 1 daughter. Stephen, David, Joshua, Rachel, Daniel, and Nathan. During his working years he was blessed to work for Lawrence Livermore Labs and Lockee Martin where he most notably machined parts for the Hubble Telescope and the SR22 Blackbird. Later in life he found love with Carol who had 4 sons. He and Carol found their last home in Prosser, Washington. Carol passed away from aggressive cancer leaving Les without a companion. He then found his final love with Victoria who has 4 sons and 2 daughters whom he loved very much. He spent the rest of his life in Prosser with her. Les was not only a father to his own children, but to his many beloved stepchildren. Some would say he was like a second father to them.

Les was a brilliant violinist, and he spent many years honing his musical talents. One of my favorite songs he played was “The Orange Blossom Special.” He knew many genres and songs in his repertoire.  Not only did he love playing violin, but he also loved to make them. He had meticulous patience, skill and craftsmanship through which he made several violins and honed his talent in lutherie. Les also enjoyed shooting and collecting firearms. Throughout his patience and passion, he was able to become a proficient marksman. Les shared his enthusiasm of shooting with his children and imparted his knowledge of firearm safety and marksmanship.   He enjoyed re-loading his own ammunition as well.

Leslie had a special ability to cheer people up when they were down through his ability to listen to others’ problems and share advice learned through his own life. He was also able to lighten the mood and lift spirits through his talent for music. Another great gift that he possessed was the ability to engage in conversation on a broad range of topics. With a deep base of knowledge some would say he knew a little something about everything.

Another great love of Les's was doing Temple work, and he tried to attend the Temple at least once a week. He was privileged to volunteer not only in the Seattle Temple, but also the Columbia River Temple. His faith in our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ sustained him throughout his life. Especially later in his life during times of trials and tribulations, his great faith helped him overcome many obstacles and brought him peace in his life. He will be severely missed. May our good memories of Les bring us joy and the knowledge that he is in the presence of God the Father and Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ bring us all peace and comfort.

He is survived by his wife Victoria, children Stephen, Josh (Hayley), Rachel (Brian), all of Kooskia, ID; Daniel, Moscow, ID; Nathan, Olympia, WA. 12 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren. Sisters LeeAnn (Olaf), San Jose, CA; Sandy, Three Forks, MT.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Leslie and Evangeline, son David, wife Carol.

Viewing and Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to time of the service at 12:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835 Highland Dr. Prosser, WA. Burial will follow with Military Honors at the East Prosser Cemetery, Prosser, WA.   Those wishing to sign Leslie's online memorial book may do so at www.funeralhomesmith.com  Smith Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. 

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